The worship of our church includes classical, contemporary (including many of the newest worship choruses) and influences such as Celtic, African, Caribbean, South American, etc. And even a little country and Southern Gospel sprinkled in at times. Yes, we do it all. But we also continue to worship with hymns. Sometimes we sing them very traditionally and sometimes we use other stylings. But we continue to sing hymns... not because they are old, but because they are great.
Hymns are a rich treasury of Christian worship - a heritage that should be embraced and built upon by us today. Hymns are not a "style" of worship; they are a spiritual and physical element of worship given to us in scripture. They encompass the corporate voice of God's people over the span of many generations, responding to His Word, creation, teaching and truths. Quality Christian hymns help protect us from a theology-of-the-moment. They grow our knowledge of who God is. Hymns are a living, energizing call to service and remind us why we serve. Hymns help communicate basic Christian doctrine and Biblical teaching. Hymns are a part of our history, our present, and our future.
Both hymn tunes and texts and their characteristics transcend time and speak authentically to any age. Yes, "hymns, psalms, and spiritual songs" continue to be a part of our worship. They are varied - crossing generational, national, cultural lines and making a difference in people's lives. Whether we are singing a hymn, a spiritual song, or a psalm, may we do it with the same passion for the glory of God! mjm
P.S. We have an invitational area-wide choir and orchestra, made up of different denominations of believers, presenting powerful arrangements of a musical of hymns entitled "The Hymn Song" this coming Sunday evening, March 30, at 6:00 p.m. If you are near, come and be blessed!
