I am really working at being objective but know I am running the risk of sounding old and antiquated. In previous blogs I have talked about some of the strengths and contributions to worship that "contemporary" songs bring to the table. I feel I also need to address weaknesses. Many of these "contemporary" songs inspire and move the individual but are not really intended to reach, teach, enrich or edify a body of believers. There is no doubt that many arose out of a private worship experience. However, sometimes problems arise when the song is introduced into congregational worship. Worship songs for the body of believers are different in nature and scope.
In much of contemporary secular music there is a tendency toward mindless repetition that inhibits the people from thinking analytically and structurally. This mindless repetition of today's popular music numbs people's minds and disables their thought process and can be manipulated by satan. The spirit of the world would seek to distract and disable disciples of Christ. It is not that God is against good feelings and/or entertainment. There are some songs that make us feel good, but the church must go beyond feel-goods; the church needs songs that disciple and grow people in worship of the Lord. "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." (Rom 12:2).
The renewing of our minds requires thought and the development of disciples as thinking people. Yes, we need to be culturally relevant; but we need to draw culture past where it arrives on its own. Music birthed from the hearts of believers can and should do more to strengthen the church. Christian composers, lyricists, and artists can incorporate some trends in popular music without depending on them, and making sure they enrich and edify rather than distract from the discipling and worship in the church.
The participation of all of God's people in the body worship of the church has long been a Biblical principle. We can not become congregations that simply enjoy gifted choirs, or gifted worship teams and bands without corporate participation. A congregation of observers has never been the aim or goal of the worship of God's people. The song and the method of leadership ultimately must always be for the enhancement of congregational participation. "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!" mjm
