To Sum It Up
Here are three reasons to re-think the contemporary model of congregational singing:
- The music. The free-flowing, repetitive character of many praise choruses is designed to make it easy for unchurched people to join in. However, the opposite may be true. The lack of a substantive melody line leaves little for minds and voices to grasp. The tunes are no sooner sung than forgotten, especially since the music is never shown in musical notation. It’s written to be sung to standard guitar chords, which is helpful to worship leaders but difficult for the congregation—who end up “singing along,” rather than singing.
- The words. Contemporary worship songs rightly fix on God: His glory, majesty, uniqueness, and faithfulness. Typically they are sung at the beginning of worship during a period that lasts 15-20 minutes while the congregation stands. The words are often meditative and repetitive, for the obvious purpose of creating a mood for worship. However, there are other biblical reasons for singing. Scripture ordains singing for instruction, for encouragement, and for admonishment (Col. 3:15-17, Eph. 5:18-21). The lyrics can be recalled on the road and in the home, while working or walking and talking with our kids. As the Lord takes pleasure in his people, so they should take pleasure in him: “Let the godly one exult in glory, let them sing for joy on their beds” (Psalm 149:5).
- The history. Discarding the old disconnects contemporary Christians from some of the best in their history: musically, theologically, and spiritually. The foundation of Western music, including the best of Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, and Tchaikovsky, is the church. Until recently, the Christian songbook included songs from the earliest days of the church all the way up to the present. Now, the ever-changing video screen overwhelmingly features the lyrics and melodies written just yesterday, and many of those will be gone tomorrow.
Again, I’m not suggesting that the church discard all contemporary worship songs. I’m only saying that we already know what stands the “test of time,” and it’s in those hymnbooks stored in the church basement. Some contemporary songs will stand the test of time as well, and we can let time have its say. There’s a reason why Christians still sing “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” and “Holy, Holy, Holy” and “Blessed Assurance.” There’s a reason why little children–the world over–still sing “Jesus Loves Me, This I Know.” The Holy Spirit has been at work in the church all through the ages, and these songs are a testimony to His work. Let’s not let them go.
This is the final post in a series on Christian musical heritage. The previous posts are
Three: Intentional about Singing
I might be repeating myself, but I will say again that the older I get, the more the hymns of my childhood mean to me. They sustain and uplift me. Every morning as I start to wake up, a hymn will pop in my mind, and it is as though I start my day with praise. It’s not intentional-it just happens, and every day it is a different hymn. I call it “Radio God.” It is truly a gift from God and a blessing!
I will admit that I do not like the Contemporary music in most churches now. I know not everyone can read music in this day and time as the arts are being squeezed out of the educational system, but reading music isn’t rocket science. I firmly believe even the smallest little ones can see music and follow the notes on the treble clef…. they go up and down! Isn’t it better to encourage learning to read music even in a rudimentary way than dumb everything down? I believe this underestimates people and what they can learn and do.
Such a rich heritage of God’s music we have-we can’t let it be lost!
Amen, Holley! Those hymns keep popping in my head too.