The war over church music
Several years ago I read a book entitled "Worship Wars." The book was written about the controversy over contemporary vs. traditional worship. That book was written probably twenty years ago. Today much of the worship wars have died down but not totally.
Periodically you still hear someone make derogatory remarks about, primarily contemporary music. And, every now and then you will see something on a church sign praising the reverence of traditional worship. So, unfortunately, the controversy still exists although it's not as strong as it was 10 years ago.
Well this past Sunday my daughter wanted to go to Passioncity church in Atlanta. I admit, I didn't much want to go. It was an hour drive and there were lots of churches much closer than I could attend. But, I went because she wanted to go and... I'm glad I did.
It was a POWERFUL worship experience. The Chris Tomlin band led worship and Louie Gigglio spoke. I don't know how many were present but The Tabernacle, which is the venue were it was held, was packed.
The music was loud and... it was most definitely contemporary and.. did I mention that it was LOUD? Ok, just wanted to be sure cause, well, it was loud.
Now right there, some will say "See, that's all that music is about... It's loud and not reverent."
Whoa there! Be careful now... Yes, the music was loud but I'm telling you these folks LOVED Jesus and were very sincere in their worship. It was POWERFUL.
Now, does that mean traditional worship is not powerful? No, traditional worship, done right, is still powerful. The issue is not the STYLE of music; the issue is the ANOINTING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT on the music. My point is this; we need to stop making derogatory remarks about this music.
The worship experience I had Sunday was one of the most powerful I've ever had.
As I listened to the people singing and I saw the large number present, the thought hit me "the kingdom of God is big and there is a place for different styles of music." So, let's not make the mistake of thinking one style of music has a corner on the anointing of God. Both traditional and contemporary are good.
The worship wars need to be be over... the only person winning that war is the devil. Christians need to be united in whipping the devil, not arguing about music.
Amen,Gregg! Having lived in both arenas of church music for the past 30 years, I've watched churches -- large and small -- bicker and begrudge one another over the most ridiculous issues regarding music in the church.
Keep in mind: the devil cannot CREATE anything. He can only pervert and distort what God alone has created.
Music ... is God's handiwork. Creatively inspired in the heavenlies before it even touches earth.
What 'man' does with music, is the REAL discussion here.
I'm thrilled that you have made this a point of discussion, and as you have shared here, it floods my soul with JOY, as I observe the musicians of today ... singing and playing their music -- be it ever so loud, soft, or somewhere in between -- all, for the glory of The King!
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