No Gospel Music, thanks anyway…
My wife and I decided to change it up a little this morning and go to the 2nd hour service at church. Normally during that hour, we are in Bible Fellowship (Sunday School) class, but today we wanted to try something different.
So we go into service and they have this guest singer that is some famous southern gospel artist who has traveled with some well-known people. I didn’t recognize his name. And regardless of what you see in the movies, we are not all hicks down here. Just because I was born and raised in Dallas, TX, doesn’t necessarily mean that I love Southern Gospel or even Country music. There was a time when I liked Country quite a lot, but I rarely listen to it now. And I cannot remember ever really liking Southern Gospel music.
So we sat through a few songs, which turned out to be relatively painless afterall, and onto the message. Thank goodness. I know that some people like the worship music and the singing before the service, but frankly to me it seems like all fluff. Just get on with it, for crying out loud. I came to here the Word of God preached, not to hear 400 year old hymns and music that makes me think I turned 85 yesterday and forgot my own birthday because I am so old. Now, I don’t think there is anything wrong with this type of music or worship style, it simply isn’t for me. If it works for you, then great. But give me some loud rock-n-roll worship music and see how many more lost people you will reach because they don’t wanna listen to the tired Baptist Hymnal songs, no matter how many times you re-write them over and over again.
Anyway, the service was great and the message was good. I just wish we had something that was more up-to-date from the music standpoint.
That’s pretty harsh.
I believe history would indicate that God uses many various tools to draw people, including music. Music and preaching definitely shouldn’t be viewed as being at odds…nor should one style over another. We’re on the same side.
As long as the message of the Gospel isn’t diluted, I applaud the efforts of those with a traditional music background as well as those who take a more up-to-date approach.
I’m a stickler for quality in the music I like, but at the same time, I realize it’s about more than just my personal taste. It’s not a great idea to assume everyone shares your tastes, particularly when you’re talking about lost people’s tastes and the main topic at hand is music.
Besides, I’ve never been entirely convinced the primary purpose of Christian music is evangelism. We may like to pretend that’s the case, but in practice, the primary purpose of Christian music seems to be more about giving praise to God (which is laudable) and entertaining existing Christians (which is worthwhile as well).
As Kramer would say, that’s kooky talk.
Worship songs ARE the word of God, are they not? :p
Varied taste in music, it’s a beautiful thing.
Yes, you are right. But that is my point… varied tastes in music. And not playing the same old hymns all the time. Thats what I am talking about.
I am probably not expressing myself in the right way, I don’t mean anything negative about it, just that I would like to see something new.