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DISCUSSYour Guide to Contemporary Christian Music
06/19/2008
By Dale Peterson
Thank you for choosing to worship with us today. If you are from a church that uses traditional hymns, you may be confused. Please take a moment to read through this guide to contemporary Christian music.
In our church you will not hear "How Great Thou Art," "Wonderful Grace of Jesus," or "Like a River Glorious." (Generally, hymns that have words like “Thou” are not used. They are too archaic and are normally replaced by words like “awesome” and “miry clay”). Yes, okay, we may do "Amazing Grace" or "Peace Like a River" at some point, but as a general rule we avoid songs with too many different verses or those that can't be played easily on guitar and drums.
If you are new to worship here, you may wish to know the reasons for this. One is that deep theological concepts do not belong in contemporary Christian worship. We frown on songs that change more than one or two words for each verse. For example, our version of "Holy is the Lord" consists of repeating that phrase six times per verse and then changing "Holy" to "Worthy," "Mighty," "Jesus" and finally changing "the" to "my." Isn’t that much simpler to sing and easier to remember? The twin goals here are a) repetition and b) chanting quality. We don’t focus on what we’re singing, but how we’re singing it. The main thing is to get that kind of tingly, "olive oily" feeling. Don't worry if you don't get this right away. It will come as you learn to disengage your intellect. Just free yourself. Immerse yourself. Relax.
Nevertheless, a traditional hymn may sometimes be used. For example, we’re not averse to "Holy, Holy, Holy." You may be tempted to sing this as you would have in your former church, but please note that it is sung here with changes, mainly the fact that we repeat it several times and try to sing as slowly as possible, thereby emphasizing the funereal nature of the verse.
Repetition is very important in contemporary Christian music. We repeat: Repetition is very important in contemporary Christian music. Just because a song may have one verse and one chorus does not mean that you only sing it through once. Old hymns have several verses, each of which introduces a new theological concept, and are meant to be sung once followed by "Amen." This is no longer how it’s done. The correct procedure is to sing the identical verse and chorus at least three times. Often it is preferable to repeat the verse two times initially before moving on to the chorus.
Also the worship leader may want to repeat a verse or chorus found in the middle of the song. This is signaled by “calling an audible." When this occurs, the worship leader will say the first few words of the verse or chorus he will be singing next. Sometimes, due to the similarity of the verses, this may be confusing and the overhead projector may flash several pages of text until the correct one is arrived at. Don't panic, this is normal. Just continue singing as though you know the words and soon either the correct slide will appear or a new chorus will begin.
After the verse and chorus are sung at least three times, it is permissible for the song to end. However, the chorus must first be repeated in its entirety, then the last paragraph, then the last line. When singing the last line it is important to slow down a little and look upward. Raising a hand is permissible and often done at this time. This may take a little getting used to but don't worry, if you just join in, in a short time you won't even notice and soon you will forget that you ever did it any other way.
We are just really glad you chose to share the worship experience with us today. Thank you and we hope to see you again soon.
Thank you and we hope to see you again soon. Thank you. Thank.
Another hilarious discussion over a fatuous situation which hasn't changed since I blew out of church 30 years ago.
Doesn't anyone realize that hymnals are crammed full of really bad theology? They're supposed to be devotional - not scripture!
Well, at least the non-catholic churches were spared the guitar singing garbage of Vatican II.
Hooray for you young Lutherans who appreciate hymns. The greatest and deepest song of all time is "Yes, Lord, ad infinitum. LEARN to appreciate the old ones, they are great just like Shakespeare is, even better.
Dale you are a Trip!
I know Dale. And I must say that if he was to verbally deliver this piece with his normal tones and dare I say "devilish grin" you all would be in stitches (unless you wrote one of those brainless "songs"). You would also find out that you could not theologically slap him around all that easily, as suggested above.
You should also note, as apparent by the sheer volume of the responses, that he actually made some of you think and feel. Isn't that a healthy thing? God gave you a brain, use it!
GOSG
Well said, Dale.
WOW! Normally I don't read junk like this but a friend thought everyone's comments were funny and sent it to me for a good laugh. Having read the comments I found it a bit infuriating. We wonder why the world rightly calls us hypocrites. We become so bogged down in the minutiae that we forget to keep the main thing the main thing. I guess we forgot to "Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Eph. 5:19-20. Do you really think the Lord cares what kind of songs we sing or that they may be slightly off theologically or more importantly that we have a heart of worship? I've been a worship leader for nearly 20 years and try to work all styles into the service. Old and new. Who cares if I don't like it...because it may touch someone's heart and bring them into a closer and deeper relationship with the Lord.
I'll close with a CCM hymn by Matt Redman.
When the music fades
And all is stripped away
And I simply come
Longing just to bring
Something that's of worth
That will bless your heart
I'll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within
Through the ways things appear
You're looking into my heart
I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You
All about You, Jesus
I'm sorry Lord for the thing I've made it
When it's all about You
It's all about You Jesus
King of endless worth
No one could express
How much You deserve
Though I'm weak and poor
All I have is Yours
Every single breath
I'll bring You more than just a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You're looking into my heart
I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You
All about You, Jesus
I'm sorry Lord for the thing I've made it
When it's all about You
It's all about You Jesus
Its all about you
Jesus
20 years, wow. Have you ever had sex with one of your choir members? If not, have you ever fantasized about it? What worship song would you want playing while you had sex with one of your choir members? Has your choir ever seen your member?
I'm not exactly sure why, but this guy really pissed me off too. I wrote several nasty comments but never posted until SReeb saved me. But sometimes good things do come to those who wait.
"Do you really think the Lord cares what kind of songs we sing or that they may be slightly off theologically or more importantly that we have a heart of worship?"
Your kidding right? So... your saying Our Lord doesn't care if we are theologically off... REALLY? Does that work in math? Does it work in music? Does this reflect the Perfection of God? Does this reflect leading the leading us into all truth that Our Lord speaks of before is Glorious Ascension?
So, if my hymn or praise chorus implies that Jesus wasn't fully God, that's ok? Or if it implies that God is basically a genni that wants to bless me financially if I "claim my blessing", that is ok? If it denies the Trinity or claims, as Arius did, that there was a time when the Son was not, that is ok? As long as I love this nebulous deity that I'm not really sure to Whom I'm singing, and as long as I throw in the word Jesus, this is ok? As long as we get the warm fuzzies over this generic God.. we're all good. As long as the music is as insipid as possible, this is ok? If it's goosebumps, it must be Jesus.
Is a Bic Mac and Fries as healthy as a proper meal? Am I a high falootin' snob because I want something more healthy? How is my spiritual diet any different than that which I wish to ingest for my body? It is a contemporary and strongly American attitude that to be more "low brow" is some how more sincere or genuine. This is RUBBISH! Or just as bad, aping pop culture as a substitute for the secular in a useless attempt to be "relevant".
i agreed with most of what you said, and then you had to put the lyrics from THAT song. Amazing that a song that claims to be all about Jesus, is actually more about US and what WE are doing.
welcome to the group, amergin.
this is the usual way things are done here -- open discussion. we may not always agree with each other and that is accepted; that's why there's a comment board. thanks for your comments and feel free to drop in anytime.
Good job, SReeb, I was going to go a different rout, but your way was probably better.
The girl is pure class.
Perfect manners.
I agree budda. What she said is much better than my, "go f*** yourself."
Man, I love this place. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. Are you on Facebook, BJ?
No facebook. Just a myspace page I rarely visit.
The reason i ask is that a few of the regulars put up a Door community page there. If you get time you should check it out. Some of 'em are asking if yer gonna be there.
Thanks for letting me know. I'll check it out.
Well done, Dale, and congrats on being nailed to the W. Door! I don't think I am in the demographic for Christian karaoke, so I get a little annoyed when the congregation is subjected to "another cool song the worship leader heard on his iPod this week." The music plays, the words are on the screen, and we sing along to a song we have never heard before. I much prefer hymns and choruses that undergird and support Christian thought, as opposed to those that seem to suggest "God is my boyfriend and, wow, have we got this great thing going."
I recall that long ago songs were used partially to teach those who don't/can't read - so if you think about it, the new hymns could be teaching those who won't/don't/can't study the Bible.
So, if that's even somewhat true - then they are learning what?
Maybe that's why it's so repetitive. "My Redeemer lives, My Redeemer lives... "
However, the Lutheran shy away from hymns that use ME and MY or I, and move toward the use of WE and US in hymns.
I've noticed CCM uses I and ME a lot.
Wow, the Wittenburg Door is still out there. I wonder, though, if the electronic format means that they can publish on time, or if they are still constantly late? And, do they still have the cartoon, "Dogs Who Know The Lord?" Love you, Doorknobs!
You Christians mock each other. How do you think non-Christians will be attracted to your Jesus when all you do is make fun of how you (older or younger / traditional or non-traditional)sing to your God. This article by Dale Peterson is one of the reasons i do not join your faith and what you believe. How can you mock how one worships their God. What a turn off this article is. Shouldn't you be more loving like your Christ. I like your Jesus...not its followers.
Why do you think we are here sir? Because we are so enamored of the christians in our midst? Don't base your faith on people, sir, for people do surely suck.
If you like Jesus and if you follow his teachings, you just might be a red ne... sorry, a christian.
Mr. Peterson's satirical, but sharply honed comments toward the "Non"-Christian Contemp(t)ory Music genre are well within merit. The vain-repetitive format of chorus structured lyrics and strains of "everything's alright" melodies used by the
"w(h)or(e)ship leaders" in some so-called churches today is more reminiscent of Korah and Dathan singing around a golden calf.
The traditional hymns written by Charles Wesley, Fanny Crosby, John M. Moore, Charles Moody, Ira Stanhill, and Alfred Smith, to name a few, and lead in congregatinal singing by Ira Sanky, Philip Bliss, George Shey, Alfred Smith (yes, writer and song leader) are filled with doctrine from the King James Bible. It is these hymns that bring conviction, not the "let's make you feel good" choruses of "praise." Not the rap, rock and heavy metal "non"-Christian devil influenced garbage being sold to the young people today.
Kudo's, Mr. Peterson...!
I so badly want to believe this was sarcasm, Mr Song leader, but I'm afraid you were being for real. Please tell me you were serious, I'll print it out and tape it on our worship leaders mike stand if it is real.
Print it...tape it...kick the sand off your shoes as you then immediately leave the building and find yourself a good Bible believing church where the preaching of the Word of God is the priority, not the music.
"Song Leader" I take that to mean you are in a church without a designated or paid worship leader. My guess is that you are in a relatively small family church with people of similar backgrounds. You could be a Campbellite. Oops I mean Church of Christ. "Bible believing church", "preaching the Word of God" are catch phrases thrown around to sound spiritual. The fact is even "Bible believing" churches where the "preaching (of) the Word of God" takes place don't take the Bible litterally. In fact no one can develop a belief system based on the Bible without interpretation.
You certainly can't develop a Biblical style of worship without speculation and assumption. There is no order of worhip laid out in the Bible for churches to follow. Therefore, no church can claim to be doing it the "Biblical" way. That leads me to believe that worship wasn't intended to be labled Biblical or non Biblical, but sincere or insincere.
I took from the article that the new, cool way to worship is not necessarily the best or most authentic style of worship. Neither is singing Just As I Am for 25 verses until someone breaks and heads to the altar so we can all get to Shoneys.
I would venture to say that after a few days most church folk could remember and sing the songs they heard in church, but could tell you little of what the preacher said.
Hello BJ:
I can see you have given my comments some thought and I am most pleased that you chose to comment yourself. I must thank my friend, Dale Peterson, for his article provoking such activity.
Let me first address the issue of the "worship leader." The role of the "worship leader" is left to the one who is actually designated as the leader of the local church, the Pastor. The Pastor, also know as the under-shepherd (Christ is the Great Shepherd), is responsible, to God, to lead the worship service. The whole idea of coming to a building (the "church" refers to the Saints of the congregation, not the edifice occupied) is to worship (to adore; to pay divine honors to; to reverenece with supreme respect and vereration) God through Christ our Saviour. The final authority of what takes place during the service, how and when, includng the music used, is the Pastor. This is the only leader in the church. The deacons, elders, choir director, song leader, ushers, Sunday School teachers, bus workers, etc. though given limited authority or supervisory roles, are under the Pastor's LEADERSHIP. So, in response to your statement of my church having a paid "worship leader" is, yes.
A small church? Depends on your definition of a small church. My church is located in an area surrounded by suburban areas a large city. The average attendance on a Sunday morning varies from 240 to 350.
I like your point regarding the phrases "Bible believing church" and "preaching the Word of God" and I can agree that these two phrases can be thrown around on a random basis. I'm glad you brought this up. The only true way to tell if a church is preaching the Word of God and is a Bible believing church is to compare the doctrine preached against God's Holy Word to see the fruit/growth/spiritual maturity husbanded on a consistant basis.
A very good argument included in your response is that a number of churches do not take the Bible literally. Tell me, BJ, how else did God intend us to take it if not literally. What did God tell us, oh imperfect humans that we are, in Isaiah 55:8,9? "For my (God's) thoughts are not your (us) thoughts, neither are your (us) ways my (God's) ways...for as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my (God's) ways higher than yours (us), and my (God's) thoughts than your (us) thoughts." That's argument enough for me to warrent taking God's Word word-for-word. Want to know word for word what God says? Get a Strong's Exhaustive Condorance of the Bible. Get a King James Bible and a copy of Dr. Mickey P. Carter's book, "Things That Are Different Are Not the Same (The truth about the battle for the preserved King James Bible)."
You are correct as far as I can tell, that there is no specific order for the "Order of Worhip." But, if you read God's Word, you'll find that there is "Order to Worship." How the Pastor formats the service is his call....it is his specific and unique ministry to which he will answer to God.
BJ, knowing Mr. Peterson as I do, I can say with all confidence that you did understand the intent of his satirical but thought provoking commentary correclty, "the new cool way." It ain't always hip to be cool. It's more blessed to be warmed by the truth of the Word of God. Keep in mind, there is one interpertation, but many applications.
Sadly more often that not, people will remember a hymn more than the Preacher's message. But, if you're truly studying the Word of God, the driving point of Preacher's message will hit the target of your soul. Keep in mind, the music of the church service is a not the Sermon. The hymns are used to bring the congregation into a spirit of worship and to open the individual's mind, spirit and soul to the preaching of the message. The Pastor's message is the meat, the core, the lifeline of the church service.
Don't ever place music agenda above or as a segue to the preaching of God's under-shepherd. Church is not here for our entertainment. Too many of those so-called worship leaders are there to "watch me...look at me". They are not the "opening act!" There is no act.
Meet you at Shoney's....Dale's buyingy!!
I don't think Shoney's will work. This might require an all night discussion. Maybe a Waffle House. Better yet Joe's Bar. Especially if Dale is buying.
I bet some of you saw the Southpark episode with Cartmen. The one where he decided that developing a Christian band will make him famous... Yeah, that is what this reminded me of. Freakin' sweet. Haha.
Very good Dale. I found your article interesting but the response is even better! I see you now have the "poker". GOSG
Sigh -- we've lost a lot when we lost the great hymns. Not only were they useful for those who cannot read, but they stick in your head, so while you're working in your garden or baking bread, you can sing some stirring theology and thus worship your Creator.
Praise choruses are probably no better or worse than the old hymns. Some hymns were not as good as some of the choruses. What's sad is that we completely lost one for the other. People had to learn to sing to really belt out the old hymns.
My mom had a habit of singing to people to comfort them -- especially if they were lying in a hospital bed. I suppose a praise chorus could be just as effective, but no, it wouldn't be as meaty.
Taking a stab at humor
I always read the door in Bible college. It was witty, edgy, intelligently irreverent...
It isn't easy trying to walk the thin line between humor and truth. If it is done poorly, it isn't really doing what is intended. Anger, confusion, and even laughter aren't always the best motivators. What it boils down to, is does it make us think about what is being said? Does it simply convey an agenda?
"The old hymns are better than today's music any day of the week."
My favorite songs are still those that ring scripturally true.
Mullin's "Creed" I'd throw on the overhead next to hymns.
There are some really good old hymns and there are some I'd like to see edited out of the next hymnal in favor of "Creed."
My two cents and nothing left in my wallet.
Peace
Lon
While I enjoyed the article it is certainly true that hymns are not necessarily going to speak to everyone. Twinkies are good but steak is good for you - if you are ready to digest it.
Here's some prime rib:
Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade,
To write the love of God above,
Would drain the ocean dry.
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.
O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure
The saints’ and angels’ song.
MR
Were every stalker on earth a quail...what did he mean by that?
Just be thankfull that you don't belongto a small RPC Church where all you can sing is the PSALMS with no music
I enjoyed the article. I've attended all kinds of churches, in many parts of the US (and even a few in the UK) and have been exposed to many kinds of worship services and styles of music. Unfortunately, there's no way to please everyone. (but if you're going to church to be pleased and patted on the head, then ... well, that's another article)
But for the most part, I am weary of the repetition, the drawn out endings, the 'chanting'... and I am just as weary of some of the hymns (mostly out of the early to mid 1900's) that are so "I/Me" focused and seem to have nothing to do with anything ("In the garden", "Showers of Blessing") and fluffy songs that just bug me ("I Know who holds Tomorrow")... they are *sort of* biblical, in that they are probably talking about God or Jesus... but more often than not (was this bcause of the world wars and the Depression?) songs were about how Nice Jesus is and how great heaven will be. very little of actual Praise being sung- Thanks, Adoration, Love, etc.
My personal favorite 'style' is a contemporary orchestration of good hymns- ones whose lyrics have substance and meaning, and are God/praise oriented, instead of self focused. Like:
"Praise to the Lord, the Almighty"
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise Him, for He is thy health and salvation!
All ye who hear, now to His temple draw near;
Praise Him in glad adoration.
.... (this song has way more verses than are usually printed in hymnals!) :) ....
Praise to the Lord, O let all that is in me adore Him!
All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before Him.
Let the Amen sound from His people again,
Gladly for aye we adore Him.
***
Yes, there are a few mentions of "me" in the song, but the focus of the song is on God and His might and power and love and care over us, and giving thanks and praise for it.
And, looking back on my favorite hymn from my childhood, I did actually get my understanding of the trinity from "Holy, Holy, Holy" : "God in three Persons, blessed Trinity."
It's not so hard to comprehend when you look at that statment.
I do love many of the 'modern' praise and worship choruses/songs
(Shout to the Lord, The Heart of Worship, Victory Chant, Lord I Lift You Name on High (overdone as it is)) but have felt bored and alienated when churches use repeat after repeat after repeat to sowly draw out the end of a song... and people's hands are waving in the air... and the song leader is saying stuff like "we love you Lord".. "you are worthy" etc., or a phrase from the song over and over again... REALLY- what is the purpose of that? to make you FEEL "spiritual"? To give you the warm fuzzies? I know there are people who are just so in the moment and really pouring out praise to their Lord that they can't help but close thier eyes for a moment, or lift their palms to the sky... but when it's encouraged and expected of the whole congregation, it just comes off forced and fake.
REAL worship is action- not warm fuzzies. "Feed my sheep... tend my lambs..." THAT's how to show your love to the Lord.
Spot on Katey!
Worship is an ACTION. So we offer the BEST to God. The best music and the best use of language. I have worshiped regardless of how I felt when in church. A man loves his family by going to work and providing for them - regardless of how he felt that day at work. This is love, which is also an action and not a feeling.
I can offer someone dinner of a perfectly prepared healthy 5 course meal... or a Big Mac and Fries. Being low-brow is NOT more sincere. I hate this propensity of American Christianity to the low brow and meaningless. But hey, if it's goosebumps, it must be Jesus!
Christians were told by Christ himself to "do THIS in remembrance of me". Holy Communion was THE reason the Apostles and Baptized Christians gathered for worship in the New Testament. Worship was OFFERING prayers of thanksgiving, along with the bread and wine as THE commanded form of worship. Worship is an action which I must offer regardless of how much i enjoy it. What if what God commands of me does't entertain me? What if I don't like fasting, or offering solemn prayers over bread and wine? What if the solemnity of Holy Communion doesn't accommodate my love of Rock Music?
So, if enjoyment a fuzzies aren't the goal - then contemporary Christianity must look back to the first four centuries to see exactly what constituted worship. Without this historical context American Christianity will continue to produce pseudo-spiritual fads which die out every year, or two at the most.
I loved your thoughts on the power of some of the older hymns.
That's hilarious :) Very good Dale!
You completely left out the part about repeating words until they have lost all meaning.
I try to keep in mind, though, that the service is not about what I want. If the praise choruses are helping other folks praise God then I don't mind singing them, possibly because we also sing real old hymns. With a pipe organ and everything. So there.
OK, I must say: I'm the worship leader at my church and plan and lead the music described in this article. This was hilarious and right on the mark! Why can't CCM be more interesting and theologically meaningful?
CCM ... hmm hmm ...CRAPPY Christian Music?
I listen to Bluegrass Gospel every Sunday morning on the net. It's the original "U.S.A." gospel music and it sure is positive after a Saturday night of sinning. Wakes everyone in the house up too.
I could never put my finger on WHY the "contemporary" service at church grated on my nerves even MORE than the "traditional" ones. Thanks to this article, the cheesy conventions of contemporary "worship music" has been thoroughly deconstructed.
And I was the drummer in a "christian rock band". Of course, we didn't suck.
To be fair, the whole music question is a no-win situation for any thinking worship leader.
Option A: Traditional music. Thoughful. Reverent. Meaningful. Long. Boring. Empty pews. Hmm...
Option B: Contemporaty music. Upbeat. Poppy. Meaningless. Grating. Just like Donnie & Marie Osmond. Hmm...
Option A: No music whatsoever. Few enjoy the music. Few listen to the music. Few even 'get it'. So why bother? Because those few who do like it tend to be pretty darned vocal about how much they like it. I wouldn't want to be the guy that church elders complain to.
Luckily, it ain't my job to make those sorts of decisions.
so funny. I call it 7/11 churches. seven words eleven times
I think the replies are more interesting then the articles.
I have been on a worship team at a Vineyard Church( now i work at the sound board). The Vineyard is one of the major "players" in modern worship. I agree that some of the worship songs can be trite, and more like hijacked pop songs. But also there are some wonderful songs that really praise God. Being brought up a catholic and having spent a couple of years in a Lutheran church, i have also experienced the dry monotone call and response hymns, which seem more like rote exercise and duty then true worship. again there are some powerful old hymns.
it comes two to two schools of thought.
1. singing songs about God
2. singing songs to God.
both traditional and modern have these elements. traditional has stayed more towards the "about God" side. While Modern heads to the "to God" side. I believe both have there place in Worship both honor God, its the extremes and the way we approach God that make all the difference. the "pop explosion" entertainment or the bone dry rote hymn is not really God honoring.
It's ever a fine line...while the "humor" of this article falls quite flat..it does make a good point how much of modern worship is "worship" or how much is feel good entertainment.
i went to a contemparary christian summercamp last year and all through the 2hour wourship i thought how repedative ccm can be and how pointless and boring it can be.
hey, I go to a 7 - 11 church. You know, 7 words 11 times. we sing without ceasing.
shandola caca nana
YOU're all forgetting that worship bands are musicians! They've been playing late on Saturday nights, and the reason they repeat verses is they're so tired, they've forgotten what's next.
God never changes, but the generations do. The MESSAGE is sacred NOT the METHOD. I grew up with book worship and find comfort in a lot of the songs that taught me to worship as a child and as a writer, find that is that much more important for our new generations to have a worship experience they can identify with. I have to be careful not to exclude one generation or the other. We are one body and worship together.
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