War

Written by cycleguy on November 16th, 2015

Several years ago the church’s peace, calm and “settled-for existence” was shattered by a war.  It was a war of such magnitude the stained glass windows of traditional pipe-organ churches were rattled; the foundations of many of the “tried-and-true” denominations were shaken; it brought out the pundits to condemn and criticize endlessly; and it brought about both cries for help and also cries of revival.

The war?

It was given the title “Worship Wars.”

For those of us involved in the church sides were taken. “How dare they bring that new music into the church?” vs. “We heard this new song and it has excellent lyrics. Here listen!” The new music was either embraced or rejected. Depending on which one determined which side of the “worship war” you were on.

I will say it up front. I like the new music. I like music that moves my heart and moves me. (I don’t dance so that is not what I’m talking about). I like music with a beat. I also like music that slows down some.

What I don’t like is sameness. Same order. Same songs. Same beat/rhythm. Same 4 verses & chorus arrangement. I’m not a pipe organ fan by any stretch. I’m not a hymn person and singing songs in worship which are not worship songs at all (Beyond the Sunset, When the Roll is Call Up Yonder, In the Garden, etc).

What I really dislike in sameness is doing the same thing each week. It is so ingrained in some churches that you would think Lucifer appeared if the order is changed.

Only two prerequisites were required to worship and they are straight from Jesus’ mouth: “Those who worship must worship in spirit and in truth.” Worship must be from the heart and centered around God’s revealed truth. That can happen with hymns or it can happen singing Chris Tomlin.

The only thing worth “fighting” for is for the fame of God’s Name. That is to be the purpose of worship anyway. The style of music and the order of worship can be varied. Just don’t mess with giving glory to Him.

Your thoughts?

This is part of my ongoing and random posts on this book:

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28 Comments so far ↓

  1. Jeff says:

    I can’t imagine it makes any difference what music you listen to or even if you listen to music.

  2. I agree, Bill, that the style of music isn’t what’s important. The words and the intent behind it to say worship to God is what matters. And you’re right, it’s more about us doing this in spirit and in truth.

    It used to be a common discussion in church though didn’t it? Not so much anymore I’m finding.

    Wow, a neat song that I’ve been singing over and over these two days is the new one called “The Good Good Father” written by Pat Barrett. Wow, neat words in the chorus. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djrY_eFDOwE

    Have a great week. Thanks for your comment on my site on the post “Coaxing Friendship Between Siblings.” I commented more over there.

    Jennifer Dougan
    http://www.jenniferdougan.com

    • cycleguy says:

      You are right Jennifer. It used to be discussed a whole lot more than it is today but there are still pockets of those who discount every style of music but their own. In a local town there is a church called County Music Church. Wonder what style they listen to? 🙂 We sing “Good Good Father” in our worship set and have been over the past several months. I love it!

  3. Daniel says:

    Any church that wants to go to battle against itself over such trivial nonsense is missing the point entirely and is raising such negativity that it is just feeding the fire of those who oppose it.

  4. Caleb Suko says:

    “War” certainly brings something different to my mind. Maybe worship wars should give us pause to think about which battles are worth fighting.

  5. Kari Scare says:

    Seems stupid to fight a “worship war” in a country where we have freedom to worship when there are wars being fought around the world for the freedom to just exist and to choose one’s own beliefs

  6. Zee Gimon says:

    I have been thinking about worship lately as well. Your post has been a cue to finally write my thoughts down in a post: http://www.zenichka.com/2015/11/17/thoughts-on-worship/

    And yes, I agree on “worshipping in the spirit and truth.” My main beef is that sometimes (at least in CIS), Christians tend to forget about quality, content with “making a joyful NOISE.” Meh… While I think our joyful noises for God are delightful if we are honest in our worship (like a parent who delights in silly songs of his kids), as we “grow older” we also should strive on making our worship as good as it possibly can be because it’s God we’re worshipping, it’s the Creator of the Universe, who gives us His best… why do we think we can get away with just whatever?

    Sorry… I’m done ranting 😀 Sore spot.

    • Betty Draper says:

      I so agree with you Zee, if our hearts are not in tune with the Lord any style of music we sing and play will not be pleasing to our Lord. When we sing unto Him instead of unto ourselves others will notice, their hearts will be moved if our hearts are moved as we lift Him up in all we sing.

  7. Betty Draper says:

    Since I am a hymn and gospel music lover I have had to learn to look beyond the style of music to the heart of it. First I must check my own heart when I am listening because if it’t filled with my preference of music then I will never receive any other style. I sang with a group a few months ago because they wanted to do a southern gospel sing. One lady came to me afterwards and said, I really like your songs but I would not want to listen to it every week. I did not say, I like your worship music but it would not be my preference. I love the fact I have the freedom in Christ to have a preference without it being judged as better or worst then someone else by Him. I absolutely hate the worship war for it takes away from the cause of Christ. I personally do not believe any where in the Bible does it say there is to be only one kind of worship music for worship comes from a heart filled with His Spirit. I am not ranting, just stating a personal belief and choice.

    • cycleguy says:

      I LOVE your attitude Betty! Not just in the comment but also in your response to the lady. Freedom in Christ should set us free to worship as we please. I despise rap music but I know there are inner city churches which use that as their form of music. More power to them! I acknowledge their freedom but can also choose to worship elsewhere in a style I prefer. The heart is what is important. And as for your comment about the Bible’s stand: spot on. right down the from us is another church whose music is more hymn and southern gospel. They have revivals and concerts which advertise southern gospel. More power to them! if they reach a spectrum we don’t, I love it!

  8. Linda Stoll says:

    These words are awesome, Bill –>’the fame of God’s Name’

    Less about our preferences, more about His pleasure.

    Amen.

  9. I agree, Bill, that sameness in a service drains the soul out of what it’s supposed to be about: Loving God with our hearts, minds, souls, and strength. And it’s always sad when Christians bicker and fight over the little things that comprise our worship time together.
    Blessings!

    • cycleguy says:

      Sameness-whether with a more rocky style or hymn style-can get old and (as you say) drain the soul. A little difference is good for the soul.

  10. What I like about our church is that it really isn’t the same from Sunday to Sunday.

  11. floyd says:

    Good call, Bill. It’s so easy to get trapped in a ritual and miss the heart and calling of God. Rules not of the heart and center of Christ’s love is bondage. Me thinks.

  12. I love some of the old hymns and if you read the stories of when they were written, many were from intense situations or powerful moments with God. Every generation can and should have music that expresses the creativity God put inside them. I’m so thankful for the diversity even if it’s not all something I’m going to buy an album of. 🙂 I’m with ya, Bill!