Music and Worship - Some New Thoughts on the Subject

I wrote the following letter in response to some concerns over the music at one of our church's worship services:

About the Music in the 10:30 Service

People sometimes complain about the music in our 10:30 service. The reason is that it’s not traditional enough for their tastes. I don’t mind that people have opinions about music. This is natural. I have opinions too. But let’s recognize that music tastes are highly subjective. People will sometimes express their dislike at some of the more modern songs that are sung. Usually they say, “a lot of people feel just like me.”

The problem is that I don't hear a consensus of opinion at all. There seems to be just as many people who like the modern songs being sung and played in the 10:30 service. So some of our congregation is critical of the music. Others support the music and tell me not to change a thing. Therefore, I must pray that the Holy Spirit guides me in the selection of music for any given worship service.

Some in our congregation told me a while back that the 10:30 service was beginning to feel too traditional for them. They go to Sunday school at 9:00 because they really like their particular class. But since they don’t like a totally traditional service, I’ve tried to introduce some new music in the worship service. In doing so, however, I’ve been very careful to introduce what I consider singable music. In other words, I value their opinions as much as I value those who like a more traditional style. And remember that what is "traditional" to some is not the same to others. One of the ways I’ve addressed this concern is by incorporating fresh new musical arrangements of some of the grand hymns of our faith.

I occasionally add a very old hymn from our Baptist hymnal into our 10:30 service, but it’s a new one to our congregation. In response, there are some who complain because they don’t recognize it. Now that’s a tough situation. It’s an old hymn, but they don’t like it because it’s not familiar. On the other hand, a steady diet of only the music I personally like would probably not be very healthy for our church. So I recognize that I can't only pick the music I like; I must seek a balance. Therefore, I sincerely pray that I find just the right music and lyrics that will cause a worshipful response from people, whether I personally like the hymn/chorus or not.

So when we sing a song you don’t like, try to focus on the words, and see if your heart draws close to God, regardless of the music. Remember that just because the music doesn’t appeal to you, it might be just the song that another person needs to hear that day. I’m not asking you to change your music preferences, just to show understanding that these new songs are ministering to others. On any given Sunday my aim is that the 10:30 congregation will recognize at least 80 percent of the songs. Of course, that means we will be learning some new music, but music whose lyrics are God-honoring and easily learned by most, if not all.

On another note, when we first put up the screen and projected lyrics onto it, it bothered a few people. One of the members of our church suggested I put the hymn number on the screen, so they could pick up a hymnal. That was a great idea, I thought. And so you now see the hymn numbers. Anyone who wants to pick up a hymnal is welcome to do so. I love it when our congregation sings the harmonies found in the hymnal!

I never want to take the great hymns of our faith away from our traditional service; but I also don't want to be restricted to using only the music in our hymnal. I've received a reasonably good response from people who enjoy the way things are going, as far as content is concerned. I don't know percentages of who likes this or that; but I sincerely pray that God will continue to guide me as I continue to select music to be sung and played for His glory!

Sincerely,
Dan Stephens
Minister of Music and Senior Adults
FBC Wimberley