Is it possible to use too much new music in our worship services? Here are some thoughts on developing a balanced and effective approach:
C.S. Lewis once observed that it is difficult—if not impossible—to think about something objectively while experiencing it subjectively. We can either enjoy it or analyze it, but we cannot simultaneously evaluate it in our minds while feeling it in our hearts.
Worshipers asked to learn a new song are faced with a similar challenge: they can either be preoccupied with learning new words and music or fix their hearts on the object of their worship. At least initially, doing the former will come at the expense of the latter.
Learning new music is a necessary joy. But we must recognize that introducing too many new songs at once may hinder us from our ultimate goal of worshiping with—and through—these songs.
That’s why it’s important that a worship leader systematically teach new songs to a congregation. By carefully choosing how and when to introduce a new song—and then repeating that song periodically over the coming months—the congregation can quickly move from learning (an act of the mind) to true worship (an act of the will and spirit).
Many contemporary songwriters have addressed this “mind to heart” issue by making the words simpler and the melodies more predictable. Beginning in the ‘70’s, the church experienced an onslaught of simplicity. After all, the goal was to get our heads out of the hymnal and our hands in the air. And to some degree, we succeeded. But we’re learning that accessible isn’t necessarily excellent.
Along the way, we also adopted a “pop” music mentality, mistaking culturally relevant for spiritually enduring. It’s easy to forget that very few of today’s CCM radio hit songs will be remembered 40 years from now. And yet, songs which strike a deep spiritual chord are still being sung hundreds of years later.
More next week…