Nov 30, 2010
There is a movement afoot in many of what can be called the mainstream churches to incorporate praise music into their traditional liturgical based worship services. For our purposes we’ll define mainstream as denominations which have a long history, were mainly born during the revolution known as the Protestant Reformation and thus have roots in Western Europe. These would include but are not exclusive to Lutherans, Episcopalians, Baptists, and even Presbyterians. As a counterpoint to these traditions we would point to the relatively newborn and uniquely American non-denominational and Pentecostal movements. It is from the latter that much of what we would call praise music is derived and it is from these influences that the traditional churches are now drawing on to enhance their own worship experience. It is an exciting development in the lives of the traditional churches which have almost exclusively relied on organ based music and long, often musically incomprehensible hymns as the basis of their worship settings. To come into a worship space and encounter electric guitars, drum kits, and microphones is a shock to a system used to the sparseness and usually solemn atmosphere of a sanctuary. There are challenges to be sure, but in the melding of the new with the traditional there can be a refreshing experience that can empower the full person God desires we be.
Music is a valuable piece of a worship that not only directs, but can also inspire. While my knowledge of Pentecostal style worship is anecdotal or gleaned from the occasional glimpse of TBN, there is no doubt that these folks are filled with the fire of the Holy Spirit. But, where Lutheran’s may lack for fire, one of the dangers in praise is that the focus can be turned into a personal experience between the worshipper and God. I often imagine God observing with bemused detachment these types of events and thinking, “Yeah, but I already know how awesome I am, now what about the homeless family down the street?”
By combining elements of praise with a call to service perhaps a more full experience of worship and then living can be attained. In the end, we all serve the same God.
I can say that it is because of praise and worship music that I started to really get involved in my church. Now, I have a deeper and more wonderful relationship with God all around. Hooray for praise music!