Thought Question: Reformed Worship Leaders on Worship

6 Responses to Thought Question: Reformed Worship Leaders on Worship

1. Royce says:

   May 23, 2011 at 6:31 am

   Each of the guys interviewed was concerned that every song was biblical, and theologically sound. Now whether or not you agree with their theological bent I think that desire is commendable. One mentioned that songs must be approved by the elders, and another said they must be approved by an experienced worship leader.

   Over all it seems to me they are very, very concerned that the songs are centered on Christ and his work. Maybe we can learn something from them.
2. alanrouse says:

   May 23, 2011 at 7:34 am

   The stereotype is that large, instrumental, “denominational” congregations are all about entertainment and emulating the world to draw a crowd. Is it true?

   Clearly these leaders are interested in creating a spiritual environment that encourages worship– not entertainment.

   OTOH in our midst, it seems the loudest argument that the progressives make in favor of instruments is that instrumental music is more attractive to the unchurched, and to the young in our churches. So on the surface it's not hard to see how that stereotype might fit.
3. John says:

   May 23, 2011 at 9:00 am

   Many progressives do not care for the praise band. A large number of the liberals within the Church of Christ during the sixties and seventies, though not wanting to make the instrument a reason for disfellowhip, did not want to use the instrument.

   Also, when you move out of the CoC community you find many progressives who also do not want the bands. They still prefer the classic hymns.

   For some strange reason many people within the CoC see the instrument as the gateway into progessive Christianity, and the band as a grand gesture which will bring about true acceptance, all happening in a giant warehouse outside of town.

   If it is still true that the large size of a church does not prove its worth (which many in the CoC used to say when meeting in their small concrete block buildings) then the elderly couple singing "Nearer My God to Thee" in the small red brick building on Common Street, Small Town, USA, can still walk out each Sunday morning to meet the world with what it needs most…LOVE.
4. Tim Archer says:

   May 23, 2011 at 10:22 am

   Another article with a similar theme: http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god/worship/featu…

   Interesting to see it today along with Jay's recommendation.
5. aBasnar says:

   May 24, 2011 at 12:32 am

   First of all: Their attitude stands out as they are striving for sound teaching. Yes, you can sense they are from a reformed background with a strong emphasis on doctrine. And that's commendable. But I cannot agree with their approach to worship, although I am with them when they insist that the songs must be theologically and biblically sound. Worship is more than the lyrics of the songs.

   Worship pastors: Show me this “office“ in the scripture! Where are the scriptural qualifications for such an office? A pastor is a shepherd, an elder or overseer of the church. The service of a pastor cannot be reduced to leading worship – in fact “pastor” is not synonymous to "leader". This interview made a headstart with a wrong terminology.

   We all lead in different contexts but our ministries are shaped by the distinctives of Acts 29: Does that mean we have "freedom" to expand or go beyond scripture? My book of Acts only has 28 chapters. Of course I know what they mean: “The story goes on!” – But why do they make such a huge jump from around AD 60 to “contemporary”? This is creating the impression that there was no church history between Luke and us – and ignoring church history is one of the basic necessities to argue for contemporary Christian worship.

   The main thing is, are the words Biblical? No, it is not only about the words. Worship has to do with what God has laid down in His word, the way we are to worship is guidelined by commands and examples we are to follow (more than just five acts BTW). It is also not about singing only – this is a very reductionist view. The way we listen to the teaching is worship as well, the way we are “one-anothering” is part of worship. In fact NT worship is always “one another”: Sing to each other, speak to each other, serve one another. An assembly is not a stage and an audience, also not a pulpit and pews, but a table where we gather as God’s Family which at the same time is an altar where we gather as God’s priesthood. And all of this determines what we do. The scriptures are not silent about it. It is absolutely not like this: Finally, I've learned a great deal about the way our congregation responds through sitting in the congregation with them while another band leads. This is a stage-audience setting, an concert following the patterns of worldly entertainment, with the option to sing along. As we have discussed in other places: The way we present the words or clothe them in music is also important. If we try to imitate the world in our worship – and that’s what CCM is doing.

   Alexander
6. Bruce Morton says:

   May 24, 2011 at 8:28 am

   It is good news that the megachurch leaders interviewed are wanting to worship. I wonder how many are also willing to test that goal further and urge unity through song — and encourage the congregation to sing the Scriptures together?

   In Christ,
   Bruce Morton
   Katy, Texas

Comments are closed.