Church Music

If there's one common issue we've found in all of our churches, it's been music. Have you ever noticed that? There's definitely a divide amongst the congregation on music styles.

Our first church definitely had the most diverse congregation and likewise, the more diverse music selections. Even so, there was always complaining from some direction or the other. One of the things the music pastor did very well was utilize modern versions of old hymns.

I hate to stereotype, but it's been pretty consistent. Elderly and people who grew up with hymns prefer a very traditional worship style. People, like me, who didn't grow up on hymns or in the church are far more comfortable with music they can identify from Christian radio stations. Of course, those stereotypes don't fit everyone, but that has been our general experience.

Being a brand new Christian, who loves music and has a hearing problem, our first church was a good starting point for me. The variety allowed me to connect to modern music and slowly learn some hymns. The music pastor actually had a very eclectic taste in music and the choir choices also had a lot of variety.

Our first church was the only one to offer a choir and is one of the things I miss the most. The specials he chose were some of the most memorable for me. God used some of those specials in big ways to teach me love and grace when those were foreign concepts to me. Being a part of choir was probably the most connected I ever get to the entire church and one of my favorite ways to serve the body.

Even with the variety, there was still complaining. I wasn't immune to it. I didn't like the services heavy with hymns. The music pastor still did an awesome job in an impossible position. It has to suck knowing that at no time can you ever make everyone happy. He always handled that positions well and with grace and understanding.

Some of my favorite music had been that of Soveriegn Grace. Once I learned of their troublesome reputation and impending legal actions, I had a difficult time worshipping to their music. But, I digress.

Our second church had moved in a very different direction and one similar to our church now. Leadership had explained to the worship team and congregation that in order to minister to the unchurched who walked in the door, they would need to adapt. In adapting, they moved their worship style to be very modern.

It's been a year, but our experience was that the music was a bit loud. However, the congregation sang out like any other we've seen. Everyone sang, praising and worshipping. Nobody just stood, closed lipped and tolerating the worship time. We weren't there long enough to really hear grumbling. We heard a few things, which let us know that the church wasn't immune to it.

Here's the difference that we saw though. Like it or not, everyone embraced it. They understood leaderships point of view and bought in fully. To is, it showed us that the congregation as a whole supported their leadership and wanted the opportunity to reach the lost. We loved that cohesiveness.

Because we are in a bible study with a huge swing in age ranges, we know that our current church has a bit of division over music. The leadership knows the importance of keeping a balance of traditional and modern styles. The music minister does a good job as well. As with our first church, we wish the older generation would be more supportive of moving forward. It can be a little disheartening at times to see the number of people closed lipped and tolerating worship.

I have to admit, we were shocked the first time we walked into the church and saw a piano and guitar. In the Midwest, most Church's of Christ are non instrumental. Women are also not allowed to be a part of leading worship. It was refreshing to see both in this church. Personally, we love the music in this church. It's always a great time of worship.

Ok, honestly, I've had one complaint that I've never shared with anyone besides my husband. There might be an over use of Deer Panteth song. Everyone has that one song that drives them nuts, right? Seriously though, we enjoy the music and worship at this church. When we were searching for a church, preaching and doctrine were number one and music was number two.

It's funny to me that music seems to be one of those common issues amongst churches, even if it's minor. It seems to me that there has to be a clear purpose for the music. That is going vary based on location and population. The leadership has to have a clear direction and the congregation needs to embrace the vision as long as it's biblical.