One of my favorite bloggers, Tony Morgan, has posted a few blogs on what kind of music we should have in the church.
In his latest post he asks, “Should Christ-followers use music to “speak a bit of life” into those that are unchurched? And, is it acceptable to use that type of music in church services?”
What do you think?
In case you’re wondering… I agree with Tony.
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Definitely! Of course, that’s coming from a music addict! Music catches our attention. It’s not just listening, it’s a sensory experience (think of the car you just drove past with the bass pumpin’ and the mirrors shaking). We move, tap a foot, sing…we participate. We may not remember the grocery list or what we had for breakfast, but hear a catchy tune and it sticks forever in your head.
For someone who doesn’t know Jesus….we’ve all hit the radio seek button and stopped on a song that catches us. The music or the beat makes us listen–eventually the words and meaning follow. Meeting people where they are–style of music they like, lyrics they can relate to–that’s real to them. Maybe they start to think, then hear a friend talking, hear a reference in passing, or even open a Bible, and it connects. Does it matter whether it’s traditional, rock, country, or even rap? Music is an avenue to bring them in.
Lyrics…sometimes we “feel like” praising, and other times we as Christians know that even if we don’t “feel like” it, we need to. But for the “unchurched” or those of us who are still growing (and isn’t that all of us?), to see only praise is not real–we need to know that Christians struggle too. Music that addresses real issues, with the solutions in God, helps us to relate and gives hope. And while we are all still growing, lyrics should challenge us. Status quo is comfort but we can’t move forward and closer to Christ by standing still.
Yes, music should speak in church services, on Sunday, everyday, to those who know Jesus, and to those who have no idea….