Navigating Worship Friction with Wisdom

In the worship ministry realm, an ongoing friction source often emerges from the discussions around congregational worship songs. Whether they are complaints or well-intended “constructive suggestions,” these debates revolve around specific songs’ appropriateness in church worship. While these conversations can seem centered on hymns or contemporary songs, the truth is, “It’s (almost) never about the hymns.” Through my years of experience leading worship and hearing colleagues’ perspectives, I’ve realized that underlying currents shape these debates and involve much deeper issues.

Unraveling the Underlying Currents

·        Feeling Disenfranchisement and Left Behind: Sometimes, a group or individual within the church holds tightly to specific songs due to a sense of attachment or familiarity. Asking probing questions can explain why particular songs have special meaning for them.

·        Theological Differences Veiled as Musical Preferences: Often, discussions about songs are not merely about the music but are rooted in theological differences. Beneath statements like “hymns are more theologically robust” or “newer (or older) is better” lies a divergence in theological viewpoints. It could involve disagreements between Reformed and Charismatic positions or liturgical and spontaneous worship preferences.

Supporting Ministries with Differing Theological Viewpoints

Delving into the history of hymns and their theological implications, we can better understand the complex relationship between music and doctrine. Throughout history, specific individuals have left an indelible mark on the realm of hymnody, using their musical talents to convey theological truths, doctrinal positions, and personal convictions. Their hymns enriched the worship experience and acted as vehicles for teaching and imparting faith to generations of believers.

·        Historical Evolution of Hymns: Hymns have been part of Christian worship since the early days of the church. They originated from Hellenistic songs used to worship deities and mythological figures. The practice was incorporated into Christian worship, as evidenced by passages like Philippians 2:6-11 and Colossians 1:15-20. The development of hymnology continued through various eras, reflecting theological shifts and movements. (The Songs We Used to Sing? Hymn ‘Traditions’ and Reception in Pauline Letters, Edsall & Strawbridge)

Let’s explore some of these key figures who have significantly impacted the theological landscape through their hymnody.

Impactful Figures in Hymnody: Shaping Theological Discourse through Song

·        Martin Luther: Bringing Doctrine to the Masses – Martin Luther, a central figure in the Protestant Reformation, recognized the power of music in communicating biblical truths to the masses. He understood that congregational singing was an effective way to educate and inspire ordinary people. To this end, Luther composed hymns with lyrics that conveyed foundational theological concepts in the vernacular language. These hymns, often set to familiar tunes of the time, allowed Luther’s teachings to resonate far beyond academic circles. His famous hymn “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” extolled God’s strength and encapsulated the Reformation’s theological ideals.

·        Isaac Watts: Bridging the Gap Between Psalms and Hymns – Isaac Watts, an influential English hymn writer of the 18th century, saw the need for hymns that were more accessible and engaging than the Psalms traditionally sung in churches. He believed that hymns should reflect the truths of Scripture while employing poetic language and memorable musical structures. Watts’ hymns, such as “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” and “Joy to the World,” bridged the gap between the rich theology of the Psalms and the desire for expressive and relatable worship songs.

·        John and Charles Wesley: Hymns as a Vehicle for Doctrine – The Wesley brothers, John and Charles, founders of the Methodist movement, recognized the potential of hymns as a tool for theological education. They composed numerous hymns that presented Wesleyan doctrine and spiritual practices in a way that was accessible to the common people. Charles Wesley wrote over 6,000 hymns, addressing various aspects of Christian life and theology. Their hymns reinforced Methodist beliefs and values, fostered a sense of community, and even countered theological opponents.

Diverse Voices: The 18th to 21st Century

As hymnody evolved, diverse voices emerged, each contributing to the rich tapestry of worship music while representing different theological and cultural perspectives.

·        18th and 19th Centuries: During this era, hymn writers with various theological positions penned songs that reflected their convictions. Some espoused universalist theological viewpoints, emphasizing the brotherhood of humanity and the Fatherhood of God. Adolphe Adam’s “O Holy Night” is an example of a hymn that emerged from this context.

·        Mid-20th Century: Bill and Gloria Gaither, known for their Southern Gospel hymnody, infused their Nazarene traditions into their music. Their hymns touched on themes of grace, salvation, and Christian living, resonating with believers in their tradition.

·        21st Century: The modern hymn movement saw contributions from various theological streams. The charismatic “Jesus Movement” and Reformed thinkers played pivotal roles in shaping contemporary worship music. Groups like Hillsong, Bethel Music, Getty’s, and Sovereign Grace Music infuse vibrant theological insights into their hymnody.

Influence and Legacy

These influential figures reshaped hymnody’s purpose, from educating the masses to reinforcing doctrine, from expressing personal devotion to fostering community identity. Their hymns transcend generations, carrying the weight of centuries of theological exploration and reflection. As worship leaders and congregants engage with these hymns, they become part of a larger narrative—a chorus of voices joining together in the worship of God and the affirmation of faith.

The impact of these figures goes beyond the musical realm. They harnessed the power of melody and lyrics to convey the timeless truths of God’s Word. Their hymns remain bridges that connect believers across time, tradition, and theology. By understanding their contributions, we can appreciate hymnody’s depth and richness to our worship experience, recognizing that “It’s (almost) never about the hymns.” Instead, it’s about the theological conversations and unity amid diversity that these songs inspire.

Understanding the Real Concerns

·        Music Style: Worship style encompasses more than just lyrics. Instrumentation, rhythms, tempos, and performance influence congregants’ engagement with worship. Low comfort levels with these elements can lead to tensions. (Psalm 150:3-5)

·        Powerful Memories: Emotional connections to specific songs can be profound. Discontinuing or altering these songs might trigger concerns that the church is straying from its core values. (2 Thes 2:15). When that song falls out of rotation, or they do not hear it for a while, this might develop a concern in them that “the church is going the wrong direction.” Be mindful of these deep emotions and listen carefully – my rule is “if someone requests a song, and it is appropriate and theologically sound – sing it.” It will mean the world to them and let them know they are valued. My musical taste is not the final determination of the church’s corporate worship.

·        Outside Influences: The digital age has opened the door to opinions from various corners of the Christian world. Extreme positions advocating for exclusivity to hymnals or complete reliance on modern radio hits often miss the broader richness of Christian worship. (Col 3:16)

Guiding Church Leaders Through Friction

·        Listen and Discern: When divisive questions arise, actively listen to the concerns and introspectively seek to understand the root issues. Prayerful discernment is crucial. (James 1:19)

·        Provide Thoughtful Responses: Equip yourself with solid theological answers and methodologies before these debates arise. Articulate your church’s identity and vision for worship early and often. (1 Pet 3:15)

·        Embed Biblical Teaching: Ensuring that the church’s identity and theology are consistently communicated helps avoid guesswork and confusion. (Eph 4:14-15)

·        Maintain Balance: The guiding principle is Jesus’ call to worship in “spirit and truth” (John 4:24). Ensure that worship is aligned with God’s character and is offered in the right spirit.

In Conclusion: Pursuing Unity Amid Diversity

Approaching worship discussions with humility is paramount. Embrace the diverse tapestry of worship music that spans centuries and traditions. Engage in conversations about the rich faith heritage that believers share and strive to avoid polarizing debates. Our role as worship leaders is to serve the church and cultivate an atmosphere of mutual submission and honor (Rom 15:5-6), ultimately upholding unity within diversity—a biblical mandate that stands the test of time.