I read a few recent postings on the dissatisfaction with current music trends in churches. Below are two good examples of this, stop by and read for yourself and post some thoughts here. What I’m curious about is, do you think they are being subjective and just stuck in a time capsule and do not want to move forward? Do you think they are not as aware of good new songs that are theologically based? Or do you think they make a valid point? Also what are some good examples of recent theologically based worship songs? I’ll see if I can reference a few, I have a horrible memory for songs so I need to look some up. I’m a typical guy and just make up my own words 😉
Church Music, Roger Olson
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the archives near Emmaus 
Well, I don’t think we should throw the baby out with the bathwater -there are some beautiful, edifying, inspiring old hymns out there. It would be a shame to discard them.
And by all means, if you are leading a group of mostly older folk in worship who will be able to express their hearts to God best via traditionally sung hymns – you might consider doing just that.
However, for every old hymn that is theologically solid and edifying, there are five or six with atrocious theology. I don’t have examples in front of me, but a quick gander at any hymnal would vindicate that statement. The move to modern praise choruses is not the reason the church is intellectually and theologically anemic.
I woud say Mighty Fortress is Our God is quite the theological refrain for Reformers.
“Also what are some good examples of recent theologically based worship songs?”
Anything by Stuart Townend. In Particular:
Communion Song
In Christ Alone
The Power of the Cross
Also Matt Maher has an amazing Resurrection song — “Christ is Risen”
The best recent theologically based worship songs I am aware of are from Sovereign Grace Ministries. Sovereign Grace Music has been cranking out contemporary songs with hymn-quality lyrics for well over 20 years (I’d guess). A name like Sovereign Grace obviously implies a Reformed perspective. But I was introduced to their songs in an Assembly of God church with two very Arminian pastors (of whom I was one). We loved those songs and simply tweaked out anything “objectionable” by explaining or teaching our own views. There was so much there to feed the soul, it was worth overlooking a few phrases.
Nowadays, I don’t have to overlook those phrases anymore – I actually like them.
i’m in a transitional phase with music in worship right now. my only experience for the past few years have been hymns. i usually end up analyzing their theological statements instead of singing them. i’ve started going to our youth services again, and they sing contemporary songs there. neither type is really appealing to me right now, and in the past I always preferred contemporary music and wouldn’t attend a church that sang hymns exclusively.
i guess the short story is that i’m trying to figure out how to integrate music back into my worship experience. it’s been years since it’s held any meaning for me, and i want that to change. the recent posts have been helpful, and i hadn’t read the second link yet, so thanks for that. 8)
These are really good suggestions, and I need to look into these.
Nathan, glad you found the links worth reading. I was going to starting to write some more thoughts on this issue, then realized that I am slightly drifting and it’s getting a bit long. I’ll post a new blog instead.