Hymns to Choruses
Who Made the Change?
For hundreds of years the church has made little change in it's choices of songs and format for worship. Even today we sing songs that were written a hundred years ago and more. They’ve become songs that are done by repetition and with little meaning, besides memory association from younger days, for the worshiper. This isn't to judge anyone or any song, just to see things from God's perspective. Again, He is the one we worship and He knows what pleases Him.
You cannot deny the value of the hymn in times past. There are some great hymns that are good tools for worship. Why would God not be happy with what seemed to have worked for hundreds of years? Could God be tired of the old hymns, too? I don't believe in my heart that He is tired of the hymns, but that He may be tired of our meaningless repetition as we sing them purely as a ritual year after year, singing words with little thought or heart.
The Psalms tell us to sing to the Lord a new song. Why do you think David made that statement? Was it out of his personal understanding of worship and God's desire? Or was it something we needed to hear from God through David? No one but God Himself can say for sure, but I believe that we have to look at the possibility that this whole worship movement is God-led and God-inspired. Man has always tried to take the credit for God working in the world and among us. Maybe if we look at this whole movement as being inspired and led by God, we will be able to better accept it as important. The way I see it, if it is God led, then I am grateful and will continue to grow in my worship experience with Him. If it was man-led, then it won't last and God will step in and make it right in the midst of His church. I personally am excited about what God is doing in the church through worship. To have God chosen it for my life’s calling, fills my soul with gratefulness as I am used to accomplish such a worthwhile endeavor.
The next time someone gripes about the music or the worship movement that is sweeping the world, ask them to take it up with God. If He is the instigator of it all, I wouldn't want to be the one who mocks it and fights it. If He wasn't the one, then may He give him a peace until God makes it right. Remember, worship is not about how we feel and what we want to do for God, it's about God and Him alone. He is the only one worthy of worship, and He knows what pleases Himself. God is seeking worshipers, not worship. He wants our heart, not a chorus or hymn. Where are you?
Used by churches all over the world to help teach worship, the Experiencing Worship study can help your worship team too.
Your team will learn why we worship and gain a better understanding of how to worship.
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This is the debut album by EXW friend Paul Langford. Paul is a Chicago based singer, arranger, keyboardist, producer and conductor. Paul has a career that spans 14 years. Paul's work includes arranging for groups like GLAD, Voices of Liberty, VoiceTrek, The Chicago based "Caroling Party" and Day of Discovery Singers. His arranging has appeared on recordings side by side with greats like Gene Puerling and David Maddux, and he has sung with Don Shelton, Bonnie Herman and Bob Bowker, among others.