5 ways to improve SA Worship

by James Pedlar

 

I believe it is time for a renewal of Salvationist worship.  I don’t mean that Salvationists should sing more up-to-date contemporary music, and I don’t think it’s just about recovering classic hymns, though in certain corps either of these might be called for.   I’m talking about re-thinking some of the big picture questions, about the structure of the service, the theology of worship, and the historical roots of Army worship practices. 

Why do Salvationists worship the way they do?  Army worship may not have a formal structure mandated by headquarters, but it has many informal structures and conventional practices which need to be examined.   The way we worship has an immense influence on our Christian formation, even for those of us who come from “free” (non-liturgical) worship traditions.  For the Army, I think this means stepping back and re-examinig the things we do without thinking in worship.

That’s a huge task, and I’m not intending to offer a full-fledged approach to renewing the Army’s worship here in this article!  But I’d like to get a conversation started.  We need lots of people thinking about this, and interacting with other Christian traditions in order to glean insights from their worship practices. 

So, as humble a contribution to what I hope will be a larger conversation, I’ve got a few suggestions on my mind for improving Salvationist worship:

1. Eliminate the MC-style running commentary on songs

Army worship is an example of “routinized revivalism,” meaning that many Army worship practices are morphed versions of revival techniques, handed down through the generations.  Salvationist worship leading is a prime example.  Leading a revival meeting was more like leading a musical “program” than leading worship.  The leader acted as an MC and tried to keep things moving as the show went on.  The routinized version of this is the Army tradition of “lining out songs,” or offering a little commentary on the theme of a song before it is sung. Contemporary worship leaders often play the MC role in a different way, offering little observations and “sermonettes” between songs or exhorting worshippers to greater sincerity passion in their worship.

Why is this a problem?  Because all these little comments inserted between songs cause us to spend too much time talking to one another in worship, and not enough time communing with God.  Worship should be about God speaking to us, and us responding to God’s Word.  This running commentary style leadership means that we’re spending more time talking to one another.  And it doesn’t really add anything to the service.  It is more of a distraction than an aid to worship.  Just sing the songs.  They don’t need to be introduced, sermonized or commented upon. When our worship leaders act like MCs, worship ends up feeling more like a musical program than an encounter with the living God.

2. Stop singing about the Army

This is a touchy one, I know, but it needs to be said.  Songs such as #807, “Joy in The Salvation Army” and #681, “Come Join Our Army,” should be banned from Sunday worship.  These songs might be useful for a Salvationist pep-rally but they are completely wrong as aids to worship. I’ll be more blunt: they are not aids to worship, they are denominational anthems.  These songs are not focused on the greatness of God, but on the greatness of The Salvation Army. They are very “effective” at strengthening denominational loyalty and firming up Salvationist identity, but when we turn our Sunday morning service into an opportunity for reminding ourselves how great we are, we are engaging in a form of idolatry.  We gather to worship God.  How can we stand before the throne of grace and sing joyously about ourselves?  

3. Let the word be heard

Many churches are dropping the practice of reading scripture publicly during worship.  This is not only a Salvationist issue, but one which cuts across the evangelical spectrum.  I’m not entirely sure of the logic behind this, although it is probably felt that stopping the “flow” of emotionally charged music to listen to a reading disrupts the mood.  Often if scripture is read in our services, the reading is incorporated into the pastor’s sermon. 

Scripture needs to be heard in our worship services because we need to allow space for God to speak to us.  The primary way that God speaks is through scripture. And we don’t always need a pastor to tell us what the scriptures are saying!  Scripture, the sixteenth century reformers would tell us, is self-authenticating. It has its own power and its own efficacy, therefore a simple public reading of scripture is a way of allowing God to speak in the midst of his gathered people. We should have at least two readings in every service (covering both Testaments), and we would also do well to use the Psalms as a form of corporate prayer. Preferably these readings will take place toward the start of the worship service - so that it is clear that we are allowing God to speak before we offer our response to him. 

4. Pay attention to content

Many people have grown tired of the “worship wars,” and rightly so.  The biggest problem with the traditional vs. contemporary debate, in my mind, is that it has thrown us off more important questions concerning the content of our songs and hymns.  Some new worship music has weak and shallow content, but the same can be said of some “traditional” songs!  Beyond the question of idolatrous “Army songs,” think of a song like “I Come to the Garden Alone.”  It is loved by many, and has moved people for generations, but when you look at the text, there’s not much content there.  I’m not saying these have absolutely no place in worship, but they have a limited place, and they need to be complemented by songs like “In Christ Alone” or the great Hymns of Wesley and Watts - hymns which paint the bigger picture of who the triune God is, and tell the story of God’s redemptive work in history.  

5. Drop the showtunes

While content is genrally a more important issue than “form” or style, there are times when style can override or obscure solid content.  I’ve got nothing against Gowans and Larsson as leaders.  They are both fine Christian men, who’ve served with dignity and integrity, and I appreciated the direction they gave to the worldwide Army.  However, it is just plain weird to go to church and sing show tunes.  Why would I show up for church and suddenly start praising God as if I’m in a play on Broadway?  For example, think about song #274, “He came to give us life in all its fullness.”  If you’ve been around the Army for a long time, this song seems normal, but it isn’t.  It is just plain weird to praise God in this way - unless you are really into Broadway-style musicals, but I think it is a safe bet that the majority of Salvationists don’t walk around with Rodgers and Hammerstein on their iPods.  Maybe these songs have a particularly strong meaning for people who were a part of the productions when they first came out, but for those of us who don’t have that history, they’re just an odd kind of worship song.

Those are some piecemeal and rather uneven suggestions for improving Salvationist worship, but I think they are a start.  

Anyone have other ideas?

James Pedlar is a doctoral student at Wycliffe College, in the Toronto School of Theology.  He specializes in the study of the Church - especially questions involving reform movements, Christian unity, authority structures, and ecumenical dialogue.  He is also interested in Wesleyan theology, Salvation Army theology, and the theology and practice of worship. James works part-time as Assistant Coordinator of Faith & Witness at the Canadian Council of Churches.   He recently completed a two year research project on young adult attrition for The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda, which you can read about here.   Before that he was Community Ministries Director for The Salvation Army in the Quinte Region of Ontario, Canada.  James is married to Samantha and they live in East York.  You can read his blog here

 

19 Comments to 5 ways to improve SA Worship

1. James…

   Thanks for some great suggestions here. It was interesting for me to read your post early this morning and then one I came across later in the day which shared some similar sentiments.

   http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/preachingworship/worship/withonevoice.html?start=5

   I love the quote in this which relates to your fourth suggestion regarding content…

   “If I’ve got non-Christian friends coming to church, I’d far rather give them four verses of comparatively heavy theology with some theological words which explains the gospel, than give them twenty repeated words that could be said about your pet horse or your girlfriend.” (Keith Getty - co-writer of “In Christ Alone”)

   I’m interested to see what discussion comes of your post.

   Thanks
   Adam
Adam Couchman on August 9th, 2010

2. Wow. What a great article, James. Thanks for the great thoughts.

   Particularly to your point about content, we absolutely need new hymns in the Church, songs our congregations can sing to God and each other, meaty songs, songs that tell the story of Redemption and of our part in it. As a songwriter in the Army, it’s these types of songs I’m aspiring to. God grant it.

   Phil L.
Phil on August 9th, 2010

3. I love this piece, James, thank you. There is a sense of joy that’s present when we consider the diversity of worship throughout the world. Apart from one surreal (read ‘atonal’) experience of singing alongside some charismatic fellow Christians who were all singing in tongues (their barnyard and otherwordly oratorios were all expressed in different keys and tempos) I have generally found that God moves through word and song etc. in both the richest and driest worship environs.

   We know it’s not always the most talented expression of music or drama or dance or liturgy that reaches us most effectively (although ‘my utmost for the highest’ still makes sense to me). It’s the sincerity of those offering praise, and the offering’s inherent capacity to communicate to God and our fellow creation. The God who makes ‘all things new’ calls us to follow the creative path and find community and compassion in our expressions of worship.

   At the risk of donning the Captain Obvious superhero suit, worship goes well beyond our shared musical or creative arts experiences on a Sunday or during a meeting. Worship is both a conscious and subconscious act. Every action we undertake for others, every priority surrendered so as to benefit those in need, and every breath we take (with apologies to Police fans) become acts of worship and devotion. Worship is a human being testifying to God’s grace.

   Barry G.
Barry Gittins on August 10th, 2010

4. Just finished re- reading an article by Major Kevin Metcalf.Breathing New Life Into dry Bones Salvationist.ca july 2007issue. Your article appears on face book very timely and very similar to what Kevin was saying.At Southlands Community Church a Mission of The Salvation Army scriptuer is front and center at all services. Some times music is an issue with me. New people coming into the church seem like fish out of water as we stand for some 10 min or so people singing and hand clapping some on and off beat. In our Sunday morning small group we where asked to look around and take note of people who where really into worship and where they enjoying the service. Some people standing with arms folded others with hands raised in praise. All good. Southlands in Winnipeg is a growing mission Church where people always get an invitation to go deeper with God. Drop on by like a secret shopper. Thanks for the thoughts as Kevin Metcalf wrote. God wants more justice not more songs. On we march!

   Henry A.
henry Armstrong on August 10th, 2010

5. Great thoughts, James! I recently had to write a theology of worship paper (based in my tradition) in Seminary and have to admit that it was a difficult task. In discussing this with some Army leaders, I came to the conclusion that we really don’t have a clearly defined theology of worship in the Army. We need one, though! We’ve taken bits and pieces from other places and stuck them together and call it Army. It’s disjointed at best most times.

   Let’s get this discussion going. Let’s come up with a solid understanding of what worship is for The Salvation Army!

   Rob R.
Rob on August 11th, 2010

6. Interesting thoughts. Some I agree with, others I disagree with and others I find no opinion.

   The two items that I want to comment on are number three where you address scripture. I was surprised to read that scripture is being trended out of worship. I am a former Salvationist and now belong to a liturgical church so every worship service includes old testament, new testament, a psalm and a reading from one of the four gospels. I was not aware of the trend of not reading scripture in worship, WOW!

   My other reflection is on item number five in your piece. I actually do have show tunes on my mp3 player (refuse to use an Ipod!) While not all music from musicals is appropriate for worship, much is. It tells a story (as most good lyrics do). Many of the early Army songs were bar tunes that were changed up to tell a “God story” so I am not sure what the problem is. Anything that will bring people to the face of God is all good for me.

   Oh my, I can’t let it go. Number one I do agree with in part. However, the portion that says we spend too much time talking to one another I question. We can worship God anywhere and in isolation but the point of church is to come together to worship together in community and community requires multi-directional communication. Without the communication between the pews, one might as well worship standing out in a cornfield by themselves. I agree that the focus of our eyes should always be on God but when in community, there has to be communication among everyone in that community. Otherwise, it would be like us all sitting and talking at the same time on our cell phones. We would be communicating as individuals but not communicating with one another and as such would not develop corporate worship.

   Patti
Patti on August 11th, 2010

7. Great article and a good starting point for discussion. Patti, I’ve got to agree with your last point. A few years back at Roots, Graham Kendrick spoke powerfully about the way few modern songs are written from anything but a personal position. It’s always “I worship” rather than “We worship”. The very fact that we’ve had the worship wars over style is because for too long people have looked for a style of musical worship that suits them, rather than acknowledging that the worship undertaken in our buildings is actually an act of corporate worship towards God.

   Our corporate worship needs to be substantial both in it’s adoration of God and also our recognition of our brothers and sisters with whom we’re worshipping.

   Graeme
Graeme on August 11th, 2010

8. Thanks for the discussion thus far. Glad to know other people are interested in this topic!

   Patti - I’m kind of baffled by the decline in public scripture reading as well, though I’ve suggested where I think it is coming from in point 3. I’d be interested to hear what others think.

   You’ve also raised a good point about my first suggestion sounding very individualistic. As I re-read what I wrote I can definitely see how it comes off that way. Worship is a communal act, and it necessarily involves interaction between believers, not just “personal” communion with God. Perhaps I might have better stated it in terms of an interaction between God and *the gathered community*? So you are right - there needs to be communication “between the pews”. I still think the overall structure should be “God speaks, we respond” so that the emphasis is on the community’s encounter with God through his Word, and our speaking to one another is part of the response. I might still be a bit too limited in my approach here, but I’m trying to guard against what I think often happens in Army meetings - they feel like a musical program with the worship leader acting as an MC. Maybe there’s another way to avoid that.

   I definitely agree with Graeme’s point about much worship music using too much “I” language. If my worship amounts to 45 minutes of me singing about how much *I* love God, then I’m actually singing about myself! Not that we shouldn’t use I language at all (some Psalms use this type of language), but it should be one type of song / prayer, not the dominant or only type.

   James
James on August 11th, 2010

9. As an addition, consider the place of silence in worship. Is there every a moment of quiet available for us?

   JoAnn
JoAnn on August 12th, 2010

10. James’ posting had generated a lot of comment so far and I am sure that there are many who have read it and not commented.

    I am one who sees our Sunday gathering as a three part exercise:

    A. Ministry of Worship
    1. Approach
    2. Invoking God’s presence
    3. Individual and corporate confession
    4. Praise for the great salvation we have recieved
    5. Adoration

    B. Ministry of The Word—-which may include a song, songster piece, band selection–
    With readings from Psalms Old Testament Epistle and Gospel–which tie in with Preaching/ Teaching for the day

    C. Ministry of Teaching/Preaching
    1. Message
    2. Time of Reflection
    3. Sending out of God’s people to put into action

    I could go further here but for me this summarizes how I see our Sunday Gathering.

    John S.
John Stephenson on August 13th, 2010

11. Flanner O’Connor wrote of the Catholic Church and the church in general that she hated the fact that the service had become a hootenanny and the only thing missing was the dancing bear. I’m sad to say that this describes many of our Army services today.

    No sense of reverence, no “be still and know that I am God”. If God ever spoke in one of our services how would we hear him?

    Poor sermons that neither inspire of move us beyond our own “little idea’s about our god in a box”. No real planned approach in preaching and certainly very little theology.

    Ken D.
Ken D. on August 17th, 2010

12. Great wisdom here.

    One thing that I have really been struggling with as of late is how ‘talent show’ our services feel. You get the MC person who calls up the various acts (’praise and worship time’, hymn time, band selection, songster selection…) with no flow or connection between items.

    The corps I currently attend is a refreshing change with the worship leader leading a number of songs as we gather together, followed by a 30 minute sermon and than another 30 or so minutes of engaging God and each other through song/prayer/testimony… whatever happens in the moment. It starts around the time that people get there (+/- 15 minutes). People are grabbing coffee and tea as we go… standing, dancing, sitting, lying down, kneeling… all walks of life, ages…

    God is doing a new thing in many corps around this world, breaking the formality that we have for so long clung to.

    Peter
    lublink.org/peter
Peter on August 17th, 2010

13. Thanks, James, for writing this article. You have some good comments and give us a lot to think about. I agree with some of the things you say, but have issue with some others.

    I think some commentary during the meeting can be helpful in introducing songs, although I do concur that sometimes it can be overdone and be more of a distraction. But I wouldn’t want to eliminate it altogether.

    I agree, we do need to let the Word of God be prominent in our meetings, and if there are places where this is not happening, that is truly unfortunate. God speaks to us through the Bible – both Old and New Testaments – and the public reading of Scripture, as well as its use in prayers, should never be dropped from our corporate worship experiences.

    I also concur that we need to check all our songs/choruses for content. Whether older or newer songs or hymns, we must be careful what we sing and make sure the focus is where it needs to be.

    That said, I hope we never lose the Gowans and Larsson songs. Yes, some of them are in the style of Broadway show-tunes, but I just find the words – and the music – so inspirational. I love musical theatre, and if had an iPod, I’d definitely have a lot of these kinds of songs on it. I grew up on all these songs, and many of them have deep personal meaning for me, as I was involved in several of the musicals as a young person growing up. What’s wrong with teaching these songs to the young people of today, introducing them to the depth of their meaning and spiritual insight? In fact, I’d love to see some of the musicals resurrected and performed again, as I think they hold timeless lessons for us all.

    Finally, and maybe I’m all alone on an island here, but I can’t agree entirely with your point about “Army” songs. It is exactly the elimination of these songs, along with the fact that we don’t get together for large Army events nearly as much as we used to, that I feel has contributed in a large way to the erosion of our identity as a Movement. Is it any wonder that many in our new “church plants” have no grasp of what it means to be part of the bigger worldwide Army, to belong to something bigger than themselves? What is wrong with identifying with the larger Salvation Army, a Movement raised by God that is currently at work in 120 countries around the globe? If we don’t remind ourselves of this by singing these songs periodically, we can become very isolated, with every congregation just off in their own little corner doing their own thing and no sense of belonging to something bigger. That said, I do agree that these songs shouldn’t be used for worship times when the focus is supposed to be on God, but in the right context they can be used to emphasize who we are as Salvationists and challenge and inspire us to be all that created us to be as The Salvaton Army – a mighty force for building up God’s Kingdom in the world. We don’t worship The Salvation Army, but let’s not be ashamed of it either, and let’s not be afraid to celebrate who God called us to be.

    Ken S.
Ken Smith on September 3rd, 2010

14. Ah James…I wish we had had more time to talk about this topic at our last meeting - maybe the next time our paths cross

    This is a passion of mine (ie. having a theology of worship and not just throwing together the songs we like when we feel like singing them - honestly I have been to a corps as a guest and the officer just asked me what I felt like singing that Sunday). I find it difficult to worship when the songs are disjointed and up and down in tempo like poptarts.

    One of the most frustrating things I find is when I sit through an entire service and realize at the end that not ONE song/chorus was actually directed toward God (vertical as opposed to horizontal in its nature) either personally with “I” or corporately with “we”. I understand that singing about God is good, and singing to encourage each other in worship also has its place, but what about actually singing to God? You would be surprised at how many services I have been in have amounted to this. And in the same way as tempo goes up and down, it is equally frustrating when we sing to each other about God, then sing to God, then sing to each other about God again, then sing to God again…

    I definitely agree that there are a few songs in our songbook that do not have much (if any) place in worship on Sunday morning (but at the same time can play a part in certain gatherings of Salvationists). I don’t see much if any hope for the song “I dare not leave the dear old flag, tw’ere better far to die”…this can be taken so terribly wrong.

    I also feel silence has a wonderful place in worship as does confession (which I find SERIOUSLY lacking in SA worship).

    I understand what you are saying about the “MC” leadership of songs/choruses…I find it frustrating as well, but I find it difficult to change that when the leader of worship is not the one playing the lead instrument. I guess it is a matter of good communication between the “worship team” (whatever that might be). I think it also requires a skilled instrumentalist in many regards as to making transitions from one song to the next. I actually led one Sunday from the piano and almost laughed aloud as my CSM thought it necessary to stand at the pulpit the entire time (even though they didn’t say anything).

    Well…so much more we could discuss really isn’t there?

    Thanks again James!

    Kathleen
Kathleen Ingram on September 4th, 2010

15. I’m with you James.

    While I think the “worship war” is all but over, but we’ve been left with some bitter “P.O.W.W.s” Lost in agitation, just ignoring the fact they don’t like what’s being said or sung instead of trying to fight it, when neither of those options is right… it’s absolutely an issue of ignorance and spiritual immaturity.

    If the song is theologically sound, (and whom ever chose to sing it didn’t do so on a whim and put some level of thoughtful consideration on what to sing during worship), and someone can’t sing it, then that SOMEONE is at fault. And might possibly be at church for selfish reasons or out of a feeling of obligation, and not for the purpose of worshipping. I do understand some older folks have issues with following along newer “tunes,” and younger people have problem singing songs confusing songs written in old English. But for older Christians (our church “elders”) to look bitter, sit down, cross their arms during the song - they need a good holy slap in the back of the head (I’m trying to be gentle). It’s just as inappropriate however for our youth to turn on their ipods or text when “A mighty fortress is our God.” is being sung. And while the youth have had less time to grow spiritually and the older generations of Christians are more accountable to that, in all cases its an issue of teaching.

    It’s just something we have not taught well, or addressed at all… in fact, we’ve steered people in the wrong direction by how we have put together “public worship” in the past.

    This is true of the evangelical church in general of coarse. (while that Army has a few more “worship pit traps” to fall in because of our identity being linked to so much imagery and given we kind of have our own theological language.) I read a book a while back talking about how the “Evangelical church” is looking more and more Gnostic because of the endless singing about Heaven and/or referring to how bad our current life situation is. This has bothered me for some time about SA (and most evangelical worship). Likewise, older “Testimony Times” in worship would have had a place (and great positive impact) if people didn’t leave them depressed because “Life isn’t great but you’ll eventually die and go to Heaven so don’t worry none.” “Amen?”

    I’m ranting, and somewhat all over the place, and perhaps very opinionated. But it is defiantly a topic heavy on my heart as well. How someone can spend (supposedly) 1-2 says writing a sermon and 10 minuets on a Sunday morning doing a lead doesn’t make any sense to me. Again, I feel like the next step for the SA and all evangelicals is to really get some solid teaching out there on worship. There is so much people need to learn, from the fact worship and singing are not synonyms, to the fact that what happens on Sunday morning is of vast (no, make that eternal) importance and people will actually be held accountable for doing things flippantly without any thought.

    I’ll stop now. Way to get me going James. Keep getting the word out Brother.

    Chad
Chad on September 5th, 2010

16. Hello James,

    good article with some good points that we’d do well to take heed of. However, points 2 and 5 are wrong.

    We’ll discuss why they’re wrong the next time you come out east, or I come to Ontario. haha. Take care.

    Rob
Rob Jeffery on September 5th, 2010

17. Thanks for keeping the discussion going on this topic. Lots of stuff here I hadn’t thought of / addressed in my post - the place of silence, confession, “I”/”we” songs vs. songs “about” God, need for a theology of worship…great ideas!

    Ken - thanks for your thoughts on Gowans and Larsson; I was probably a bit over the top in my suggestion that they should be dropped altogther! I can appreciate the significance that they would have for people who’ve been a part of the productions in the past.

    Maybe there is a more general point to be made about the place of “form” alongside “content.” While, ideally, everyone should be able to songs with good content, there will always be times when the form might get in the way. To take an extreme example, it would be hard for me (or most people I’m sure) to sing “O For a Thousand Tongues” to a death-metal setting. In a much less dramatic way, I guess some of those “show tunes” are, as a form, distracting for me personally. However, that is just my opinion - and that is why the question of appropriate “form” is so much more difficult to answer. Most of us can agree that death-metal is out for Sunday mornings, but there will be a lot of other styles which will be a judgment call, and will depend a lot upon the particular worshiping community. Maybe I need to be more flexible, and just get over my objections to showtunes!

    I think I’d hold firm on point #2, but obviously not everyone agrees! Maybe I’ll try to expand that into another post for a more detailed discussion.

    James P
James on September 6th, 2010

18. Hi James:

    Thanks for throwing some very important worship-topics on the table. I think that the various responses show just how important this discussion is. I have a couple quick points to make. One is in regards to scripture as a prominent piece on Sundays; and the other is in regards to corporate prayer.

    1 - I cannot stress enough how much I agree with the prominent place scripture should have in our worship services. A reading from both testaments and perhaps a spoken (or sung!) Psalm ought to be the bare minimum! And, in fact, the church has SO many of Psalms set to music already, for instance, in the SASB: #2 (Psalm 150), #34 (Psalm 19), #54 (Psalm 23). Or in the more contemporary repertoire: May the Words of my Mouth by Terry Butler (Psalm 19), Let Everything that has Breath by Matt Redman (Psalm 150), Create in Me a Clean Heart by Keith Green (Psalm 51).

    The hymnals of other churches (Like Common Praise - Anglican Church) have many, many more possibilities, many to tunes which the average Salvationist would already recognize! One of my critiques of the SASB is that it doesn’t have a scriptural index at the back…so it makes it hard to reference something quickly!

    On this topic — perhaps it would be beneficial for Salvation Army worship leaders to learn the merits of using the lectionary. It is SUCH a useful tool in planning worship services.

    Second point:
    It hasn’t been discussed much, but I think we would do well to revisit the practise of writing meaningful and fitting prayers. Our rote prayers (meaningful as they may be) get such little attention that they often become cliche and, frankly, trite. I wonder if we shouldn’t include those in our congregations who are beautiful writers to offer this as an act of worship. In addition to this, we also need to stop the terrible rumor that extemporaneous prayers are more spiritual than prepared prayers.

    I have other thoughts - - but since this is already a long response, I will call it quits there.

    Peace of Christ,

    Jason Locke
Jason Locke on September 8th, 2010

19. This is a good article.

    I have a love/hate relationship with point number one. I agree that too often it seems like the Pastor/Officer is giving a commentary or sermon of the song being sung. On the other hand, I do believe that God chooses to communicate through what we say as well…or there would be no need for sermons, or even articles like this. The reality is that not everyone in the congregation studies theology, and it is sometimes (however I do believe should be far less frequent) helpful to add a comment as to why the song is being sung. I also recognize however that this borders on manipulation in worship.

    To add to your point, I wonder what you (and others) think about power point backgrounds? With most churches using power point now, there are often fancy pictures attached to our songs on Sunday’s. I never really gave this much thought before, until someone in a worship class pointed out that by using pictures we are telling people what to think/feel during the song rather than letting God speak for himself.

    I could not agree more with the rest of the points.

    While I do think there is a place for Sally Ann songs (I see them as a rally the troops kind of deal) Sunday worship is not that place! Although to be honest, it’s been at least a decade since I’ve heard one sung! And I do enjoy a good showtune, but it seems weird that we would sing them in church. In fact I remember singing in church one week and turning to the person next to me and saying that all the song leader needed now was to have a red stripped jacket, barber shop hat and a cane to wave and we’d be able to charge admission to see the show.

    Good discussion.

    Jaclyn W.
Jaclyn W on September 18th, 2010

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