Make a JOYFUL noise...

One of my friends recently posted something Facebook about how the ever-growing decline in traditional music in the church is driving people away from church and that we need to keep traditional music going. I agree in a way. BUT, then people started talking about how contemporary music is only for untrained musicians and ignorant people (and even further that they don't belong in the church... I'll touch on that one in another post), those that can only play three chords. Someone even said that we shouldn't mix "the sacred with the profane". Hmm...

Here is my view/ how I responded (surprise, surprise!)-

"I am a member of the PC(USA) denomination and preparing to go to seminary. In my discussions with leaders of my own church, leaders at the seminary, and the denomination as a whole I have learned that church music is one of the biggest things they are facing in trying to make our church a 21st century church.

YES, the music that you are saying is leaving the church is traditional and a very important part of the church. Many people have grown to love it over the years and expect that every Sunday, they will not only sing, but hear this type of music. HOWEVER.....

There are those that may not appreciate this type of music as much. Surprisingly, this is actually a very large number. So in an attempt to make it a 21st century church, this has to be taken into account. I am not, by any means, saying that the "traditional" music should be thrown out the window, but it is also important to note that if there is no "contemporary" music, we will also lose those people.

Many churches have taken the approach of a mixed service, with both traditional and contemporary, or even going to the extent of having a fully contemporary service. This is very appealing to the younger generations because contemporary music is something that have come to know through church camp and the radio. It is important that we appeal to those members of the congregation as well, even if they are younger, because they are the FUTURE of our church."

I think that is a good summary of how I feel about traditional vs. contemporary. Now onto the other points that were made-

The church is not necessarily a place for professional musicians. Yes, they add quality to the music, but I don't necessarily see that this is a necessity (please keep in mind that I am a PAID guest musician at many churches and this is a major portion of my income). Psalm 100 says to make a JOYFUL noise unto the Lord. Not a PROFESSIONAL or BEAUTIFUL noise. This means that even if the singing or playing is one of the worst things we have ever heard, if it for the Lord, then it belongs in the church. This is one reason I am taking a music focus in YOUTH ministry- not PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANS ministry. 6th graders are not great musicians by any means, except that they are trying and putting all that they have into what they are doing. If they can't play a C major scale exactly right, but they can honk out one or two notes in the hymn, I want them to be able to play in church if they want to. I am wrong for doing this? Some might say yes, but they aren't the ones the music is being played for.

SO... going with that, this profane music (contemporary music) may not sound great to some, but it is people lifting up their voices and making a JOYFUL noise to the Lord. Just because you sing/ play contemporary music does not make you any less of a musician than if you are playing Bach on the organ.

Basically, I think that any music as long as it is for the LORD, belongs in the church. It may not appeal to everyone, but it will appeal to some. Shouldn't we be trying to reach everyone rather than one single group of people?

And as I said at the end of my comment on facebook... "I could keep going, but I have a paper to do. I am glad to see that so many people have an opinion though! Maybe it is something you could share with your church since this is a big problem in all denominations right now. They want input! Especially from young adults who are about to take over leadership roles in the church."

Now... go out and make a JOYFUL noise be it traditional, contemporary, or something we haven't even categorized yet!