tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011314028160236945.post5687107322153092138..comments2023-05-07T06:33:50.037-04:00Comments on Disciple's Diary: Of Wine and SkinsR. Wayne Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17082799151578983563noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011314028160236945.post-9286559972533377472008-08-29T21:41:00.000-04:002008-08-29T21:41:00.000-04:00I have often thought that church is for 1) being i...I have often thought that church is for 1) being instructed in God's Word; 2) offering our thanks and praises to God through word and song; 3) a place where we go to practice the culture and etiquette of the Kingdom of God (we greet each other warmly, offer a seat, help the infirm, treat all children as if they were our own, etc); 4) recharge our spirits via the Holy Spirit; 5) respond to the call of our God to serve our fellow beings, both in and out of the church. <BR/><BR/>Church worship should not be a talent show, a social club or an indoctrination into someone's quirky way of interpreting the scriptures.<BR/><BR/>BruceAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011314028160236945.post-91222940978419371762008-08-21T21:26:00.000-04:002008-08-21T21:26:00.000-04:00The "Worship War" phrase is a tragic paradox, the ...The "Worship War" phrase is a tragic paradox, the two words can not coexist. It usually is connected with music styles. How it must grieve the heart of God, that reached into the very depths of our hearts, and seized us with His infinate love, to see His children minimize praise by debating over categories of music.<BR/>Help us to grasp the Truth, not the melody.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011314028160236945.post-58549170947848322982008-08-06T01:35:00.000-04:002008-08-06T01:35:00.000-04:00Wayne, I really enjoyed your insight and analogy. ...Wayne, I really enjoyed your insight and analogy. One of my concerns in church and worship (and perhaps it would warrant you another stab at the issue?) is purpose. Specifically, what is the purpose of the music in worship? Music can be manipulative (in a negative fashion) or it can be motivational (inspirational). <BR/><BR/>What is it that those in music leadership roles are trying to do? I have been in some "Contemporary" worship services where they sang what is commonly called "7-11" music; sing the same seven words over and over--eleven times. <BR/><BR/>When I worshiped in that environment, I felt that the worship leader (actually, the worship band/team) was trying to coax or manipulate the congregates into some kind of Christian "ecstasy." The focus was not upon the words (after all, what can you really say in 7 words?)but on achieving an emotional state of being. It reminded me of the practice of eastern religion and the recitation of the mantra. <BR/><BR/>I know some congregations are dealing with generation issues; we need contemporary Christian music so the kids will stay in church. SO, blended services may attempt to solve this dilemma (but it also raises another, namely, now we are in the position of "giving the customer what he wants.")<BR/><BR/>In one mega-church that I attended many years ago, the worship service (primarily the Sunday morning am service) was more a musical production. (Only a small number of professionally qualified people were permitted to sing solo's and/or specials.)The purpose was not so much to manipulate the congregation, but to insure the same "high quality" worship experience to all who attended.<BR/><BR/>I believe music is very beneficial in worship. Ira Sankey who led the music for D.L. Moody was extremely sensitive in this area. In one meeting, Moody arose to speak but Sankey told him to sit down; the people were not ready (prepared) to hear God's word.<BR/><BR/>I, like you have served on both sides of the pulpit, as song leader and preacher. (Currently I am pastor.) One of my predecessors (pastor) was fond of saying, "When God kicked the devil out of heaven, he fell right in the middle of the choir!" <BR/><BR/>I'm not certain that you (or I) can fix this problem. I think that perhaps sheriff Broady's words from the movie "Jaws" is appropriate, "We're gonna need a bigger boat!"<BR/><BR/>Keep up the good work!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com