From time to time we like to have a soloist, ensemble, or choir share "special music" during our service. What I want to hear from you this week is how has God used those songs to minister to you...or is He?
This is something I'm currently debating...do we need to do more of these, or less?
Scripture talks about the importance of congregational singing, so there is no debate about the importance there. But, what about when one person or one group of people is singing and the rest of the congregation is just watching and listening? I've been in churches where we felt like we "had" to have special music every week or something terrible was going to happen. I've also heard of many churches who don't want any special music AT ALL. I don't think it has to be all or nothing on this one, but here are a few of my thoughts.
Things I don't like about special music....
1. It doesn't directly involve the entire congregation
2. I typically notice many who have "tuned out" and turn to reading their bulletin or writing notes
3. It takes time away from the congregational singing portion of the service
4. Sometimes it can seem very "perfomance-oriented" instead of "worship-oriented"
Things I DO like about special music....
1. It is a great way to introduce a new congregational worship song (I do this particularly with the choir)
2. Sometimes a message set to music can speak stronger than just the words by themselves...so a strong message within a song can really stick with people throughout the whole week.
3. It's another great way for musicians to use their talents for the Lord
These are just a few thoughts to get us started...but what do you guys think? Has God used special music to speak to you? Would more special music enhance our worship services? Or, should we do less? I'd prefer for you to sign your name to the comments so I can see who I'm listening to...but if you'd rather go "anonymous" for any reason, that is totally fine as well. I'd love to hear from many of you on this one!
Here I go again ....
ReplyDeleteI like special music best when:
- It is used sparingly (for me a little bit of choir singing goes a long way)
- It is super duper special
- If the entire choir is involved, one or two singers do a solo part (any singer is fantastic in my book, but the ones I really remember are Sarah Swanberg, Austin Albrecht, & Pastor Dave Anderson).
- I can participate in some way (maybe use the choir piece as an intro to a new song we'll be singing that week).
Suggestion:
There is a speaking part: maybe the history, the verse that relates, a spoken part, etc. I would think that "special" would also apply to multi-media, which I consider super special. http://www.ignitermedia.com/ Also, I enjoy ending the service with a song.
But I'm not a "traditional" church music type of gal. That's probably one of the reasons I really enjoy stuff like the EBC Youth Band, Youth Rallies, Women of Faith Conference, Greg Laurie's Crusades, etc. Corporate worship truly touches my heart - sometimes I'll stop singing and just praise God for allowing me the privilege to be a part of the Body of Christ, thanking Him for each voice around me. As we sing the scene that Isaiah witnessed (Is. 6) often comes to mind (WOW! Can you imagine?).
I truly appreciate your ministry and all those who use their gifts to glorify our Lord.
I loved how you did the communion singing yesterday. One singer then two and then brought in the rest....I really liked to song as well.
ReplyDeleteI think if we had special music every week it wouldn't be special anymore.
I feel we do not have the children sing enough in the morning worship. There is something about sweet young voices singing Gods message that just touches me. A small group of children or youth would be wonderful too.
I am involved in worship at a church where the music could be considered more "performance oriented" than many other churches I've been in/played at. Because the church's focus is outreach, this works well, particularly for un-churched folks coming from a background of hanging out in bars or going to rock concerts. In this context, I would say that most of our songs are special numbers and are played for maximum impact from a pop/rock point of view. Many Christians who are used to traditional worship services have found this difficult to stomach but again, we are focused on attracting non-believers, not on providing an alternative church home to those who already believe.
ReplyDeleteWe do however also have periodic mid-week worship services that are much more Christ/worship-focused (not that the music we play on Sundays isn’t Christ-centered – the difference being that on Sundays we play songs more to point the way to Christ for unbelievers, rather than edifying the Body of Christ). For these occasions, I would probably say that special music would only be appropriate if it draws people deeper into worship. This is of course a judgment call on the part the worship pastor/leader.
I would also say that in general, the quality of any special music that is played/sung needs to be held to a higher standard, particularly if the song(s) are recognizable to the majority of people in the congregation. Except for some rare exceptions, members of the congregation are essentially made to be spectators rather than participants while special music is played. This necessitates that elements of stage-craft and showmanship be introduced to draw the congregation into an experience if one doesn’t want them to simply sit passively and listen a song. There are many songs with lyrics that are quite inspirational that can be/have been performed as special music in church. However having personally sat through a lot of “special music” in my life, I would have to say that most of the time, just words are not enough. Unless attention is given to the quality of musicianship and to the depth of emotion the musicians/singer(s) are able to communicate, there is a very real danger of special songs leaving the congregation flat.
-jonathan
I personally like special music. Even though I am just listening, I still feel like it is a good part of the worship time for me. The special music can go beyond what would be a congregational song (too hard or whatever).
ReplyDeleteThe church I went to in college did this pretty regularly (it might have been what they did during offering) and it was usually songs that we knew from the radio, etc, and usually was a different song than ones we sang together. I like the variety! It made things feel contemporary.
Suzanne
As someone who gets asked to sing Special music quite often I think that sometimes I just feel put on the spot and what I do is to quote a sone just 'going though the motions'. That said sometimes I do feel led to a certian song and really feel that it adds to the worship experience.
ReplyDeleteAs a general rule I'd rather Special Music be a choir special rather than soloists. Partly becuause it usually sounds better and is less likely to feel like a performance.
These are great comments guys, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteNatalie, I do like to add a speaking part to introduce the song, lead out of the song into congregational singing..etc. That definitely seems to help connect it to the service and what we're doing more than just a random song we decided to share. And on a side note, Austin is singing this Sunday..you'll like that!
Anon, I would LOVE to have the kids share more as well. There is not an ongoing group that does music with the kids. But, if someone ever got a song or two together, I'd LOVE to use them.
Jonathan, yeah, that's a setting that requires a completely different mindset for the entire service. Not a direction we're interested in going, but I definitely understand your thoughts. Thanks for sharing.
Suzanne, I do like how special music adds a bit of variety to the service. Good thought.
Dorothy, that's kinda' how I felt at churches in the past. The whole thought that a service COULD NOT SURVIVE or WOULD NOT BE COMPLETE without a soloist or a choir number. When you HAVE to do it every week, it becomes another "tradition" and I think it greatly loses its effectiveness and impact.
Again, these have been great thoughts. Anyone else have more comments to add?
I think it is great that we have a music pastor who actually wonders whether or not "special music" adds value to a worship service or detracts from it. This is a serious issue. As Christians, we shouldn't be doing something just because "it feels good" or because "it adds a more dramatic and artsy quality to the service that will appeal to the intellectual element in the congregation." As much as I thoroughly enjoy music, the Church (and Christianity, itself)is not about fine art, fine literature, and fine music. The Church (and Christianity, as a whole)is about showing love towards God and showing love towards those around us. This is what makes or breaks a Church. When strangers come among us, do they sense a love that does not exist in the world around them or do they just see a carefully planned, sterile, performance?
ReplyDeleteI am not against "special music" as long as it is (A)humble, (B)loving, (C)leads us into an attitude of prayer and humble subjection to our Creator. "Special music" can be very simple and sung by the simple, sincere voice of a child, as long as it leads us in the right direction - love towards God and love towards the person sitting next to us. It is all about love or the lack thereof.
I LOVED the super duper special music yesterday!!!! And thanks for the opportunity to raise my hand!
ReplyDelete