But what do we do about those whose music sends mixed messages? It must be recognized that the question of mixed messages goes beyond the blend of music and lyrics — and thus, beyond the realm of the music-makers themselves. It is precisely at this point that the music discussion moves into the realm of association. Association is the message of a song conveyed not in music, nor in lyric, but in the culture that it represents.
Because association is so intricately tied to culture, it is dictated, not by the composer, or the performer, but by the arena or context in which they operate — an arena that must be shared to some extent by the audience for an association to exist.
As evidenced by 1 Corinthians 8, The Apostle Paul believed associations were significant. However, he did not believe they were ultimate see v. Two truths must be noted from this passage: 1 the limitations he imposed upon himself were with reference to that which was morally neutral i. We have already dealt with the questions of musical language and text. While the numbers of associations that may exist are innumerable, it is instructive to inquire as to what kinds of associations a song may have.
All art of which music is a part is produced in a culture, and therefore, is not without associations. But the question of association is rarely an issue until a work or group becomes large enough to be identified in conjunction with some aspect of the culture that particularizes it — that is, it must become a recognizable part of, or a contributing player within culture.
Because all music has associations, we must ask of the music put out by these ministries what those associations are. As we have noted, there is a recognizable difference between the two ministries. Both groups tend to perform their music in a pop vocal style, with a more casual stage presence — often dressed in jeans and un-tucked shirts, with men and sometimes ladies wearing hats or caps though the SGM team tends to look more sloppy on-stage, with many of their men sporting t-shirts and tousled hair.
This is the danger of a movement that erases all theological distinctions and champions new converts as worship leaders — whose enthusiasm is contagious; along with their lack of discernment. The nearly exclusive focus of this movement upon justification results in a large-scale under-emphasis upon sanctification.
And both are necessary components of an orthodox gospel. Utilizing the music of GTM or SGM is primarily a matter of musical communication, and only secondarily a matter of association. However, these associations can affect us with messages that are not necessarily explicit, but nonetheless present.
What is more, as pointed out by the Apostle Paul, the messages implicitly conveyed by our choices carry influence with others. The lyrics or the music itself may not convey such messages, but the culture surrounding it just might. This, I believe, is the sacrifice of worship that God requires. What are the five ministry essentials you could not do without? Townend: A Bible, music manuscript paper to write down song ideas I have a terrible memory , a rhyming dictionary, a piano, and a guitar.
Oh, and a guitar pick Townend: Music is clearly a powerful way to express yourself, not only in augmenting the impact of words, but in communicating on levels that words cannot.
As such, it's ideally suited to the expression of truth in a memorable way, the expression of emotions that words can't contain and the dynamic of the Holy Spirit touching us in ways that words can't express. Townend: There was a time a few years ago in many churches, including our own, when the presence of God was so intense as we worshipped that there were many extraordinary manifestations of the Spirit.
On one particular occasion I was leading worship with David Fellingham another UK worship leader , and we reached a point not unlike the description in 1 Kings 8, where the cloud of God's presence descended and the priests couldn't minister. I stood there, not daring to move, let alone say anything, for the presence of God was so strong! It's made me realize how superficial we can be sometimes.
We talk a lot about the presence of God, but if He were to reveal to us even the tiniest glimpse of His glory, I don't think we'd be singing our happy little songs. We'd be on our faces, or maybe running out of the room! Townend: I'm really motivated by the opportunity to put truth into the mouths and hearts of people through a song.
Truth is so vital-the truth about God and about how He sees us-it needs to be the foundation of our worship times.
Truth brings revelation, and revelation brings change in our lives. By he was playing piano at Stoneleigh, the Bible week established by Virgo's New Frontiers stream of churches the worship that year was led by Dave Fellingham and David Holden. By Stuart had recorded his first album for Kingsway, a rather dull instrumental 'Come Holy Spirit' in the Classical Praise series. By Stuart was being credited with leading the Stoneleigh worship band along with Dave Fellingham. The live albums he recorded as part of the Stoneleigh worship band were major sellers in the Christian bookshops and helped spread Stuart's songs to the international Church.
As well as being an internationally renowned worship songwriter, Stuart has also found time to forge a career as a music publishing executive with Kingsway Music. He explained, "My association with the publishing side of Kingsway is a long one, and although now I'm spending more of my time writing and leading worship, part of my week is still dedicated to various Kingsway activities.
For me it's a good mix: Kingsway gives me a good perspective on what's going on in different ministries around the world; and hopefully it helps Kingsway to have someone at the 'coalface' of congregational worship, feeding back on the worship needs of local churches. How different did he find that experience from doing the thing entirely by himself?
On your own, you get ideas for songs, but there's no objectivity, so you can't really be sure whether your idea is any good. Having someone to work with, bouncing ideas back and forth, really helps. I finished by asking the seasoned songsmith what is the most important spiritual lesson that he's learnt in recent years? I think I'd got to a place where it mattered more to me what people thought - did they enjoy the worship time, did I make them feel comfortable - than what God thought.
So now, although I want to provide the right tools for people to worship with, I'll be more concerned about whether I did what God wanted - even if it ends up with me looking like a rubbish worship leader, or doing something that might make some people feel a bit uncomfortable. Add your comment We welcome your opinions but libellous and abusive comments are not allowed. Your name Your location Your email it will not be made public or used to send you spam Your comment Please type the letters shown above » Can't read it?
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