Christian Worship as Continuity more than Contemporary

Recently we attended a "Sunday Night Hymn Sing" at The Orchard Evangelical Free Church in Arlington Heights. It was billed as featuring "many rich hymns of our Christian heritage that celebrate the greatness of our God." It was really an enjoyable time, though in my younger years I would have resisted such a thing. As I have grown older, I find increasing value in tapping into the Christian heritage from whence I came. Curiously, the first two songs were unknown to me. Yet the sanctuary resonated with hundreds of the seasoned faithful who sang these songs with vigor.

For a long time now I have had a working theory about worship music styles and the various generations who subscribe to certain forms of church musical genres or expressions, particularly older adults coming from more traditional backgrounds. I believed (and to some degree still think I am correct) that nostalgia was a driving force. I define nostalgia in this context as a profound emotional attachment to the tapestries that once enveloped one's most formative years in one's spiritual journey. When shared together with one's peers, it provides reassurance that those experiences were valid and meaningful. There is a sense of coming home, when many people (even if one doesn't know them) sing songs popular in their youth. I have no doubt this is a contributing factor in why the Gaither Homecoming series is so popular. As the years have progressed, I too have often returned to some of the music that defined my coming of age as a Christian. No doubt there is some psychological explanation for nostalgia and the personal recollections in which one indulges as time slowly overtakes one's life.

I also ponder about what drives the mega-church movement and its attending contemporary worship celebrities. Yes, I do choose that word carefully. The scale of noteworthy artists far surpasses that of my youth. I believe the sense of identity in something bigger than one's self is a factor. It is not unlike sports fans that wear the uniform of their favorite team. Moreover, the fantastical following of celebrated Christian artists serves to augment a sense that God is instrumental in its popularity. In other words, large-scale worship concerts offer comfort that it is empowered supernaturally. It surprises me to admit this, since I was so caught up in the the contemporary Christian music (CCM) scene in the 1980s, but I have some concerns about this. This is not to say it is all improper (or that God is not in some of it) -- just a curious thing that may be more attributed to the unique American landscape and not to a genuine biblical worship movement. Careful reflection is recommended.

Returning to the main point of this reflection: I realized at the hymn sing there's a stronger and more salient attraction for the older songs, namely one of identity with the church universal and invisible that has gone before us. Yes, those deceased saints now enjoying the beatific vision of the risen Savior have something to offer us: continuity with the ancient church. Only recently have I recognized how vital such a connection is. On this point I do have grave concerns for the modern American church. So much innovation seems to encourage an idea that Christianity is to be so fresh and new that anything old is useless. One trend that helps to offset this is the re-appropriation of classic hymn tunes and texts by contemporary artists. It is a welcome trend.

Biblically, we need to affirm something clearly: a hymn as not a worship style. The New Testament church would not recognize the classic 4-part chorale style hymn, nor would we recognize their music at all. Yet Paul more than once calls on the church to sing them:

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and exhorting one another with all wisdom, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, all with grace in your hearts to God." Colossians 3:16

It is far safer to understand Paul as differentiating the content of the psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs and not their style. More importantly, we do a grave mis-service to dismiss hymns as some old style of music not fit for a contemporary audience. We are commanded to sing hymns, style notwithstanding. On this we should see the rich connection with the early church. Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs represent a continuity even with Israel and the covenants of the Hebrew Bible. 

My musical exhortation to this generation of Christians:

1. Congregational singing. We need to encourage everyone to sing together well. This is so important to the life of the church and her witness. I submit that the seeker sensitive, rock concert "attractional" approach could learn much from joyous sounds of committed Christians singing together the truths of Scripture.
2. Complementary styles. Musical variety is a blessing and can complement each other. May it be increasingly true that the so-called "worship wars" declare a cease fire. Zeal for proper worship should more resolutely focus on the content of the words (biblically sound, theologically engaging, gospel saturated, and Christ-centered). 
3. Continuity and innovation. Yes, sing a new song to the Lord. But don't let that over-used text detract from the connection we should cultivate to those who have gone before us.