There's very little light...spot lights are positioned just right to point toward the stage. All around the large "sanctuary" it's dark. All eyes forward. Several people are on the platform area. Two or three of them have pained looks on their faces as they strum, pick and play various types of guitars. One of the guitars is a screaming electric, reminiscent of Eddie van Halen. Another individual is encased in a plexiglass "cage" as he plays the trap set. The trap set is so loud that the "cage" is necessary so that something is heard besides the driving beat of the drums. Several other people are in front of the "band" singing to the top of their lungs. Sometimes their eyes are closed as in a trance or moment of deep concentration. Most of those doing the singing and playing are dressed in tight jeans, casual clothes and perhaps even a tshirt or two. Some of the songs they are singing are vague, almost like love songs. Others seem more religious. So, where is this event taking place? A local bar? A club scene? No, this is the local "worship center." This is the new face of "worship."
It's a "come as you are," "anything goes" sort of atmosphere.
Long gone is the piano, the organ and the choir. Long gone are the people dressed in their best, ready to worship the Holy God of heaven who is so holy that no human can even look upon Him. (One has to wonder if the God of heaven is even in the hearts and minds of these people at all.) Long gone is the hush of reverence. Now it's loud, raucous and hip. People are encouraged to bring their Starbucks cups into the sanctuary, and jive with the music. After all, they want to leave Sunday "worship" feeling GOOD.
But, there is the matter of the older folks. Yes, those pesky grey heads. Always fussing about something. But, scripture teaches us to revere them. To show them great respect. To listen to their wisdom. Some of them find the new ways of doing things to be difficult to swallow. Too often it appears that The "new and improved" methods are more
important than senior citizens and those who may have built the church
literally with their own hands or with their money and great commitment
to the congregation. They grew up singing hymns and gospel songs of the
past. They remember the days of the hymnal, the organ, the piano and the choir. These songs speak to them! I find it very very sad when these
people are marginalized and no longer matter. Many of the men
especially, are veterans. They put their lives on the line for freedom during the
Korean War, the Vietnam war, etc for our freedom and that of others.
They worked hard to provide for their families, perhaps in work places
that were not very enjoyable and now in their old age, would so like to
come to church on Sunday and be comforted with hymns from their earlier
life. Does that mean all new music is banned? Certainly not. All
music was new once. But, honestly tell me. Is it really right to throw
all or most of it out? Is it really okay with you to make older folks
feel uncomfortable every single Sunday so that the younger folks can be
hip? Is it okay to tell a senior citizen in so many words that the
younger folks are more important? Really, does it?
Recently, I received a text message from an individual that was just
down right sad. This person said to me, "My church threw away all the
song books. Where is a church that sings Easter songs that I have
learned since I was young?" If that doesn't pull at your heart strings,
please examine your heart, just saying. I received another message from
this same individual on another day, "Are you playing music anywhere
Sunday morning? My _____and I want to go where there is traditional
music on this Sunday." WOW. I know this person to be a stellar
Christian. This person would have been the rock solid, pillar of any
church they would have attended through the years, contributing to the congregation in many ways. How sad it is that
on Easter weekend, they would even NEED to try and find a church where
they could hear some traditional Easter music. I beg of you. Do not
forget the "old" songs. Many newer ones can never compare in content
and singability. Even if you don't find anything beautiful or
meaningful in such glorious songs as "He Arose", or "He Lives" or
"Because He Lives," doesn't mean that others don't. Sometimes
particular songs from one's youth have certain meaning and have helped
carry them through difficult trials in life. Sometimes, they just want
to come into church and sing these precious hymns with others. Please
think about them, too.
Perhaps more
churches could do what Nall Ave. Baptist is doing. Most Sundays, they
have two services. The 8:15 service is mostly hymns and gospel songs
taken out of their hymnal. Folks can either view the words on the
screen or use a hymnal. I have been playing piano at this church
service since last summer. So many people have come up to me and
thanked me for playing. They love their hymns!!! I wish I had written
down all the positive remarks. They are treasures in my heart. The
second services is mostly contemporary with a band. At least at this
church, you have a clear choice. It's really not that hard. It's
called respect. It's called love.
