CCM vs. Hymns

[I'm Floored]

It was a good article, deewee!

From my view, I make this argument: I realize many churches have a disdain for CCM. They truly believe a set of drums, an electric guitar, and a keyboard (rather than an organ) will send its parishioners straight to hell.

Other churches still adhere to the hymns of old, while incorporating modern instruments into their music. Other churches have full bands, lights, stage, etc.

My church plays contemporary worship music. We also sing hymns - albeit with a "modern" arrangement.

I think what this article speaks to mostly is LYRICS of songs, rather than the actual MUSIC.

We believe that the style of worship is merely a preference. For some, contemporary sound is their choice. Others would rather listen to southern gospel. Some prefer classical. I've been a church member of all three of those. For me, I prefer contemporary music. The others can actually be a distraction for me.

There are some contemporary Christian songs that are shallow. Some are just good entertainment. And some are deep, thoughtful, soulful worship. I'm blessed in that my church selects WORSHIP songs, rather than Contemporary Christian Music that you may hear on the radio (which I still prefer to listen to on a daily basis.)

There are some beautiful hymns. Wonderful, deep, thoughtful, soulful worship. And there are hymns that are shallow, "life stinks, just hold on 'til ya get to heaven", or even plain UNBIBLICAL "hymns" too.

I think it really gets down to the style of music you prefer to listen to or worship with. Hopefully, you are blessed with a Music Minister or Worship Leader who seeks true worship LYRICS to go along with the style you prefer. After all, it's all about our worship to God.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1X_ev2OILA

 

[I'm Floored]

One other point I might add....I've been a Christian for a long time. I hope that I've been growing for most of that time. My foundation is built on Jesus Christ and His death on the cross that paid for my sins, thereby justifying me through faith.

Having said that, I live my life on what I know, not what I feel. However, in a moment of worship, with music that stirs my soul, there's nothing more beautiful than having what I know and what I feel meet in an emotional embrace.

Not all emotion is bad.

 

[deewee]

One other point I might add....I've been a Christian for a long time. I hope that I've been growing for most of that time. My foundation is built on Jesus Christ and His death on the cross that paid for my sins, thereby justifying me through faith.

Having said that, I live my life on what I know, not what I feel. However, in a moment of worship, with music that stirs my soul, there's nothing more beautiful than having what I know and what I feel meet in an emotional embrace.

Not all emotion is bad.

I completely agree. I do like CCM, modern worship music, but this recent step back to singing from hymns is really speaking to me at this time. It is transporting my worship into a different level of worship. One where I do not need (not that I am implying you, or anyone else here does) the band on the stage/modern music/etc, to enter into worship during the service. Maybe I'd grown so accustomed to all of that, that I simply didn't "see" that I was relying on it, rather than the Holy Spirit, to move me into worship.

In any event, I'm enjoying this different place of worship. The reverent, quiet, simple faith of hymns is speaking to me at this stage in my life, and I like it.

 

[J-man]

One other point I might add....I've been a Christian for a long time. I hope that I've been growing for most of that time. My foundation is built on Jesus Christ and His death on the cross that paid for my sins, thereby justifying me through faith.

Having said that, I live my life on what I know, not what I feel. However, in a moment of worship, with music that stirs my soul, there's nothing more beautiful than having what I know and what I feel meet in an emotional embrace.

Not all emotion is bad.

I completely agree. I do like CCM, modern worship music, but this recent step back to singing from hymns is really speaking to me at this time. It is transporting my worship into a different level of worship. One where I do not need (not that I am implying you, or anyone else here does) the band on the stage/modern music/etc, to enter into worship during the service. Maybe I'd grown so accustomed to all of that, that I simply didn't "see" that I was relying on it, rather than the Holy Spirit, to move me into worship.

In any event, I'm enjoying this different place of worship. The reverent, quiet, simple faith of hymns is speaking to me at this stage in my life, and I like it.

Yep, to each his or her own. The traditional hymns seem to speak to me more clearly as well. I've tried to listen to the FISH and other radio stations too but I just can't do it. I found a bluegrass gospel station that I really enjoy although admittedly it would put many others to sleep.

 

[Guard Dad]

Here's one of my pet peeves. Not sure if it's a spiritual matter, but still gripes me.

The church has probably taught more people music than all other venues put together. And by teaching music, I mean reading and singing 4-part harmony. CCM really doesn't do much of that; it's mostly just unison and singing only from a words on a screen with no sheet music. Most professional singers got their start singing in church.

I fear we will lose an art at some point.

 

[I'm Floored]

Here's one of my pet peeves. Not sure if it's a spiritual matter, but still gripes me.

The church has probably taught more people music than all other venues put together. And by teaching music, I mean reading and singing 4-part harmony. CCM really doesn't do much of that; it's mostly just unison and singing only from a words on a screen with no sheet music. Most professional singers got their start singing in church.

I fear we will lose an art at some point.

Another reason I like my church's music....it's loud. Really loud. I do NOT have a pretty voice, but I can worship until I'm hoarse, and it doesn't distract anybody else. :taunt

 

[deewee]

Here's one of my pet peeves. Not sure if it's a spiritual matter, but still gripes me.

The church has probably taught more people music than all other venues put together. And by teaching music, I mean reading and singing 4-part harmony. CCM really doesn't do much of that; it's mostly just unison and singing only from a words on a screen with no sheet music. Most professional singers got their start singing in church.

I fear we will lose an art at some point.

I'm not sure if I agree with that completely. Only reason being, that the choir leader at my home church taught us during choir practice. He has a music degree of some sort, and his right hand is a doctor of music theory. Every practice was filled with teaching us about music/singing, and he always had parts for the different voices: soprano, alto, tenor, bass. He brought melody out in everything, even the modern songs.

I think that's up to the choir director, but teaching music and nuturing a person's giftedness can be/is still done with the modern music.

 

[deewee]

Here's one of my pet peeves. Not sure if it's a spiritual matter, but still gripes me.

The church has probably taught more people music than all other venues put together. And by teaching music, I mean reading and singing 4-part harmony. CCM really doesn't do much of that; it's mostly just unison and singing only from a words on a screen with no sheet music. Most professional singers got their start singing in church.

I fear we will lose an art at some point.

Another reason I like my church's music....it's loud. Really loud. I do NOT have a pretty voice, but I can worship until I'm hoarse, and it doesn't distract anybody else. :taunt

Note to self: Never sit next to IF in church. ;D




(I'm totally just kidding! You know I love you!)

 

[Madea]

I make it no secret that I prefer the Red Book. And I LOVE Southern Gospel. But, I'm just glad you found a place where you feel at home and enjoy your worship. :love

 

[deewee]

I make it no secret that I prefer the Red Book. And I LOVE Southern Gospel. But, I'm just glad you found a place where you feel at home and enjoy your worship. :love

Thank you, my friend! I'm really happy here. :love