Contemporary Praise & Worship

[Digging4Truth]

Originally Posted by rgcraig

I'm not real keen on the Hillsong songs - - the words are beautiful, but they tend to all sound alike and the words don't flow - - - it's like you can't close your eyes and worship like you want to because you have to read the words.

(Hoping and praying that Renda doesn't take offense to this post)

I am going to reply to this post again because it brought something to mind.

As the Praise Team leader I have a dilemma that I face. We have kids that have been raised in a complex world and they think on every level. The younger part of the church likes those songs that "don't flow". They are complex and speak on several levels.

The older crowd wants it delivered to them in a simple package. Largely, gone are the days of the 7-11 songs (7 words sang over and over 11 times). The songs are increasingly complex in the thought that they deliver and have words that come at you on more than one level.

But this is the way the newer generation thinks. They are multi-taskers. So... as the one who chooses the songs... it is a real dilemma as to which songs to choose. Some are confused by what others finally feel speaks to them while others songs please one crowd and seem simplistic and daze the mind of this fast moving multi-tasking generation.

It is something that I have to deal with all the time.

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by Digging4Truth

(Hoping and praying that Renda doesn't take offense to this post)

I am going to reply to this post again because it brought something to mind.

As the Praise Team leader I have a dilemma that I face. We have kids that have been raised in a complex world and they think on every level. The younger part of the church likes those songs that "don't flow". They are complex and speak on several levels.

The older crowd wants it delivered to them in a simple package. Largely, gone are the days of the 7-11 songs (7 words sang over and over 11 times). The songs are increasingly complex in the thought that they deliver and have words that come at you on more than one level.

But this is the way the newer generation thinks. They are multi-taskers. So... as the one who chooses the songs... it is a real dilemma as to which songs to choose. Some are confused by what others finally feel speaks to them while others songs please one crowd and seem simplistic and daze the mind of this fast moving multi-tasking generation.

It is something that I have to deal with all the time.

Not offended at all and I completely understand and know that is the reason. However, now that I am that "older" person, why does it have to be all one way or the other. Why not a little balance - - different styles.

I can handle "the bands" at church now because I love all types of music, but I sit and watch some of the little older saints just jump out of their skin the whole time. What's wrong with a couple songs toned down just a bit for the older folks?

[Digging4Truth]

Originally Posted by rgcraig

Not offended at all and I completely understand and know that is the reason. However, now that I am that "older" person, why does it have to be all one way or the other. Why not a little balance - - different styles.

I can handle "the bands" at church now because I love all types of music, but I sit and watch some of the little older saints just jump out of their skin the whole time. What's wrong with a couple songs toned down just a bit for the older folks?

Well... several things.

I might as well be honest. And this is just me... not any kind of spiritual point. Just how I feel as a person who deals with this.

Over here we have a problem. You know how older musicians can't play the newer songs? I have all young musicians (18 or younger) and they can't play the older songs. So I get a lot of gripes about the lack of older songs. When I find a good chord chart on an older song we will go with it but, even that, is often a remake on an older song.

BUT... I have also noticed that when I do play the older songs... they don't do anything then either. LOL. So what changes? Why take the effort when they are going to sit on me then as well when I can play what comes easier and the house fills with worship? It's like they want the old songs for entertainment purposes or nostalgia's sake

Of course... that is here... and not everywhere. But I get constant remarks from one particular gentleman and when we are able to play an old one he still just sits there with his arms folded.

It begins to not be worth the effort to find an old song after much searching with scores of great songs just waiting to be chosen.

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by Digging4Truth

(Hoping and praying that Renda doesn't take offense to this post)

I am going to reply to this post again because it brought something to mind.

As the Praise Team leader I have a dilemma that I face. We have kids that have been raised in a complex world and they think on every level. The younger part of the church likes those songs that "don't flow". They are complex and speak on several levels.

The older crowd wants it delivered to them in a simple package. Largely, gone are the days of the 7-11 songs (7 words sang over and over 11 times). The songs are increasingly complex in the thought that they deliver and have words that come at you on more than one level.

But this is the way the newer generation thinks. They are multi-taskers. So... as the one who chooses the songs... it is a real dilemma as to which songs to choose. Some are confused by what others finally feel speaks to them while others songs please one crowd and seem simplistic and daze the mind of this fast moving multi-tasking generation.

It is something that I have to deal with all the time.

The older generation that I know doesn't enjoy "7-11" songs; they enjoy older hymns, many of which were far more complex than some of the stuff presented today. From a literary standpoint alone, very few modern worship songs are on par with old hymns like "Rock of Ages", "Just As I Am", "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God", etc. As a parent, when I think of songs that are important for my children to know, the classic hymns are my first pick.

Either way, as a worship leader, the idea is to lead the whole congregation in worship. The music needs to appeal to a broad range of people. That means the extreme, edgy stuff should be left out of main services so as not to exclude anyone.

I would rather sing a song that has been sung a million times and have everyone in the congregation participating than sing a new one that only a handful of young people know so we're "hip and fresh."

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

The older generation that I know doesn't enjoy "7-11" songs; they enjoy older hymns, many of which were far more complex than some of the stuff presented today. From a literary standpoint alone, very few modern worship songs are on par with old hymns like "Rock of Ages", "Just As I Am", "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God", etc. As a parent, when I think of songs that are important for my children to know, the classic hymns are my first pick.

Either way, as a worship leader, the idea is to lead the whole congregation in worship. The music needs to appeal to a broad range of people. That means the extreme, edgy stuff should be left out of main services so as not to exclude anyone.

I would rather sing a song that has been sung a million times and have everyone in the congregation participating than sing a new one that only a handful of young people know so we're "hip and fresh."

We're on the same page here!

[Digging4Truth]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

The older generation that I know doesn't enjoy "7-11" songs; they enjoy older hymns, many of which were far more complex than some of the stuff presented today. From a literary standpoint alone, very few modern worship songs are on par with old hymns like "Rock of Ages", "Just As I Am", "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God", etc. As a parent, when I think of songs that are important for my children to know, the classic hymns are my first pick.

Either way, as a worship leader, the idea is to lead the whole congregation in worship. The music needs to appeal to a broad range of people. That means the extreme, edgy stuff should be left out of main services so as not to exclude anyone.

I would rather sing a song that has been sung a million times and have everyone in the congregation participating than sing a new one that only a handful of young people know so we're "hip and fresh."

There is no searching for hip & fresh over here. It's about what songs speak to us as a people.

When we sing the new songs... we have a move of God. People worshiping with a few folded hands.

Then when we sing the few old songs we know. The same people have folded hands.

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by Digging4Truth

Well... several things.

I might as well be honest. And this is just me... not any kind of spiritual point. Just how I feel as a person who deals with this.

Over here we have a problem. You know how older musicians can't play the newer songs? I have all young musicians (18 or younger) and they can't play the older songs. So I get a lot of gripes about the lack of older songs. When I find a good chord chart on an older song we will go with it but, even that, is often a remake on an older song.

BUT... I have also noticed that when I do play the older songs... they don't do anything then either. LOL. So what changes? Why take the effort when they are going to sit on me then as well when I can play what comes easier and the house fills with worship? It's like they want the old songs for entertainment purposes or nostalgia's sake

Of course... that is here... and not everywhere. But I get constant remarks from one particular gentleman and when we are able to play an old one he still just sits there with his arms folded.

It begins to not be worth the effort to find an old song after much searching with scores of great songs just waiting to be chosen.

I know it's a challenge and like MissB stated - - I don't like the 7-11 songs either.

[Digging4Truth]

Originally Posted by rgcraig

I know it's a challenge and like MissB stated - - I don't like the 7-11 songs either.

I don't either. And from Miss B's post I noted that the older songs were more complex so it appears that we went through a 7-11 phase. Glad it's past.

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by Digging4Truth

There is no searching for hip & fresh over here. It's about what songs speak to us as a people.

When we sing the new songs... we have a move of God. People worshiping with a few folded hands.

Then when we sing the few old songs we know. The same people have folded hands.

I understand. We have the same issue sometimes. Some people will always be that way. Strive for balance, but then don't feel too responsible for the outcome. I mean, if you get up on Sunday morning and you worship God with all your heart and you use the best music you can get your hands on, what more can anyone ask? Bottom line, you do the best you can do, and leave the rest in God's hands.

From a worship leading perspective, it's very important to think of the congregation as a whole, and not in isolated groups. Think of music in terms of what will appeal to the whole group, and don't leave anyone out. There is music that will work.

Also, educate your musicians and praise singers. If they can't play hymns and older songs, teach them. Don't use "new arrangements" as a crutch. Teach them right off the old sheet music, and help them develop an appreciation for classic church music. It's good for them to stretch outside of their comfort zones. They may someday have a ministry that's broader than your music department, and they will benefit from having a broader repertoire. And if they understand the real meaning behind a song like "Rock of Ages", examined line by line, they may be able to get into it more than you might think.

[Digging4Truth]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

I understand. We have the same issue sometimes. Some people will always be that way. Strive for balance, but then don't feel too responsible for the outcome. I mean, if you get up on Sunday morning and you worship God with all your heart and you use the best music you can get your hands on, what more can anyone ask? Bottom line, you do the best you can do, and leave the rest in God's hands.

From a worship leading perspective, it's very important to think of the congregation as a whole, and not in isolated groups. Think of music in terms of what will appeal to the whole group, and don't leave anyone out. There is music that will work.

Also, educate your musicians and praise singers. If they can't play hymns and older songs, teach them. Don't use "new arrangements" as a crutch. Teach them right off the old sheet music, and help them develop an appreciation for classic church music. It's good for them to stretch outside of their comfort zones. They may someday have a ministry that's broader than your music department, and they will benefit from having a broader repertoire. And if they understand the real meaning behind a song like "Rock of Ages", examined line by line, they may be able to get into it more than you might think.

That would help if I did have old sheet music if it had chords on it. They can play most anything if they have chords. They can't play out of the book or read sheet music. Like I said... the oldest is 18.

But if I had chord charts there is little they cannot do. As a matter of fact the more complicated the chord structure is the better they do.