Music Matters
August 2007
Worship Wars?
It seems like every time I turn around I hear another shot being fired in what
I’ve heard called the “worship wars”…and I wonder if/why the war is necessary.
Some insist that there should be NO music in worship—that any music distracts
from the focus of worship being on God. Others insist that the only acceptable
music style is what is commonly called “praise” music—that traditional music
(organ/choir) doesn’t speak to people today. And still others insist that
worship isn’t worship without the use of the organ and/or choir—that praise
music is shallow entertainment.
For some, a sermon is the only way to share God’s word. Others find it in
drama…and still others in silence.
Does worship have to be an either/or? If it is, doesn’t that in and of itself
distract our focus from the worship of God?
I am a classically trained organist and play in more traditional
congregations—yet I also worship in a congregation that uses bands almost every
Sunday. I enjoy a well-thought-out, Spirit-filled sermon—and I also take part in
(and write) dramas. Sometimes I like the noise and bustle of a vibrant group of
people; other times I need to worship God in silence.
God has created each of us uniquely, and because of that, each of us will
respond to different elements of worship. This challenges us!
How can we rejoice in our diversity without it being divisive?
Perhaps the key can be found in some comments made by Gregory Norton:*
…[W]hat the church needs now is creative, thoughtful
leadership that is not distracted by interpersonal turmoil….
Our people need a worship life that meets them where they are—and then
challenges them to move beyond themselves toward God….
…[T]he world needs to see a compelling witness to the power of cooperation
and working together.
Let us rejoice in the unique gifts/skills/talents that each one
brings to God’s table. Let us be open to hearing God’s voice calling to us in
new ways. Let us call a truce to worship wars and work together to discover what
it is that matters most in our worship of God.
*The Rev. Gregory Norton serves at the Pasadena Presbyterian
Church in Pasadena, California. He also serves as chaplain to the American Guild
of Organists.
—Pam Robison
If you have suggestions or ideas for future columns, please contact:
Jan Kraybill
Principal Organist and Director of Music
Community of Christ Headquarters
Independence, MO, USA
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