What do you think of worship music?

Question

I'm a worship musician and I have had a fair amount of conversations about worship music in general. One of the major comments I've had about worship music is that it is 'corny' and 'too indoctrinating' and that it is not 'truly holy'. These comments have come from both Christians, agnostics and atheists;
What is your own opinion of modern worship music and how should I respond to these comments?

I'm not talking about it as a money thing but a spiritual thing.

Answer 1

I think that no matter what you do with your music, someone out there is going to complain and have a problem with it- whether their problem is biblically based or not is the question.

Eash person in their worship has to examine the motives of their own heart and be discerning regarding where the Holy Spirit is leading them - they will be accountable to God alone regarding where they are leading people with their worship and what their motivations truly were. As for the listener, they will be accountable to God over whether they were truly discerning about what they were feeding their soul and what their motivations were for it, also they will be accountable for ungodly criticism towards the worshippers.

We are called to worship in spirit and in truth.

I believe God gave us music as a gift but as with any gift God has given us - the enemy offers a counterfeit and we must bediscerning- especially in hte case of music as Lucifer was created to be music.
When I listen to worship music I think about the music itself- music, no matter what words you put to it speaks a message- Angry music is angry music and ministers anger, the same goes with rebellious, prideful music- it ministers those things and speaks those things to the soul regardless of the words you put to the music- Music does not have to be boring- it can be lively and joyful but we do have to be discerning aboutthe message the music itself speaks.
I then look at the words- are the words scripturally sound or are they speaking a mixed message? What do the words mean and who are they speaking to? There is some musicthat is worship music- the music talks about the glory and greatness of God- it is focussed on God, other music talks a lot about "I", what I will do, what I think - this is not worship this and music that speaks to the people about God is not worship- it is evangelical music and though there is a place for it, it should not be offered up as worship.

If someone makes a negative comment about your music, I suggest- do not get defensive or offended- tell them thank you for your concern and I will take this matter up in prayer- ask them for scriptural evidence that the music is inappropriate and let them know you will ask for discernment and direction regarding the music.

If it is a personal taste issue- well, you cannot please everyone all the time- they don't have to listen ot it forever so 1/2 hour to an hour a week of worship music they just 'don't care for' won't kill them.

Answer 2

Having played in a Christian band, some of what we played being Worship music, I will make the following comments.

What makes the music "Holy" is the hearts of the players and listeners, not the notes or the words. This means a song could be Holy one day, and not the next. Or even both at the same time, to different listeners. I have heared "Happy Birthday" sung in a Church on Christmas morning, and it was Holy.

Music is corny when listened to by cynics. Any music can be corny, worship music, rock, metal, country, folk - anything if you take a cynical view.

I don't understand the comment about it being Indoctrinating. Are you threatening to hit them over the head with your bass if they don't convert listening to you? No - thought not. Was the person who said this unsure of their position and felt threatened. Good.

Answer 3

I come from a background where worship music was considered the devils music. It is extremely repetitive and sometimes isn't even scriptural.

But all that aside I like worship music, It definatly does what it is meant to do, it puts you in a worshipful mood. This is another complaint from my former association, it is hypnotic and opens your mind to the spirit world and demons can get in. Well I don't think that anymore but they do have a point.

I do like it but really to use something I heard Chuck Swindal said 7-11 music has its place (seven words sung 11 times) but I still like the hymns that have an actual scriptural message and teach doctrine.

As long as worship music isn't the only kind of music you use in your worship its fine. Remember the scripture tells us to sing spiritual songs ( I would put worship music into that catagory) Hymns, and Psalms. In other words BALANCE.

Answer 4

The great underestimated difficulty in our churches is the confusion of spirit and soul. I think we need to have an understanding of our own brokenness, and God's great love and mercy, before we can really worship in "Spirit and Truth" Very often we think that something spiritual is going on,when really only the emotions are being tickled a bit. This applies, of course, not only to music, but many other aspects of church life. I recommend a book by Watchman Nee, called "The latent power of the soul"

Answer 5

I love worship music, singing to the Lord always makes me feel close to Him. Modern music may be different, but music 50 or 75 years ago is not the same as1500 years ago. I think some people just don't like any kind of change. Music expresses the soul, not everyone will agree on how to speak from the soul.

Answer 6

Worship music of today is the healthiest it has ever been in history. At no other time has there been such an outpouring of diverse musical expressions to and about God. Worship songs are being written in every language, every style, and from every perspective.

But a little bit about your specific questions. Someone who would call music "corny" is simply not relating to the musical style of the worship music they have experienced and needs to seek out a style of worship that speaks to them. Someone who would label worship as not "truly holy" is simply not relating to the lyrical style of the worship music they have experienced and, again, needs to seek out a lyrical format that speaks to them. In terms of worship being "too indoctrinating", well...that's kind of the point. Worship is designed to focus the individual on the Almighty and, while its debatable whether or not doctrine truly accomplishes this, doctrine is certainly intended to facilitate this. So, someone who complains about the worship lyrics at their church being "too indoctrinating", needs to find a church whose doctrine aligns with their paradigm...as long as it can be backed up scripturally, of course. A lot of times doctrine will make us uncomfortable and it should because we are out of alignment with God and need to adjust our personal paradigm.

In conclusion, people who complain about worship because of the musical style are STUPID...not IMO but in fact. That goes for those who complain about hard rock worship and those who complain about liturgical hymns equally. Get over it people!

Answer 7

I absolutely LOVE worship music...you must understand that only people who have a relationship with God will truly appreciate worship music. It's particularly important in church because it sets the atmosphere and ushers the Holy Spirit into the place. Worship music is about Christ and not about us. It's simply giving Him the glory through the music. There are people who can sing, but there are people who sing with the anointing of the Holy Spirit and believe me, it's the anointing that makes the difference! So go ahead and do your thang! :)

Answer 8

1. Ask what they would suggest if they have complaints.
2. It should be upbeat.
3. Tell them its Holy because God is Holy.
4. I don't know what religion you are. But some do use indoctrinating music w/ a catchy tune. Personally, I like that because it strengthens my beliefs. If they feel that way.Maybe they don't really have a strong witness of your particular doctrine. Let God lead you, not them. Please,please leave the corny music down in children's church!!!!!!! It turns people off! Agnostics/atheists are just being mean. Remember, they don't even believe in God. Don't respond to them @ all. Just pray for their souls. God Bless!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 9

I do think its rather corny. I also cant stand christian rock. I think it is completely disrespectful and throws around the name of God like the word baby in a pop song.

I dont see how rocking out and screaming about your faith and belief in any way glorifies God or brings his spirit into any room.

If worship music is respectful with a good message then I am ok with it, but I would rather listen to far more classical music and uplifting secular songs.
Songs can be about love and beauty and truth and not be religious music to be worship music.

Answer 10

As a young christian i feel that modern worship music [mainly the rock type] appeals to me more than traditional stuff!... I guess some people, sadly, dont understand the importance of touching people through music!... Continue doing what you do, maybe taking on board these feedbacks and i hope you succeed!

God bless x

*My older sister is also trying the same thing, writing lyrics and producing beats. You can't please everyone all the time!* =)