Saturday, March 15, 2014

The Music

When it comes to music, substance matters but so does style. Not that there is a genre of music that is more acceptable to the Lord than any other, rather the type of music must fit the people that are to be reached. I do not intend to open a debate on music in the church but rather to state plainly the leading of the Lord for the direction of Freedom Church as to how we are called to worship and reach the lost. The call of God is unique and our path does not diminish in any way that upon which you walk.

For the people we are to reach, we are going to be playing a rock music worship. Imagine the common contemporary worship ramped up several notches. There is a burning desire in my heart to see musicians able to fully worship God with all their skill on their instruments. For those we seek, that means finding musicians and a worship pastor that rock (and maybe a little blues once and a while for good measure) is their preferred style who may feel constrained by what they consider tame music. Not long ago, in a worship service at Rock Church, I had tears come to my eyes when the lead guitarist threw all of his skill into worshiping God on his electric guitar. In the midst of my tears, one thought came to mind, "This is how Freedom Church is to honor God with music."

For many, contemporary worship styles or hymns are a full expression of their worship. This doesn't mean they're lesser musicians but that they are called to a different style. A difference of genre and call are never to be considered a lack of skill or earnest in a desire to bring glory to the name of Jesus. Those we seek are only cut from a different cloth. We're not looking for the disgruntled but for people who desire to honor the Lord through a unique worship experience.

The conclusion that has been reached is after a lot of prayer and observation. I have spent a lot of time with the types of people Freedom Church is being planted to reach. I pay attention to what they listen to on the job and at home. Rock is the dominant style I hear with country coming in a close second and that with more of a rock flair. I hear both classic and newer styles being listened to in nearly equal measures. After much prayer and wise counsel from trusted men and women of God, this is the direction we feel the Lord is calling us to go.

To that end, we need the right people to lead the music ministry and work to build it. Within the guidelines we have to work with, albeit loose ones, the worship pastor will have a great deal of freedom to design and build the program from the ground up and recruit musicians, singers, and the sound techs. As more money is raised, better resources will become available. Ultimately, what we need is someone who can lead people into worship in a with music that reaches the people we need to reach.

The music we feel called to is a blend of old and new rock styles. Old school stuff like I grew up on will draw in some while music from bands like Skillet, Day of Fire, and Red will connect with the rest. My own heart has been touched often my these and several other modern Christian rockers. I've also experienced the great joy of lifting up Jesus with more familiar songs arranged with a harder edge to the music.

The power of music to move hearts and minds and draw them closer to Christ cannot be minimized. For the unchurched and dechurched, communicating the Gospel and worshiping in a style of music they're already comfortable with helps to break down the barriers life and the enemy have put into their hearts. It worked for me. It was the music that morning so many years ago that the Holy Spirit used to first grab my heart. It was familiar in style and genre but the words and the intent of the musicians was different. Jesus was in their hearts and minds as they played combined with a genuine desire to lead the crowd into the throne room of God.

This is going to be a great challenge. Honoring Christ through music is central to the ministry. In everything, it must compliment prayer, the teaching of the Word, and building community. There are going to be difficulties and even some resistance. For the sake of the lost, it will be worth it for each soul snatched from the fires of hell.

If you're a musician reading this, please prayerfully consider whether this call is for you or for one you know. We are seeking the right people with all of our efforts. Before we can proceed, this is the one position that must be filled. We're seeking referrals if you are not led to join us. A great and challenging adventure lies before us. The Glory of God and His Word will go forth!

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