WorshipGTRWorshipGTR

    Subscribe to Updates

    Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

    Newsletter

    Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

    What's Hot

    From Hard Rock to a Heart of Worship

    June 2, 2023

    How David Reveals the Heart of Worship

    May 10, 2023

    The Tension Between Art and Worship

    May 3, 2023
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    • The Worship Guitar Magazine Story
    • Stay in the Loop
    • Write for Us
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    Facebook Instagram YouTube
    WorshipGTRWorshipGTR
    • Featured
    • Gear
      1. Electric Guitar
      2. Acoustic Guitar
      3. Bass Guitars
      4. Guitar Amps
      5. Effects Pedals
      6. Parts & Accessories
      7. Manufacturer Interviews
      8. View All

      Gretsch G5622T Electromatic Center Block Double-Cut Electric Guitar Review

      February 8, 2022

      Choosing an Electric Guitar for Worship

      July 17, 2021

      Gretsch G6609TFM Players Edition Broadkaster Centerblock Electric Guitar Review

      September 9, 2020

      Eastman SB56/N-GD Gold Top Electric Guitar w/ Lollar P90’s Review

      August 12, 2019

      Martin Authentic Lifespan 2.0 Acoustic Guitar Strings Review

      January 9, 2021

      Martin D-28 (2017) Re-imagined Standard Series Acoustic Guitar Review

      March 15, 2019

      Martin Guitar to Debut Three New X Series Dreadnought Guitars, Along with New Premium Classical and Ukulele Strings at Winter NAMM 2018

      January 22, 2019

      Martin Guitar to Debut Three New Authentic Series Models, a New FSC®-Certified Acoustic-Electric Model, and Several Limited Edition Models at Winter NAMM 2018

      January 18, 2019

      Fishman Expands Fluence Line with Multi-Voice Bass Pickups

      January 10, 2019

      Lollar Announces Release of ’70s J-Bass Pickup Set

      January 9, 2019

      One Control Launches the Blue 360 Bass Preamp

      December 19, 2018

      Mesa/Boogie Introduces the Subway WD-800, Subway Ultra-Lite Cabinets, and Subway Preamp

      December 7, 2018

      Vox Unveils the VX50 GTV and VX15 GT

      January 15, 2019

      Fishman Launches the Loudbox Mini

      January 10, 2019

      Blackstar Announces the Studio10 Series

      January 10, 2019

      Orange Amplification Unveils the Pedal Baby 100

      January 10, 2019

      JET Pedals Releases The Red Sea

      November 13, 2022

      Staff Pick: RJM Music Mastermind PBC

      August 9, 2021

      Temple Audio Duo 24 Pedalboard Review

      August 16, 2019

      Cusack Screamer Fuzz Germanium Limited Edition Effects Pedal Review

      August 14, 2019

      Martin Authentic Lifespan 2.0 Acoustic Guitar Strings Review

      January 9, 2021

      Temple Audio Duo 24 Pedalboard Review

      August 16, 2019

      Martin Guitar to Debut Three New X Series Dreadnought Guitars, Along with New Premium Classical and Ukulele Strings at Winter NAMM 2018

      January 22, 2019

      ENKI Updates the AMG-2 Series

      January 14, 2019

      Manufacturer Spotlight Interview with Barefoot Buttons

      April 2, 2018

      Manufacturer Spotlight: Analog Endeavors

      October 18, 2017

      The Jackson Audio Prism Boost/Overdrive Pedal is Here

      December 2, 2016

      Manufacturer Spotlight: Noble Amplifier Company

      July 26, 2016

      JET Pedals Releases The Red Sea

      November 13, 2022

      Gretsch G5622T Electromatic Center Block Double-Cut Electric Guitar Review

      February 8, 2022

      Staff Pick: RJM Music Mastermind PBC

      August 9, 2021

      Choosing an Electric Guitar for Worship

      July 17, 2021
    • Music
      1. Reviews
      2. Interviews
      Featured
      Album Reviews

      Rattle! – Elevation’s Viral Easter Release is a Must Listen

      WorshipGtr TeamApril 16, 2020
      Recent

      Rattle! – Elevation’s Viral Easter Release is a Must Listen

      April 16, 2020

      Children of Light Album Review

      May 16, 2017

      An Afternoon with Temple Veil

      December 5, 2016
    • Learning
      1. For Worship Leaders
      2. For Sound Guys
      3. Stage Design and Lighting
      4. View All

      How David Reveals the Heart of Worship

      May 10, 2023

      The Tension Between Art and Worship

      May 3, 2023

      How to Know You’re Growing Closer to God

      April 26, 2023

      3 Tips and Tricks for Learning to Play with Tracks and In-Ears

      January 23, 2023

      3 Tips and Tricks for Learning to Play with Tracks and In-Ears

      January 23, 2023

      Easter – Embracing the Stress

      March 9, 2018

      Getting Team Buy-In From Your Worship Band Members

      January 12, 2018

      The 1 Piece of Gear You Should Not Overlook – The SGI Box

      September 5, 2017

      5 Affordable Stage Design Elements

      June 2, 2017

      How David Reveals the Heart of Worship

      May 10, 2023

      The Tension Between Art and Worship

      May 3, 2023

      How to Know You’re Growing Closer to God

      April 26, 2023

      3 Tips and Tricks for Learning to Play with Tracks and In-Ears

      January 23, 2023
    • Spiritual Development
      1. Verse of the Week
      2. View All

      Jeremiah 7:2

      April 25, 2016

      Psalm 100:2

      April 18, 2016

      John 4:23

      November 16, 2015

      Isaiah 25:1

      October 23, 2015

      Easter – Embracing the Stress

      March 9, 2018

      Bridging the Gap (Between Traditional and Modern)

      June 14, 2017

      What I Have Learned and Am Still Learning About the Worship Wars

      December 28, 2016

      The First Time I Ever Led Worship

      December 27, 2016
    • JET Pedals
    • Contact Us
    WorshipGTRWorshipGTR
    Devotionals

    Bridging the Gap (Between Traditional and Modern)

    WorshipGtr TeamBy WorshipGtr TeamJune 14, 20172 Comments7 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Bridging the Gap Between Contemporary and Traditional Worship Styles
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    When I was a teenager, just starting to play the guitar and leading worship, I was often met with resistance from “traditionalists.” Their arguments against “contemporary” worship was that it was too repetitive, was not substantial, lacked theology, was not sacred enough, and a whole bunch of other claims arguing for modern music’s inferiority to hymns. Funnily, their definition of a hymn ranged from the oldest songs we know, like the 8th century’s “Be Though My Vision” to “Victory in Jesus” written in 1939. What I wanted to know was what constituted a hymn? By what measure did we decide to make one song a hymn, and another a “praise and worship” song (That is what everyone used to call the newer songs in the 80s and 90s)?

    I would look at various factors and compare. A hymn has multiple verses, but so do modern songs. A hymn supposedly has deep theological expression. But when examining the text of many hymns this is a misconception. Many hymns have simple expressions of faith that have no theological depth whatsoever. A great example is “Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling,” a song that may be right, but has very little to back up its claims. It is poetic language set to express something of one’s ideas about Jesus. Hymns are filled with poetic lines that sometimes don’t mean much of anything, they simply rhyme. The same is true for today’s songs. Many have lines containing deep theologically sound expressions of worship. While others are filler, meant to complete an artistic vision or to get the singers to the next line. It happens.

    I could go on and argue the silliness of some of the arguments and merits of the arguments between traditional and modern music in the church, but that would be tedious. What I know is that modern music and hymns constitute men and women reaching out in worship for the sake of the church. As new generations comes along and expresses themselves in worship there may be some signs of immaturity that mark the beginning of a movement, and this is true throughout history, but it is undeniable that when these men and women get their bearings, we all benefit from their songs as they help us worship. For example, if I look at recent worship music-writing churches like Elevation or Bethel and trace their songwriting back 5-10 years I am amazed at the artistic and theological progression that can be seen. These two churches in particular have always produced good music to an extent, but their most recent releases show theological depth that is really fun to read through. Many of their songs can stand tow to tow with the best hymns and be acceptable. And as always there are some pretty poorly written songs out there that are bland and theologically shallow. But this is true about some hymns, they just are the unpopular ones that no one singsor never got included in a hymnal. Lest I continue down this rabbit trail forever, let me summarize and say that the only difference between well written modern worship songs and well written hymns is time period. I am a theologian and historian, and I love to understand where we have been as the people of God. But I cannot let my love of what has passed distract me from what God has called all of us to do in every present; build his Kingdom here on Earth.

    With that being said, the argument between hymn vs. modern comes down in most cases to preference. Most people who argue for hymns or “traditional” music of any kind prefer it. They are church people. The same is true for those who argue for modern music in the church, they are also church people. They are there already to engage in the argument. But there is a third group of people that must be considered, the un-churched. If we do not consider this group in our discussion, then we all have lost the plot. Most of us operate by trying to convince people to come into our comfort zone in order to experience the church and have an encounter with Jesus. We ask them to overcome significant barriers to even get in the door. The outsider must shift his or her schedule, walk into a foreign environment, get over any preconceived notions they have, and meet brand new people, most of whom already know each other. These are significant barriers for most people to overcome. I sincerely believe that modern music helps remove some of those barriers, since most people will be familiar with the form, if not the content. My goal is to get non-Christians to sing. My favorite stories people tell me are not when they thought the band was awesome, or even that worship was “intense,” but when people I know who are far from God tell me they didn’t know what was wrong with them, they were just overcome and started to sing. This is the goal. I want to create an environment that partners with the Holy Spirit by removing as many barriers and pointing people, especially non-believers, to Jesus. So for me, the question isn’t what style you prefer, but what style non-believers prefer. What is going to be the easiest style of music to get them singing? It has to reflect, in some way, the music they listen to. It has to be a form of pop music. It is popular music after all as the name suggests.

    I admit I have not always believed this. I was a huge folk-acoustic fan and, especially through college, believed that was the only way to make authentic and poetic music. But the truth is, it cannot be about my preference, but non-believers preference. Again, I say this specifically in light of the fact that modern music can be as deep and thoughtful as ancient music. So for me, the gap between modern and traditional has shifted from music to the heart. If I engage in discussion or debate about the styles, I am comfortable and confident to say I will sacrifice my preference for the sake if the non-believer. Our pastor made a statement this week about our church being on mission, and I love it. He said, “Our attitude must be that we exist for the benefit of those who do not yet know Jesus Christ.” I think that applies to worship. I do what I do, how I do it, and why I do it, for the benefit of those who do not yet know Jesus. That is where my bridge is being built. If people do not engage with me on that argument, then a bridge is impossible to build because we are on different paths altogether. If someone can argue effectively for traditional forms of music being easily accessible for our culture and can effectively engage those who do not yet know Jesus, then I am all ears. What I will not do is pander to Christians who simply want their preference, and so I will ask bluntly that we lay down our preferences for the sake of others’. This is the way of the cross, the way of Jesus, and the true nature of worship. How do we bridge the gap? By understanding our heart-cry for the lost, and casting that vision. It is not a preference bridge, but a heart bridge. If that is met with resistance I will maintain we are at an impasse and continue on my mission to get non-believers to worship.

    The JET Revelation Reverb - the new worship standard
    bannerfeatured featuredhome leading worship traditional vs. contemporary worship leadership worship styles worship wars
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    WorshipGtr Team
    • Website

    Related Posts

    From Hard Rock to a Heart of Worship

    June 2, 2023

    How David Reveals the Heart of Worship

    May 10, 2023

    The Tension Between Art and Worship

    May 3, 2023

    How to Know You’re Growing Closer to God

    April 26, 2023
    View 2 Comments

    2 Comments

    1. Jeff on July 21, 2017 1:08 pm

      What you fail to recognize is that worship is not for the non-believer and their preferences. Worship is for the Almighty God and must be done spirit and truth to be true worship. Both of which are not done by non-believers.

      Reply
      • Aaron Lehman on July 25, 2017 2:58 pm

        Thanks for the comment Jeff. I think what Ryan was trying to get at with this article was that we as churches miss reaching non-believers and by having relevant music we can better reach them. In the bible we are called to go forth and create disciples and reach the lost. What better worship can we bring forth for the Lord than to sacrifice our preferences to reach the lost.

        All that being said I can definitely see your point and that is why this is all so hard. Matters of such are definitely 6 to one half dozen to another. I appreciate your point of view and feedback!

        Reply

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Stay in the Loop

    Signup for our monthly newsletter and stay up to date on the latest worship guitar news, resources, gear and more.

    Editors Picks

    Worship Leader’s Review: Alclair Tour Triple Driver In Ear Monitors

    January 29, 2018

    5 Tips for Building Comradery on Your Team

    August 9, 2017

    Simple vs. Complex: My Experience with Analog & Digital Delays

    February 21, 2017

    The Nightmare Before Christmas (Worship)

    December 1, 2016
    Top Reviews
    Advertisement
    WorshipGTR
    Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube
    • The Worship Guitar Magazine Story
    • Stay in the Loop
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Write for Us
    © 2023 WorshipGTR

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.