Conflict Over Musical Styles in Christian Worship
“There is a difference between going to a service “for the worship” and going to a service “to worship the Lord.” The distinction appears to be a minor one, but it may imply the difference between the worship of God and the worship of music!”
-Sinclair Ferguson (A Heart for God, 1987, p. 110)
IS CONFLICT OVER MUSICAL STYLES ANYTHING NEW?
To assert that conflict over music in the Christian church is a new issue would show a lack of understanding of church history. As Solomon said, “There is nothing new under the sun.” Historically, every change in worship style is accompanied by controversy. Monophonic Gregorian chant gave way to polyphonic music, which introduced harmony to sacred music. Martin Luther used culturally relevant German hymns during the Protestant Reformation while John Calvin advocated for Psalms. Disputes arose between Luther’s and Calvin’s followers regarding which musical style was appropriate. Now widely regarded as one of the greatest hymn writers, Isaac Watts received criticism for his texts. Some considered his lyrics man-centered and humanistic. Conflict over innovation in musical style continues today. Conflict within the church over musical styles is not new, and neither are its root causes.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE ROOT CAUSES OF THE CONFLICT?
SELFISHNESS
One of the chief causes of conflict over musical style is selfishness expressed through preference. We want our way, and this attitude is not exclusive to a particular age demographic. Some argue when we sing too few hymns. Others battle when we do not sing enough modern songs. Often people have an unyielding attitude. They must have their way at all costs. Church leaders are not exempt from pushing personal worship preference upon their congregations. These attitudes are carnal and ungodly. James 4:1 says, “What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?” The visible strife we witness in the church proceeds from the hidden recesses of the heart.
CONSUMERISM
One of the pitfalls of living in a capitalistic culture is products are driven by demand from consumers. Pastors often feel pressure to meet the perceived needs of the culture and to compete with the church down the road for members. Although we must be attuned to the changes in culture, cultural shifts should not be the primary winds that direct the worship ministry. Concern with the experience of the church shopper often supersedes the spiritual needs of people already within the church. Although we should endeavor to work for unity in the church, people pleasing does not ultimately produce harmony; it only pacifies spiritually immature Christians and unbelievers.
PACE OF CHANGE
Sometimes conflict arises over worship when leadership is trying to change too fast. People are resistant to change. I once heard a country preacher say, “You know, Eric, you can’t push a rope. People have to be drawn!” Conversely, conflict can arise when leadership holds onto traditionalism at all costs. Both approaches, moving too fast or not at all, are stubborn in nature.
GENERATIONAL TRIBALISM
Generational tribalism is a contributing factor that causes friction in the church. Many young people want their style of music. Many older people want to hold onto what is comfortable to them. Is this not idolatry? Could we be guilty of exchanging the worship of God for the worship of style (Romans 1:21–23)?
HOUSTON, WE HAVE A PROBLEM! SO NOW WHAT?
The intent of this blog is not to inform the church that there is conflict in the church. Identifying the problem and some of its root causes is easy. I would fall short if I were to stop there. After twenty-four years in worship ministry, I have made a lot of missteps. However, I have learned a lot about leadership and people along the way. I will conclude this post by offering the reader a list of five steps to help unify a congregation amid diverse musical styles.
THE LEADERSHIP MUST BE ON THE SAME PAGE
The chief worship leader of the church is the senior pastor. He is responsible for keeping the unity of the flock (Eph. 4:3). If the senior pastor, worship pastor, and other leadership in the church are not unified over musical style, there is little hope for unity in the church body. The pastor and worship pastor must ask important questions. Why are we doing what we are doing? What needs to change? Why?
DEVELOP DISCIPLES, NOT CONSUMERS
Some of the root causes of conflict in the church (selfishness, consumerism, pride) would be eliminated if we spent more effort developing disciples. In Ephesians 4:11–16, Paul says pastors are to equip the saints for ministry. The goal is edification of the body, unity, knowledge of the things of God, maturity, and becoming more like Christ. When people are Christ-like, they no longer look to their own needs but to the needs of others. It will revolutionize the church! Think of the energy we spend dealing with conflict. Would it not be better spent by developing Christ-followers, who in turn produce more Christ-followers?
DEVELOP A MISSIONAL MINDSET IN YOUR CHURCH
We must change, or we will become irrelevant. However, we must not change for relevance’s sake. When you think you have arrived in your transition to becoming a more modern church, think again! Culture is constantly changing. That’s why you had to make changes in the first place. Worship has three audiences. The primary audience is God in three persons. The second audience is the believing church. Our worship should encourage the saints (Hebrews 10:24–25). The third audience is the unbelieving world. It helps if we are not primarily using music that was last culturally relevant a century ago. Whatever your church’s mission may be, the leadership must clearly communicate that vision. The mission will help clarify the “why.” Why are we using this musical style? The answer is to accomplish the mission of the church! Communication of the mission is best accomplished through the sermon and other teaching opportunities.
BE AUTHENTIC
Take an honest assessment of the talent and skills of those on your worship team. Don’t try to become something you’re not. Imitation usually falls short and is seen as a cheap knockoff of what you intended to be. I believe people are yearning for worship that is genuine, authentic, and true. The Holy Spirit will guide you into authentic worship if you yield your will to His. “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24).
SONG SELECTION IS CRITICAL
Biblically orthodox lyrics are a given when selecting songs for your congregation. However, I am amazed by the number of services I have attended that use songs that I can’t sing, and I’m a trained vocalist! If you want to have less conflict, you need to make the songs more comfortable for people to sing. I suggest using songs that are simple to learn, have a reasonable range, and use uncomplicated harmonic progressions.
