Why contemporary?
While the discussion of the use of contemporary vs. traditional music in
church is one that can go on at great length, here are a few basic questions we
must grapple with and principles which influence our music choices at SBF.
Think about this...
Traditional to whom?
There are some well-meaning Christians who will say that it is important to
center the music used in the church setting around time-honored traditional
music. But it doesn't take long to see that what is traditional for one
person is not traditional for another. It depends greatly on one's
background. We begin to see that the affinity some have for traditional
music is based on a feeling of nostalgia for certain songs, or preferences for a
certain musical style. God wants us to move beyond this and focus on more
important things.
Music that is now considered "traditional" was once
"contemporary."
Watts, Wesley, Luther, Handel-- all of these musicians were derided in their day
by those who did not like their new music. But now their music is
classic. We often have trouble accepting change. But if we are
resistant to any change, how can God use us in this day and age? God wants us to
move out of our comfort zones.
We must be relevant.
The main reason to be relevant to people in this culture and time is that we are
called to express the message of Christ in the most effective ways
possible. That means we communicate in ways that people outside the church
can relate to, rather than expect unchurched to take great strides to relate to
us. Whether we are talking about music, the spoken message, the printed
message or the use of creative communication such as drama and multimedia, God expects us to be effective and relevant in our worship, and in our
telling of the message of the Gospel.
What does contemporary worship communicate?
It communicates that while we hold to the historic tenets of the Christian
faith, these tenets can be expressed in fresh, creative ways. It
demonstrates that the church is not stuck in the past, but can relate to people
here and now. It demonstrates that worship can be enjoyed, and that the
church is concerned with the present. Contemporary music also opens up to
the local church the wealth of musical expression that Christ-followers today
are singing.
