I often hear complaints about the state of praise & worship music these days (including Jesus is my boyfriend–type lyricism, blatant commercialism, bland musicianship, etc.). While much of this criticism is warranted, the question before us is How do we move forward? I continue to believe that connecting and worshiping God through music is important for individuals, families and churches — so, how do move from a posture of frowning critique into constructive adaptation?
Part of me thinks that the answer is found in face-melting, barn-burning, harmonized guitar solos.
Take a listen to God Almighty, None Compares from the latest David Crowder*Band release, Church Music (particularly the over one minute long solo from about the 4:50 mark).
There’s something about not taking ourselves so seriously that we discover in worshiping God (and, of course, “worship” happens outside of the setting of music all the time).
It’s easy to go through the motions, stay wrapped up in ourselves, and never become re-sized in the presence of our incredible God. For me, the bland formulaic sameness of much of praise & worship lulls me into monotony, encouraging me to stay where I am, never pushing me beyond myself.
However, an over-the-top blazing solo catches my attention. When I am exposed to over sixty seconds of guitar shredding, I am surprised. I take notice, and smirk with ironic glee. And I am reminded not to take myself so seriously.
Songwriters and musicians, break free from formulas! Venture outside of comfortable bounds of worship, be the church for a broken world, discover the innumerable ways in which God is already alive & at work in His world… and then write songs that reflect new life, new creation, and the eternal kind of life today! And, by all means, rip more axe-shredding solos!
headsparks* 
Is that band serious? Maybe I’m that out of touch. Who is this guy? Sounds like Muse being religious. I’d be hard pressed to feel like I was getting in touch with God while listening to that.
J – Haha! Dude, you crack me up :) That’s a good analogy – the song is pretty Muse-y in its melodrama. I think I’m overexposed to lots of bland praise & worship music. Sometimes I’ll listen to a Pandora station of p&w songs and, after like 20 minutes, it starts to feel like there’s only one band playing all these songs. At that point, I’m grateful for anything that stands out.
Great post Dan. I think many, with good intentions, seek to be prophets in their critique of worship, theology and everything else Christian. However, it’s easy to stay in that mode and lose sight of our priestly duties as caretakers sometimes. I think you’re right in that we need to not take ourselves so seriously. Listening to “God Almighty, None Compares” was like a time warp for me, loved it. Although, I don’t have any intentions to bring back my mullet, as that would no doubt be an offense to our lord!
Edwin – Thanks for the kind words and the insight. I sometimes find myself slipping into “critique-only” mode – not a good place to be, and definitely not constructive for the future. One point of disagreement, though: mullets rule! ;) You gotta bring back the SFLB (short in front, long in back). I can see it now: “Soccer Rockers for Jesus!” :D
I’ve got some mullet pics I could show you from my days in High School.
This is a timely piece for me. I’ve openly proscribed any attempts at a “worship time” during our gatherings for the past 7 months, specifically because I’ve been trying to avoid the “performance church” trap it seems to inevitably lead to. Yet, I recognize that it is an especially powerful way for people to join in their worship together, one that particularly appeals certain folks. Consequently, I’ve given lots of thought to how a church could engage its people in forms of corporate worship that utilize music without seeing it degenerating into a spectator event.
At this point the only answer I have is to strip it WAY back, give it less time and prominence, and liberally mix in other interactive elements (lectio divina, communion, common prayer, etc.).
I’m open to other suggestions.
Jason – Ooh, mullet pics! I am so with you on the “performance trap” dilemma of worshiping through music. I like your community’s approach — I think weaving simplified music throughout a gathering is a more creative, interactive way than tossing off a couple of rousing anthems just because. We’re totally trying to figure how to do this in a more traditional setting, but to foster participation, engagement and reflection. Very much a work in progress :)
hey danny, actually just saw dcb tonight and happened to read your latest post after the concert. have to say, i was absolutely awed by “God Almighty, None Compares.” props to the band for taking something so sick, wrong, and full of guilty pleasure, i.e. guitarmony, and turning it into something that 100% praises God. He showed through david and co. how we can worship in the truth of who we are, using our personalities to create genuine songs of praise that express our desire to be closer to Him. speaking with a friend tonight after the concert, we came to the conclusion that such imagery and descriptions of God only come about when we are close enough to God that He reveals more of his glory and we are in the place and state of mind to transcribe such revelations. definitely a great time of worship. wish u coulda been there!
Hey brobro – I *heart* your new word: “guitarmony.” That’s going to become a slogan for me. Maybe on my FB page… I totally appreciate your perspective. Yes, we are called to be ourselves as we seek after God — including our unique personalities, quirks and even goofiness. Such a freeing (and face-melting) truth :)