Writings

Beyond the Noise

In the era of contemporary Christian music which has been sweeping through the nation's churches for years, it is not unusual for a worship service to consist of loud to very loud music. Loud and vibrant music attracts youths and "seekers" to churches and to participate in worship services. Although, something seems lost in all this. Isn't it a distraction if you can't hear your own voice as you sing? Is our worship sometimes misdirected toward something temporal? These are very serious questions one must consider as people embrace newer ideas regarding worship; it is important that our intentions and our actions be genuine and acceptable. Though, amongst all the noise surrounding this issue, authentic worship can often be found in quietude.

The youth group at my church meets each Sunday evening, and the worship team generally meets roughly an hour prior in order to select songs for the forthcoming service and to practice them. Last night, our keyboardist suggested that we try something slightly different than we usually do. Now, our current band is fairly modest, not as 'loud' as many others you could say, but we do use a sound system to amplify the guitar, keyboard, and vocals. He suggested that this time we turn everything down. Our guitarist had brought his acoustic guitar, they keyboard's volume would be lessened, and I would use a combination of cool rods and brushes to keep the drums' volume down. Of course, a lower dynamic does not necessarily result in a loss of energy.

It turned out to be a wonderfully splendid worship time. It felt authentic, and musically I think it worked better and richer in some ways. Also, since our youth group is relatively small (in numbers, but big in spirit) it also seemed somewhat more appropriate given the context. We weren't overpowering those in attendance with loud sounds; it was just right. The worship service that evening extended beyond the few songs we had preselected for the service, lasting most of the time alotted for the service. It was awesome.

It does not take loud music to create a good atmosphere for worship. One who would think otherwise should seriously re-evaluate their intentions and approach toward worship. It isn't about cranking up the amplifiers to get people excited. It isn't about having a great band to lead the worship. It's about exalting God, and nothing else. It isn't about how we feel or what we hear. The performers in the band worship through their performing, but they are just assisting the congregation to worship together. There is a fine line where the music goes from conducive to disruptive. It is a line all worship bands must pay careful attention not to cross. Be attentive and sensitive to the attitudes in the audience, and be flexible. While I feel it is important for performers to strive for excellence, that should not be the focus of those in the congregation. Those in the congregation worship with voices and arms raised. Those in the band worship with guitar picks, drum sticks, and piano keys.

The idea for this writing was initially concieved a little over a week ago while attending youth convention. Of course, in that setting it was necessary to amplify the band so it could be heard throughout the large arena holding thousands of people. I really appreciated the few times during the three services we attended where the music was loud enough but not too loud so that I could not hear myself singing. When you can hear yourself singing, it's more like a worship service than it is like watching a rock concert. It's easier to be a spectator when you can't hear your own voice. We were able to get great seats, which consequently were nearer to the speakers than we had been the previous two times. From where I sat that evening, the music was very loud, plus I had a mild headache. In this occasion, the music was disruptive not conducive. I recall a service I attended several years ago on a missions trip to Mexico, and the music was too loud. I had to leave the building.

I can appreciate the asthetic value of varies genres of worship music: from hymns to fast-paced contemporary music. The most important thing to consider, is whether the music appropriately offers God praise and is conducive to leading a congregation in worship through song. The worship time is my favorite time during a service. I don't appreciate when certain temporal things distract me from the worship. Among all the arguing over musical styles and means of performing that music, one thing is key: to keep the focus on God, not on ourselves, not on what music we like, not how we feel. I believe that beyond the noise, beyond the temporal, is where true worship lies.