Contrary to what you're probably expecting, this isn't a post about peope who hate on your music.
No, instead it's a post about what a worship leader does when somebody requests a song that the worship leader absolutely hates.
In this case, I'm not talking about a song that you might not like musically...we all have our preferences and good worship leaders are pretty adept at checking their "style" at the door in most cases.
No...what do you do when somebody wants you to do a song and you have significant spiritual objections? Most of us adhere to an honesty-is-the-best-policy approach. And it's true that, as pastors, we need to be people of truth.
But I'll be real honest with you...this is a battle for me. Here, I'll get real honest here. And please know I'm trying to type this as gracefully as I can. It is not my desire to slam or disrespect anybody, but I am a practical guy and I think most of us benefit from practical examples.
Here's the deal:
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I've got spiritual issues with a song called "A New Hallelujah" that Michael W. Smith just released. It's a Smith/Baloche/Baloche co-write, I believe, and I think there are some elements to the song that are unhealthy for a congregation to be singing and/or trying to emulate.
Now...if I've got real issues that I'm passionate about and I've thought them through and someone comes with a request for the tune, I can defend myself. I can be honest and clear as to why I'd opt not to do the song.
But here's where the other side of my brain starts working. In most any case where something like this has happened to me, it's always been somebody who's really solid spiritually. And in any case where I've got the chance to hang out with artists or writers who might have created a song that I had problems with, I always end up really impressed by their sincerity.
My point is this...no worship songwriter starts out with a plan of writing something detrimental to the congregation at large. And I don't think most people sing along with these songs thinking heretical thoughts.
So how do we balance it? How do we serve our people as pastors - willingly standing in the lead and loving them enough to care very deeply about the types of songs we sing but also exercise some sense of control and understanding of the people we're charged with leading?
What do you think? Is there a happy medium?
3/19/09
HATERS
Posted by Todd Wright at 9:19 PM
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2 comments:
I guess the first question to consider is, Who's asking for the objectionable song? A parishoner or someone in authority? If it's a parishoner I thank them for their suggestion and forget about it. We aren't here to entertain. If it's someone in authority I would want to discuss it, make my case, and submit to their decision. We can talk about how to handle having to perform objectionable content later. Lord knows I do it a lot.
I don't think there's a "medium." Something is wrong or it isn't. Doesn't mean the writer is a heretic; it means he wasn't careful. He's not really an issue most of the time, so leave his heart out of the equation.
Can the song be salvaged? Change the lyric. Frank does this all the time. If not, toss it. Open up the hymnal!
We do only a very small amount of P&W songs, and I am the, uh, "decider." There are songs I pass by because they are dumb, because the lyrics are wrong, or because the lyrics are correct but not in our best interest to sing at this time.
IMESHO, the self-serving way we Evangelicals worship is the main problem in America. It's the root of everything else. So I intentionally avoid individualistic, felt-needs satisfying songs about ourselves, and focus on things which will help remedy the situation by worshiping God acceptably and teaching the people how to think that way.
I also carefully avoid saying things to God that are not true: that He thought of me above all when He was crucified, that He is indesrcibable, whatever. Even when it is hyperbole. There are literally thousands of songs and hymns in which the author took the time to get his theology right.
Sorry for the book. My main point is that God has given you the authority to choose the songs. Exercise it confidently and carefully. If something disturbs you change it or don't do it. That's why He chose you for the job!
I'm not sure I can figure out what issues you have with that song. I've read the text, listened to the song, and I don't see anything unhealthy.
Care to share?
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