| | This topic is close to my heart. I have had many conversations with friends over the last few years about how to write worship songs today.  Maybe more specifically about what to write about. I ran across an article that Brian McClaren wrote on the topic. It was exciting to read for a few reasons.
First, that in Kansas City I believe a handful of people have been writing and incorporating many of these practices, thoughts and have seen some success (i.e. God being more at the center in the song, the reality of life shining through in our lyrics, biblical themes being explored that aren't normally in music, the arts being used [poetry, prayers, spoken word, music as more than just a four chord highway for the lyric to drive on], and something that wasn't spoken of; how the church community is being used in worship, looking inward more than outward in who leads and who is used).
Second, it brought up some new thoughts and challenges that were enticing to hear. Theology has always been important in worship song writing, but for too long it's been a narrow inward focused theology that's driven it. This theology has shaped a culture of church goer's. Songs that are personal and about them and their relationship with God connect much more than others. I get this, I'm a product of it. It's much easier to "interact" with God at a personal I Thou relationship. But it seems that the Bible calls us to more than that. Again, we see that all of these things connect back to the ecclesiastical theology we have. Our worship writing (a.k.a. teaching) should be overhauled, and if that happens it won't stop there, that Kool-laid leads to a broader understanding of what it is to be a Christ follower. Leader's are needed to bring forth a reminder of the other areas included and maybe even more central in our worship to God.
Finally, the tone in which it spoke was soft, non-confrintational. It spoke from a posture of humbleness and a desire to serve the church rather than critique and mock it publicly. This showed love.
McClaren Link to the PDF download
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| | Posted 9/24/2007 11:54 AM - 63 Views - 2 eProps - 2 comments
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