{"id":4,"date":"2008-08-20T08:02:04","date_gmt":"2008-08-20T14:02:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.covchurch.org\/wc\/?p=4"},"modified":"2008-09-18T10:41:28","modified_gmt":"2008-09-18T16:41:28","slug":"deeper-or-different","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/blogs.covchurch.org\/wc\/2008\/08\/deeper-or-different\/","title":{"rendered":"Deeper? or Different"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sometimes people are critical of preachers, songwriters, worship leaders and certain churches for trying to be relevant and missing the deeper relevance of tested, published, traditional, enduring liturgy. You might want to\u00a0read this CT article<\/a> .<\/p>\n

I understand the author\u2019s preference and concerns.<\/p>\n

What I don\u2019t understand is this. The critique sidesteps the number one reason for using a newer worship language in the sanctuary. The number one reason for using newer songs and language in the sanctuary is: intelligibility.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s the argument that favors new language: \u201cWe want the congregation to understand the gospel message, and we want the congregation to be able to participate. In order for this vital communication and participation to occur, we must use language that average (in this case) Americans can understand and use. This might mean: popular music, visual media, topical sermons set in series\u2019\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

You know the argument; you\u2019ve seen the list. If the argument for using tested language and patterns is rooted in OT and early Church practice (see Webber), the argument for using popular forms is rooted in the pattern and practice of Jesus as described in the four gospels.<\/p>\n

Yes. Jesus attended synagogue and festivals. He also proclaimed the gospel in, as the author of the CT article might say, \u201ccontemporary casual\u201d settings. He brought good news, drew a crowd and formed disciples in a contemporary, casual way. His used symbol; he invoked ancient words; but his overall approach was, no doubt, quite new.<\/p>\n

Being one who appreciates both approaches to gathered worship, I have some questions:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Is the \u201crelevance\u201d the author suggests really \u201cdeeper?\u201d Or is it simply \u201cdifferent\u201d from its implied counterpart\u2014\u201ccontemporary casual.\u201d<\/li>\n
  2. Is \u201ccontemporary casual\u201d patterned on the Jesus-led gathering? Or is it just a shallow reason for churches to sell out to popular culture?<\/li>\n
  3. Or\u2026 Are we (leaders and churches) competitive and rivaling siblings whose mother thinks we\u2019re all smart and beautiful?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    How do you feel about this?<\/p>\n

    Report This Post<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Sometimes people are critical of preachers, songwriters, worship leaders and certain churches for trying to be relevant and missing the deeper relevance of tested, published, traditional, enduring liturgy. You might want to\u00a0read this CT article . 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