Hi Joy,
To Geddon's question,
"I'm just wondering which do you guys think about this. As for me I like Contemporary Christian. But there are some out there who say that it conforms with the world. Any thoughts?" Fawn responded,
"I like Contemporary Christian music. We have a combination of contemporary and the old hymns in our church." You say,
"Hymns were contemporary at one time." Joy, you are so right. I have often made that comparison -- the praise songs of 200 years ago are our hymns of today. A good example is the author of one of our favorite hymns,
Amazing Grace -- John Newton. Newton, after his conversion from slave trader to Christian, became an Anglican pastor in England. From the book "101 Hymn Stories" I get the following excerpt:
Another of Newton's extremist practices at the Olney Church was the singing of hymns that expressed the simple, heartfelt faith of his preaching rather than the staid singing of the Psalms from the Sternhold and Hopkins Psalter, which was practiced in other Anglican churches. When Newton couldn't find enough available hymns for this purpose, he began writing his own. To assist in this endeavor, he enlisted the aid of his friend and neighbor, William Cowper, a well-known writer of classic literature of this period. In 1779 their combined efforts produced the famous Olney Hymns hymnal, one of the most important single contributions made to the field of evangelical hymnody. In this ambitious collection of 349 hymns, sixty-seven were written by Cowper with the remainder by Newton. The purpose of the hymnal, according to Newton's Preface, was "a desire to promote the faith and comfort of sincere Christians." So, not liking the staid old music of the church of his day -- we find our new Praise Song writer of the late 1700s -- John Newton. What he did then is exactly what we find today -- young, vibrant pastors, Christian worship leaders, and musicians -- wanting something more relevant to our time. I go along with this as long as the lyrics are theologically sound.
Although, I will agree with Fawn who said she likes a mixture of both praise songs and hymns -- or at least accepts this mixture. I like this also; for when I sing hymns, especially
Amazing Grace, it brings memories of my grandfather and grandmother to mind. I can still see that little tent church they attended, set back in the woods near their farm outside Tuscumbia.
Now, I never thought I would care for Christian Rap music. Even after hearing a CD of a my friend, Leon Patillo's, son, Noel, singing Christian Rap, I was still not convinced. Then, about six months ago, Leon, who after being lead singer for the Carlos Santana Band, went into Christian music, won a Dove Award for a song he co-wrote, and is now pastor of a church at the Queen Mary in Long Beach -- was invited to give a message and sing at the Filipino church in Irvine, California. He invited us to go with them.
After Leon sang, he accompanied Noel on the piano. Watching Noel sing his Christian Rap in person was a totally different experience than hearing it on CD. But, the thing which really thrilled me was watching the faces of the young people in the congregation as Noel sang. They were totally into it -- and hanging onto every Christian word Noel rapped to them. We "oldies but goodies" might not always get the message -- but, the young people do. And, that is what we want; for them to be more and more in love with Jesus. For they are our next generation of Christian leaders.
Leon also has a new radio program every Saturday morning at 10:00 AM California time. On the show, Leon will be interviewing people, giving a message, and singing. I know you will enjoy listening. Here is info on the program:
Experience Leon's radio show You Can Begin Again every Saturday at 10:00 AM, Pacific Standard Time on KBRT 740 on your AM station. To listen "LIVE" on your computer, go to Link
It is a program that will inspire you and give you hope. Leon will be interviewing various people from different walks of life who will give their testimonies from their bitter beginnings to their sweet endings. And, if you are ever in Southern California, make it a point to attend worship service at their church. I promise you that you will not be able to sit still -- even if you are an old conservative fundamentalist like me.
Pastor Leon Patillo has moved The Rock House Church aboard the Queen Mary ship in Long Beach, CA.
The Rock House Church Queen Mary – 1126 Queen's Highway Long Beach, CA 90802
The Rock House is a contemporary church with inspiring Music and motivational Teaching in a Fun-filled environment. We are a family of believers, as God intended — a mixture of all races and denominations — just like heaven will be one day. Our mission is to assist you in becoming the head and not the tail — in your Spirit, your Body, your Finance and your Romance.
Come join us on Sunday mornings at 10 AM and let the Love of our Lord and Savior encourage YOU!! Now, I know some of our Forum Friends will be asking,
"Bill, why are you telling us all of this? Geddon only asked if we think Contemporary Christian music belongs in the churches." That is true, the discussion began with that question -- and went into folks sharing their thoughts on music in churches. And, I have given you my opinion of Christian music -- all the way from hymns, to upbeat Christian music, to Christian Rap.
Why have I told you all this about the Leon Patillo Ministry? Well, just like sharing Christ with everyone -- when I find something special, a person or new resource, that I know will inspire you and bring you closer to Jesus Christ -- I want to share this with you also. And, I know that Leon's music, his ministry, and he himself, will bring you closer to Jesus Christ. I have found a source of Christian inspiration and I want to share this with my Forum Friends.
Go to his web site:
Link and you can learn much more -- as well as get some of his recordings. You will be blessed.
And, all of this fits into my thoughts on music in our churches today.
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill