What’s Changed in 51 years
Church work has changed dramatically in the last half century. David Taylor of KWFC Radio asked me to comment on some changes I have personally seen. I decided to write some of the main items down to blog about them.
Any discussion on this subject would have to devote a good amount of time talking about music. We had essentially only pianos and organs when I started preaching at age 15. Drums, guitars, and saxophones each became battlefields on which another worship war was waged. My dad opposed all three of these instruments. He felt they were too worldly.
Not only did we change what we brought in; we also lost some things that were taken out. Hymnals and organs left the building (as did attendance boards, by the way). Big screens and electric keyboards became the preferred instruments.
Another music change has been the quality and expertise of the music leaders. Back in the day, qualified leaders needed only to know the songs and how to wave their arm in 4/4 or 3/4 time. It had to be done just right; otherwise a leader was deemed untrained.
What has not changed is; music is integral to who we are as believers. We are a singing people. Wherever there is a church, there is singing. Whatever you think of the music in your church, sing loud and heartily. This is how we express ourselves corporately as Christ-followers.
Any discussion on this subject would have to devote a good amount of time talking about music. We had essentially only pianos and organs when I started preaching at age 15. Drums, guitars, and saxophones each became battlefields on which another worship war was waged. My dad opposed all three of these instruments. He felt they were too worldly.
Not only did we change what we brought in; we also lost some things that were taken out. Hymnals and organs left the building (as did attendance boards, by the way). Big screens and electric keyboards became the preferred instruments.
Another music change has been the quality and expertise of the music leaders. Back in the day, qualified leaders needed only to know the songs and how to wave their arm in 4/4 or 3/4 time. It had to be done just right; otherwise a leader was deemed untrained.
What has not changed is; music is integral to who we are as believers. We are a singing people. Wherever there is a church, there is singing. Whatever you think of the music in your church, sing loud and heartily. This is how we express ourselves corporately as Christ-followers.