(Might as well start to repopulate some of these discussions. )
I'm part of the group that puts music together for the local Sunday morning worship service. There seems to be gaps in the emphasis of contemporary "church music." For example, last week's sermon was from the Beatitudes -- "Blessed are the merciful ..." We could find multiple songs about God's mercy to us, but where are the songs about showing mercy to others?
The old gospel songs are all about how I got saved and life is wonderful. The old and new hymns are songs of praise and worship directed from me toward God. There seems to be almost nothing about loving others in tangible ways. We keep coming back to "Go Light Your World," but it's getting a little worn. The hymnal has a couple of attempts to put new words to old tunes -- "Let Your Heart Be Broken," for example. But where is the playlist of contemporary songs appropriate for congregational singing that talk about rejoicing with those who rejoice, mourning with those who mourn, and walking together on this spiritual journey?
I see the emphasis on community in the emerging church but I'm not finding the songs that support that emphasis. Do we come together and sing only songs of how great God is to me? Are there no new "bind us together," "make us one," and "show a little kindness" songs?
I look through the CCLI top 25 and don't find a single song that has to do with community, fellowship, and service to each other. What am I missing?
(Might as well start to repopulate some of these discussions. )
I'm part of the group that puts music together for the local Sunday morning worship service. There seems to be gaps in the emphasis of contemporary "church music." For example, last week's sermon was from the Beatitudes -- "Blessed are the merciful ..." We could find multiple songs about God's mercy to us, but where are the songs about showing mercy to others?
The old gospel songs are all about how I got saved and life is wonderful. The old and new hymns are songs of praise and worship directed from me toward God. There seems to be almost nothing about loving others in tangible ways. We keep coming back to "Go Light Your World," but it's getting a little worn. The hymnal has a couple of attempts to put new words to old tunes -- "Let Your Heart Be Broken," for example. But where is the playlist of contemporary songs appropriate for congregational singing that talk about rejoicing with those who rejoice, mourning with those who mourn, and walking together on this spiritual journey?
I see the emphasis on community in the emerging church but I'm not finding the songs that support that emphasis. Do we come together and sing only songs of how great God is to me? Are there no new "bind us together," "make us one," and "show a little kindness" songs?
I look through the CCLI top 25 and don't find a single song that has to do with community, fellowship, and service to each other. What am I missing?
I can't speak for the Hymnal but here's one: "Carry Each Other" by Aaron Niequist.
There are some good community songs in the communion section of the Nazarene hymnal.
All of which are over 20 years old but not on the list of local favorites. Is learning old songs as new songs the only option? Where is the new stuff being produced out of the new emphasis on community?
Hey, Marsha! Speaking of songs that are relational, have a few of those right here. Have to dig out my lyrics [no, I don't recall each and every lyric ever written; it just doesn't happen ... s'pose it might were I to sing them daily, but I don't. ]
** (remind me if I forget, OK?) **
Last edited by Gina Stevenson; April 20th, 2010 at 09:33 AM.
Reason: 2add note
Life beats down and crushes the soul and art reminds you that you have one.
~ Stella Adler ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
It takes a great deal of maturity to accept that trying to eliminate all risk eliminates life. ~ Susan Lapin ~
All of which are over 20 years old but not on the list of local favorites. Is learning old songs as new songs the only option? Where is the new stuff being produced out of the new emphasis on community?
They were all new to me when I discovered them last spring. I really like them. The lyrics especially capture a great sense of community.
They were all new to me when I discovered them last spring. I really like them. The lyrics especially capture a great sense of community.
Thanks, Ryan. I'll take another look at them when I get a chance.
It still seems strange to me that the CCLI top 25 has so little in that area. Is the emphasis on community not so widespread as it seems or is popular church music lagging behind what is happening in the church?
(Might as well start to repopulate some of these discussions. )
I'm part of the group that puts music together for the local Sunday morning worship service. There seems to be gaps in the emphasis of contemporary "church music." For example, last week's sermon was from the Beatitudes -- "Blessed are the merciful ..." We could find multiple songs about God's mercy to us, but where are the songs about showing mercy to others?
The old gospel songs are all about how I got saved and life is wonderful. The old and new hymns are songs of praise and worship directed from me toward God. There seems to be almost nothing about loving others in tangible ways. We keep coming back to "Go Light Your World," but it's getting a little worn. The hymnal has a couple of attempts to put new words to old tunes -- "Let Your Heart Be Broken," for example. But where is the playlist of contemporary songs appropriate for congregational singing that talk about rejoicing with those who rejoice, mourning with those who mourn, and walking together on this spiritual journey?
I see the emphasis on community in the emerging church but I'm not finding the songs that support that emphasis. Do we come together and sing only songs of how great God is to me? Are there no new "bind us together," "make us one," and "show a little kindness" songs?
I look through the CCLI top 25 and don't find a single song that has to do with community, fellowship, and service to each other. What am I missing?
Hi Marsha,
Here are a few we like...
Love Them Like Jesus – Casting Crowns
Does Anybody Hear Her – Casting Crowns
If We Are The Body – Casting Crowns
Give Me Your Eyes – Brandon Heath
Last edited by Cynthia Prentice; April 20th, 2010 at 10:02 AM.
(Might as well start to repopulate some of these discussions. )
I'm part of the group that puts music together for the local Sunday morning worship service. There seems to be gaps in the emphasis of contemporary "church music." For example, last week's sermon was from the Beatitudes -- "Blessed are the merciful ..." We could find multiple songs about God's mercy to us, but where are the songs about showing mercy to others?
The old gospel songs are all about how I got saved and life is wonderful. The old and new hymns are songs of praise and worship directed from me toward God. There seems to be almost nothing about loving others in tangible ways. We keep coming back to "Go Light Your World," but it's getting a little worn. The hymnal has a couple of attempts to put new words to old tunes -- "Let Your Heart Be Broken," for example. But where is the playlist of contemporary songs appropriate for congregational singing that talk about rejoicing with those who rejoice, mourning with those who mourn, and walking together on this spiritual journey?
I see the emphasis on community in the emerging church but I'm not finding the songs that support that emphasis. Do we come together and sing only songs of how great God is to me? Are there no new "bind us together," "make us one," and "show a little kindness" songs?
I look through the CCLI top 25 and don't find a single song that has to do with community, fellowship, and service to each other. What am I missing?
Hi Marsha,
Here are a few more songs. Some of these songs we sing during the service and some we play before or after the service (Hero by Super Chick).
City on her Knees - Toby Mac
Every Man - Casting Crowns
Stained Glass Masquerade - Casting Crowns
In Me - Casting Crowns
Hero - Super Chick (one we play before or after the service - usually Sunday night)
Last edited by Cynthia Prentice; April 20th, 2010 at 10:37 AM.
I see the emphasis on community in the emerging church but I'm not finding the songs that support that emphasis. Do we come together and sing only songs of how great God is to me? Are there no new "bind us together," "make us one," and "show a little kindness" songs?
I look through the CCLI top 25 and don't find a single song that has to do with community, fellowship, and service to each other. What am I missing?
Well, if one is convinced of the doctrine of total depravity, or if one even believes it implicitly (typical Nazarene congregation?), then one could reason that there is no benefit in being more connected with fellow sinners; what we really need is more of Jesus. Oh yeah...and Matt Redman has told us that gathering (ekklesia) for worship is all about God and is not about me or us, or anything else, so singing about community might as well be idolatry.
Furthermore, if one is convinced that the top five Kingdom priorities are, evangelism, evangelism, evangelism, evangelism, and teaching others to evangelize, one might reason that building community is only worthwhile to the degree that it facilitates evangelism.
But none of these are written for corporate worship - they don't fit well, even if we like them.
Hi Ryan,
Thank you for your feedback. They may not fit well for your form of corporate worship but they fit well with our inner city people. We modify and adapt when needed...slow down...sing the chorus etc. Some of the songs are not used in corporate worship but played before or after the service.
It's one thing to say that 'we are the body and let us be reaching.' It's quite another to simply say, 'we're not reaching, shame on us!!' That's what I hear in that song. Same with the song 'What if his people prayed?'.
I would rather listen to my clothes dryer than practically anything performed by Casting Crowns.
That the church as a whole is not doing what it should be doing. Yes, there are some who remain faithful to living as the body of Christ, but are you seriously going to tell me that the body as a whole is doing what it should be doing?
It's one thing to say that 'we are the body and let us be reaching.' It's quite another to simply say, 'we're not reaching, shame on us!!' That's what I hear in that song. Same with the song 'What if his people prayed?'.
I would rather listen to my clothes dryer than practically anything performed by Casting Crowns.
Singing Clothes Dryer - coming to a church near you
Thank you for your feedback. They may not fit well for your form of corporate worship but they fit well with our inner city people. We modify and adapt when needed...slow down...sing the chorus etc. Some of the songs are not used in corporate worship but played before or after the service.
Blessings,
Cynthia
Hi Cynthia,
Your thoughts caused me to remember the one Sunday when I joined a friend of mine for worship at Sanctuary Covenant Church in Minneapolis. It just happened to be the third Sunday of that month. The third Sunday is "Hip Hop Sunday" every month at Sanctuary.
It was unlike any corporate worship gathering I have experienced and my understanding of worship was expanded that day.
It's one thing to say that 'we are the body and let us be reaching.' It's quite another to simply say, 'we're not reaching, shame on us!!' That's what I hear in that song. Same with the song 'What if his people prayed?'.
I would rather listen to my clothes dryer than practically anything performed by Casting Crowns.
After rereading their lyrics, I wondered if that was what you were referring to. I can relate to your reason as I feel like a turkey on Thanksgiving Day when it comes to religious guilt trips.
Marsha,
I know it would be a stretch but... How about Psalm 84B or 122A; 84B's tune will be familiar. To hear them done listen here. Just click on the corresponding alpha numeric. (New Song is a little Girly for me, high pitched and squirly - these arent too bad.) To see the lyrics Same procedure.
You like to think outside the box. I double-dog-dare you to sing the Psalms! Paul, did say psalms, hymns and spiritual songs (to me they are the same) but when is the last time you sang a Psalm?
You like to think outside the box. I double-dog-dare you to sing the Psalms! Paul, did say psalms, hymns and spiritual songs (to me they are the same) but when is the last time you sang a Psalm?
We have a group of people in the Netherlands who are working on a project called "Psalmen voor nu" (Psalms for today). New words and melodies. We sing quite a few of them in our church. Love them!!
Sounds like this:
This is psalm 130.
Text is more or less like this:
From the depths I call to you,
Lord, my God!
I need you here so come and listen
To the words I pray and whisper.
Hear my cry,
Lord, hear my cry!
If you’d think of all our sins
Lord, our God,
Who could stand, but you forgive us,
We escaped because you saved us.
Praise your name,
Your holy name!
How I long for you to come,
Lord, my God,
I’m looking forward to your coming,
More than watchmen wait for morning,
Wait for light,
For morning light!
Israel, trust in the Lord,
Trust in God!
You know he loves you and forgives you.
He will always come to save you.
He sets free!
He sets you free!
"No scripture can mean that God is not love, or that his mercy is not over all his works" (John Wesley - Free Grace, 26)
We have a group of people in the Netherlands who are working on a project called "Psalmen voor nu" (Psalms for today). New words and melodies. We sing quite a few of them in our church. Love them!!
Sounds like this:
This is psalm 130.
Text is more or less like this:
From the depths I call to you,
Lord, my God!
I need you here so come and listen
To the words I pray and whisper.
Hear my cry,
Lord, hear my cry!
If you’d think of all our sins
Lord, our God,
Who could stand, but you forgive us,
We escaped because you saved us.
Praise your name,
Your holy name!
How I long for you to come,
Lord, my God,
I’m looking forward to your coming,
More than watchmen wait for morning,
Wait for light,
For morning light!
Israel, trust in the Lord,
Trust in God!
You know he loves you and forgives you.
He will always come to save you.
He sets free!
He sets you free!
You like to think outside the box. I double-dog-dare you to sing the Psalms! Paul, did say psalms, hymns and spiritual songs (to me they are the same) but when is the last time you sang a Psalm?
Grace and Peace
George
My undergraduate Dean had a book of the Psalms of David in Meter (it was actually all the Psalms, but that was the title). Synonyms and sentence structure were used to make each psalm flow like a poem. About twice a semester in chapel, we would sing a psalm to the tune of a hymn in the same meter.
My undergraduate Dean had a book of the Psalms of David in Meter (it was actually all the Psalms, but that was the title). Synonyms and sentence structure were used to make each psalm flow like a poem. About twice a semester in chapel, we would sing a psalm to the tune of a hymn in the same meter.
Shea,
Thanks for sharing this information...it is available online. What an incredible resource!!!
This opens up a wealth of possibilities. I just sang Psalm 22 to the tune of House of the Rising Sun...I can say that is a first for me. These can be adapted to many different styles of music and recitation...THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
Blessings,
Cynthia
Last edited by Cynthia Prentice; April 20th, 2010 at 04:32 PM.
This doesn't help answer your initial question, but for an ending song, I would suggest Peace by Rich Mullins. It is a bit too challenging for corporate worship but makes a great special. It's an oldie but the words are deep. A friend introduced me to it a couple of years ago and it helped me get through a really rough time in my life.
I think a lot of these songs are fabulous but might be to challenging for some corporate worship or even for a church band to play decently. You have to use what talents you have to the best of your abilities in your church without it becoming a totally frustrating experience for the accompaniests.
You're very welcome to start to sing it! The poet who wrote the words in Dutch translated this one in English, and in such a way that you can use the same melody.
You can find several version when you check youtube for "Psalmen voor nu 130". This is the official version from the group who created it:
I also like this one
"No scripture can mean that God is not love, or that his mercy is not over all his works" (John Wesley - Free Grace, 26)
That the church as a whole is not doing what it should be doing. Yes, there are some who remain faithful to living as the body of Christ, but are you seriously going to tell me that the body as a whole is doing what it should be doing?
How does anyone know what the church as a whole is doing?
That point aside, consider who is most likely to take Casting Crowns' shame message to heart...perhaps the people who are already faithful and sensitive to ways that they could better serve their Lord?? I think it's just dumb to take the faithful out to the woodshed for a whipping.
That the church as a whole is not doing what it should be doing. Yes, there are some who remain faithful to living as the body of Christ, but are you seriously going to tell me that the body as a whole is doing what it should be doing?
It's another verse of the "never good enough" song that is sung over and over in the church. Did the composer do a survey of everyone in the church before dismissing the entire Christian community as failing to reach out in the name of Jesus? Are we really doing so little?
It turns out it doesn't matter to people who sing this song how much ministry is happening. However much you're praying, reading your Bible, attending church, hanging out with nonChristians (while, of course, never missing a church event), witnessing, defending the helpless, anointing the wounds of the hurting, and giving to the needy -- regardless of the sacrifice you're making -- it's never as much as you would need to do to see the results God wants to give. I lived many years in the land of "never good enough," where the words "This is my child in whom I am well pleased" are never heard. I refuse to dwell there any longer. Rather, I embrace the thought I trace back to George MacDonald: God is never satisfied to leave us where we are, but He is easily pleased by the efforts we make.
I hesitate to confess it because I don't want anyone to think I don't value their music suggestions, but if you were to walk into a music practice at my church and suggest that maybe we should add some Casting Crowns music to our repertoire, all eyes would turn to me and people would soon be rolling on the floor with laughter. I don't know how many times I've been prodded by someone "pushing my buttons" into explaining my prejudice against that one group among all the many artists in the CCM community. However, I'll admit to only knowing the one song well -- "If We Are the Body." I once heard another shaming song on the radio and guessed correctly that it was Casting Crowns before the artist was identified but I'll admit to not being at all familiar with the rest of their songs and am willing to look at some of those suggested here.
Marsha
Last edited by Marsha Lynn; April 22nd, 2010 at 09:57 AM.
For someone who is needing encouragement then If We are the Body might not be the best choice. For those who need a prophetic word, it might be just what they need to hear.
I'm not a huge Casting Crowns fan, but I really like the song Who Am I. If you watch the video he gives some background of where the song came from (and then how they play it on the guitar).
I'm not a huge Casting Crowns fan, but I really like the song Who Am I.
Ah, I do like this song. Don't love it, having had it move rather quickly into the area of overexposure even without owning a copy of it. Didn't know it was a Casting Crowns song.
I guess you can take from this that I shouldn't be so quick to dismiss a group based on one popular song that counts everything people are doing in the name of Jesus Christ as adding up to nothing.
Or you can realize how sad it is that the woodshed whippings (as Billy referred to them) prompted me to turn away from the group without discovering their more uplifting offerings.
Or you can conclude I can't stand the voice of truth that reveals shortcomings to which I am otherwise blind.
Whatever. I suppose I should probably check out some of their other songs.
Thanks for the input, Kevin.
Marsha
Last edited by Marsha Lynn; April 22nd, 2010 at 12:39 PM.
It's another verse of the "never good enough" song that is sung over and over in the church. Did the composer do a survey of everyone in the church before dismissing the entire Christian community as failing to reach out in the name of Jesus? Are we really doing so little?
It turns out it doesn't matter to people who sing this song how much ministry is happening. However much you're praying, reading your Bible, attending church, hanging out with nonChristians (while, of course, never missing a church event), witnessing, defending the helpless, anointing the wounds of the hurting, and giving to the needy -- regardless of the sacrifice you're making -- it's never as much as you would need to do to see the results God wants to give. I lived many years in the land of "never good enough," where the words "This is my child in whom I am well pleased" are never heard. I refuse to dwell there any longer. Rather, I embrace the thought I trace back to George MacDonald: God is never satisfied to leave us where we are, but He is easily pleased by the efforts we make.
I hesitate to confess it because I don't want anyone to think I don't value their music suggestions, but if you were to walk into a music practice at my church and suggest that maybe we should add some Casting Crowns music to our repertoire, all eyes would turn to me and people would soon be rolling on the floor with laughter. I don't know how many times I've been prodded by someone "pushing my buttons" into explaining my prejudice against that one group among all the many artists in the CCM community. However, I'll admit to only knowing the one song well -- "If We Are the Body." I once heard another shaming song on the radio and guessed correctly that it was Casting Crowns before the artist was identified but I'll admit to not being at all familiar with the rest of their songs and am willing to look at some of those suggested here.
Marsha
Along with what Kevin's posted, I would recommend "Every Man," "East to West," and "It's all Because of Jesus." All three are positive in one way or another. I think they're all from "The Altar and the Door," which is a very formulaic album, so I wouldn't sing more than one of them at a time, since they sound pretty much the same .
I appreciate the "never good enough" message, because I'm one who's tempted from time to time to sit back and say yeah, this is good enough, we needn't go any further. I have to be reminded that however good something we've done is, there is always more that we can do. I realize songs like that really don't reach their target audience, and that's probably the main complaint I would have against them, but at the same time I can't think how many positive sermons I've heard that give pretty much the same message, just phrasing it differently. For example, we've probably all heard our pastors preach on giving at some point in our lives, and heard him or her say "Imagine if everybody in this church- no, in every church- just gave a simple tithe!" To the faithful who are already tithing, there's no added pressure, while to those who are not, it hopefully makes them stop and think. On the other hand, "the people in this church are not generous enough!" is just going to guilt the already giving members into giving even more, at least temporarily. I'm one for making everything that is done in service on Sunday morning point toward the same message, so if we were to sing that song in a church where I was preaching, it would be because I was going to preach on the theme of Christian service, and it would be up to me to phrase it in such a way that I commend those who are already serving, and encourage those who aren't to give it a go.
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Originally Posted by Marsha Lynn
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These can be adapted to many different styles of music and recitation...THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
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