Music at the Rock. Part 1
A thought on the music at The Rock.
As most of you know, I spend most of my waking hours thinking about music in one way shape or form, and am constantly mulling over how music fits in with worship of God, it’s place in the Church (the church in general, Stonebrook on Sunday Mornings, and at the Rock). I had a revelation yesterday while shaving. (Maybe revelation is a tad strong (and presumptuous). More like an epiphany, or perhaps just the culmination of a lot of thoughts floating around.)
The answer is 42. Trust me, it’s forty two. I checked
Now for a better understanding of the question:
I have been processing a lot of comments (from people locally, and from other churches around the country/world) about our style of music. Big, loud, flashy, loud, and well… loud. “Rock n Roll Worship” to give it a label. Our worship services emulate, to one degree or another, a rock concert. At least that is what we are shooting for. And there are a lot of evaluations out there, stated directly or indirectly about the effectiveness of this type of music in the church.
Most direct statements are from the side that says that this music is either, ineffective, out of place, or just plain evil. I group these all together not because I disagree with them but because they tend to be the assessments that get vocalized. A lot.
The indirect statements are usually ones affirming or encouraging this type of music. By indirect statement I mean this: voting with dollars. A lot of people purchase this type of music on CD. A lot of people will pay a lot of money to go see this type of music live. And a lot of people attend churches that have this type of music as their typical fair. Churches that move from “traditional services” to this type of service (and do it well…) tend to see an increase in excitement and attendance for the service.
So, here is my several year long though process, finally processed:
The biggest purpose of this type of music for the Church? Entertainment.
Yup. There it is. I said it. It’s entertainment. For who? For the people who come to see it, and for the people who put the service on. It’s primary purpose is not to show a more authentic form of worship, or a more acceptable form of worship, it’s primary purpose is to entertain.
Is this a bad thing? Nope. In fact, I think it is a good thing. And I encourage it. And I want to see it continue. I’ll tell you why tomorrow. (if i can wait that long.)
Haven’t you caused the universe to be replaced by something bizarrely inexplicable?
man, i really need to read that book.