New Songs Old Songs
"Sing to the Lord a new song and his praise in the congregation of the
saints" (Psalm 149:1) NKJV
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and
admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs ,singing with
grace in your hearts to the Lord" (Colossians 3:16) NKJV
A few years ago I was going regularly, with an older brother, to minister music
to a group of men at a federal prison.
I would accompany him with my guitar as he played some of the old gospel songs
on his accordion. Afterwards, I often shared a song I had written along with the
story behind it. In addition, I occasionally introduced a few contemporary
worship songs that we use in our church. I thought that when these men got
released, it would be good for them to be familiar with some of the newer songs
that are being sung in the churches.
Well I ran into a snag with my older brother. He said that in his church, a lot
of the seniors were leaving because of this new music. They also felt that the
prisoners really preferred the old songs, which opinion I couldn't understand
because of the men's positive response to my songs.
There are many places in scripture, encouraging us to sing new songs to the
Lord. After all, if we are made in the image of God, would it not be safe to
assume that He would enjoy hearing something new from time to time; just like
us. However, there is great depth of meaning in the hymns of old and we are
encouraged by the apostle Paul as shown in the scriptures above, to sing these
along with other types of songs to the Lord.
Years ago one of my sons, through the stress of work and family, began having
panic attacks. His doctor recommended time off work and rest. Even with
counseling, he continued to struggle.
One night he asked if he could come and spend a weekend with my wife and I to
talk, pray and just listen to some Godly music.
When it came to the choice of music he said that he wanted to listen
to some old hymns. We had a wide selection of Christian music both contemporary
and traditional, and we were surprised that he would choose the golden oldies.
This choice was surprising because he had in his teens, been the drummer in a
Christian rock band.
To this day our son testifies to the healing southing effects of the old hymns
and their message to his spirit.
I considered this whole issue of new and old songs in the Church. I believe the
Lord was revealing to me that there is a lack of understanding and honour
between the generations, when it comes to the use of music in congregational
worship.
So herein lays the dilemma! Do we use only contemporary music in Church worship,
(as some fellowships are insisting) or do we stick to the old hymns and gospel
songs of the past? A familiar song is easier for one to sing and as an offering
to the Lord, so this point should be considered, for those who may not be musically gifted.
After-all, the whole purpose is to bring as many of the congregation into a full
worship as possible-is it not? We must not let pride get in the way of our
choices.
In Closing, I believe it would more beneficial if worship leaders, would
implement a blended style of song service. Then the onus would rests in the
hands of both age groups, to learn the new and old songs and sing them with a
sincere heart, and great gusto to the Lord and to each other.
Al Smith anjsmith@nextcom.ca
Oct. 2011
Innisfil Ont. Can.