There’s a problem in modern worship that needs to be addressed, and that is the song selection. Let me start off by saying that this is not a “Hymns vs Contemporary” rant. This is about the depth, or lack thereof, in some of today’s most popular contemporary worship songs. This does not mean that every modern worship song is about as deep as a kiddie pool. For the most part, the basis and lyrics of the song have a strong impact on its singers and listeners. However, often the most requested and popular songs chosen lack the spiritual depth that I believe is desired by our Lord. Rather, it is leading the congregation on an emotional path toward mediocrity.
Being led by the Spirit and being led by emotion are stark opposites. When you are led by your emotions, the feelings you are left with are momentary and short-lived. In the moment, it appears the Holy Spirit has come over you, and you are closer to Jesus than you have been and ever will be again. But as Matt Redman so perfectly says, “When the music fades…,” the heart is right back where it was before the first chord was even played. Pastor and theologian, J. Sidlow Baxter, said, “Your emotions are the shallowest part of your nature. Salvation is the deepest work of God. He is not going to do His deepest work in the shallowest part.” The reason why is because feelings sometimes sway from side to side as the heart and mind fight for control. The question is how does this relate to worshipping through song?
Some modern Christian worship songs are now appealing to emotions as opposed to letting the Holy Spirit lead. I’ve seen it many times: simplified lyrics with archetypal church phrases repeated in different verses - A chorus that has a hook phrase to build up to - And vamping. Lots and lots of vamping, most often during or after the bridge before the last chorus. The way these are written makes it appealing, and has immediate and obvious reactions. For example, the chorus for “Burning Ones” by Jesus Culture:
We are Your burning ones
We are consumed by You
We set our lives apart
We are consumed by You
So let this love be like a fire
Let our life be like a flame
Fill our souls with Your desire
Let our passion bring You fame
Each line is a completed thought, a solitary proclamation and a simplistic one at that. On another note, words alluding to those singing the song (“we” & “our”) were mentioned eight times, and words alluding to God were mentioned only five times. Irrelevant? Possibly. It just depends on who is being given praise. The musicians and singers leading these songs can quickly become the center of attention when emotions are running high. At that point, it’s no longer worshipping. It’s performing.
Matt Redman fell victim to this reality in the 1990’s when his home church became a haven for monotonous and self-glorifying worship songs. His pastor was tired of this and got rid of the sound system and the worship band, meaning any songs that were to be sung would be done a cappella. The pastor wanted to remind the congregation that their praise to God should be the same with or without the instruments, the production, or the vamping. This led Matt to write one of the most honest worship songs ever, “The Heart of Worship.”
I’ll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You’re looking into my heart
I’m coming back to the heart of worship
And it’s all about You
It’s all about You, Jesus
I’m sorry Lord for the thing I’ve made it
When it’s all about You
It’s all about You, Jesus
There’s no question who is receiving the praise in this song. Matt Redman and his church made worshipping God through song into something that was not glorifying the Father or being led by the Holy Spirit. They forgot that worship isn’t just the songs they sing but humbling yourself before the Lord, giving all praise, honor and glory to Him.
I may be critical about all of this because I’m a songwriter myself, and try to find the depth and meaning behind every lyric I sing just as I do writing them. Or maybe not. Emotions are temporary. Salvation is eternal. If the music were to be taken away, would your worship still be the same?
