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Letters September 10, 2007 We don’t initiate much on purpose here at ninetyandnine.com. Some things that we do on purpose are things like video contests or writing contests where Apostolics can win money via the arts. But for the most part, cover stories, devotions, testimonies, are all God-directed through you, the reader. So, when there is a cover story that captures the ire or imagination of many, trust me, it isn’t something we necessarily knew in advance. That said, the letters this week are unbelievable! I would go so far as to say, that we have never had so many letters—so read on and write more!
Also, as this is the week of 9/11, please remember to daily pray for wisdom for our leaders and protection for our country.
Re: “How Far Is Too Far When It Comes to Church Music?”
There are so many things I’d like to take issue with in this article I don’t even have the time to go into it, but there are a few things that stand out.
Regarding “old-time” songs as “ancient landmarks” as referred to in Proverbs is nothing short of ridiculous. Those “old-time” songs were songs that were written in praise to God at the time in which they were written, nothing more, nothing less. There is no special anointing, no special blessing. They were born out of the time and place they were written, same as today’s songs.
Secondly, many of today’s songs are much more vertical and God-centered than a lot of the old songs. I don’t know what songs the author of this article is referring to, but I know many of the songs we sing in church are amazing, deep, and speak often of the cross, of the blood of Jesus, of the sacrifice that was made. Many are a heart’s cry toward our Creator in heaven, stripped of pretense and emotionalism—just a child crying out to their heavenly Father in a facedown moment of awestruck worship.
Many of the old songs are being rearranged to make them more modern; many of the old songs message is carried by new songs that speak of the same thing. We don’t have hymnals because we can project the words on screens, that way people can get their nose out of a book and actively participate in the song.
Why does the author continually speak of what we “used to do” to the old songs and not allow that we can do the same things to the newer songs?? There is no foundation for what is being said, and it’s exactly this kind of close-minded, baseless putting forth of opinion as fact that has caused so much damage and hurt in our movement.
Jason Lynn, Texas
Re: “A Music Minister Wonders Aloud“
Was Bro. Alford not at Youth Congress this year? That was certainly anything but a concert. I have never witnessed the singers on stage so into the worship. They truly were leading the worship true worship that calls down the very presence of God. The singers and musicians both fell to there knees; at times the drummer came up from his seat and began to praise God. It was the most awesome praise experience I have ever had,
And surprise, surprise, it was to the new praise and worship stuff. The new worship music is not like the old but the new worship is all about love, devotion, and complete surrender to Jesus Christ.
I am a music minister in Cleveland, Tennessee and I still sing the old stuff and also the new. What I am saying though is that there is no problem in my view. The new worship is powerful stuff. I think Bro. Alford has got it all wrong.
Carl Pollock, Tennessee
Re: “How Far is Too Far (Church music)?”
I would like to know how many of these old songs were written by Apostolics and which ones are they.
David Peters, Tennessee
Re: “How Far Is Too Far When It Comes To Church Music“
This article was very well written and expresses how I have felt for some time.
Rev L E Mathis, Missouri
Re: “How Far Is Too Far When It Comes To Church Music“
Praise God for Michael Alford, a 5th generation Pentecostal speaking up and speaking out RE the music issue in our congregations today!
This article lets me know that I am not alone in my concern about the style of worship music that is growing ever more popular. It is impossible to sing along with many of these songs because of the syncopation. We are becoming observers versus participants.
As one who experienced ‘brush arbor’ revivals in East Texas during the late 40s, growing up under the influence of powerful preachers and anointed Holy Ghost songs birthed from fiery trials and much prayer, I have been greatly concerned about some of the changes in the music sung ‘to us’ in our congregations.
I observe the congregation and I do not see participation, I see observation. This does not promote unity of the body in worship.
Worship requires more than clapping of hands and moving to the beat. Worship is more than a beat! Worship is more than ‘how loud can we get it?’ Much of the music is so loud that if God thundered, would we hear His voice above the clamor and din?
Life experience has taught me that more often than not, God’s voice is soft and tender when He speaks—as in the still of the night—as when Elijah went into the cave upon the mountain. It was not with great sound effects that God spoke to his prophet. And oh, how desperately we need to hear His voice today as we are pressed beyond measure in these trying times.
There is something missing from many of the modern songs being written. There is a lot of stress on “I” in many of the songs. Many of the songs today focus on what we are doing, bragging on ourselves to God!
As a writer, I recall instruction regarding too much use of the single letter word “I.” One should avoid that as it speaks volumes about an ego problem—too great a focus on the ‘self.’
Visiting some of the smaller churches in rural places, how refreshing it is to once again sing along with the congregation from a hymnal. How moving it is to sing, “Blessed Assurance” and yes, “It’s All In Him” as well as “I See A Crimson Stream of Blood” and what about, “Where Could I Go But To The Lord?” What a comfort, what a communion as the Spirit of God sweeps in and ministers among His People as in unison they lift their voices to Him, and to Him alone.
To God and God alone be all glory, praise and honor now and forevermore!
Jeremiah 6:16 said,”Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old pathes, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.”
Are we standing ‘in the ways’ regarding music being promoted in the congregation? Will we choose as Israel did? Or will we choose the path where rest is found? Thank you again, Bro. Michael for being a voice that is not afraid to speak!
Betty D. Austin, Michigan
Re: “How Far Is Too Far When It Comes To Church Music“
Thank you, Michael Alford, for your article. I totally agree.
My family came in to Pentecost in 1925. The old hymns that touched the heart of my grandparents, parents, myself,and my children are not known by many of the current people in the church today.
I’ve been a part of one of the largest churches and some of the smallest. There is a difference in the moving of the Spirit with praise/worship songs than the old hymns. The hymns usually were birthed as you stated from trials and troubles and touched the heart with the pain and then the victory. Many of the new songs are just repeated over and over without a heartfelt message.
A well known musician/writer told us that he could produce these fast because they sell. That does not mean they touch the hearts of the people. People seem to respond to the beat of the music instead of the words to the new songs. The old hymns bring in a sweet, sweet Spirit that touches hearts of all ages.
I’ve been in ministry for 40 years. Now as a counselor/Bible teacher, when I end a service with an old hymn that matches my message hearts are touched.
“At the Cross,” “Take the Name of Jesus with You,” “Under the Blood, Grace, Grace,” “God’s Grace,” “The Old Rugged Cross,” “He’s Coming Soon,” “Oh, I Want to See Him,” etc., are the songs I want my grandchildren to learn. They’ve been around for many generations, a lot of the new songs have ‘come and went.’
Thank you again for speaking up about ‘the old landmarks’ of Pentecost. We must not lose their powerful message!
I’m currently providing a counseling and teaching ministry for Pastor Dan Batchelor in Dupo, IL. I’m thankful that he includes the hymns every week in the worship services. Yes, we have some of the new, but we have not done away with the old.
Carol Clemans, Missouri
Re: “Church Music“
Michael: Amen and amen! We have been in church for 24 years, and our kids grew up knowing all the verses to “Victory in Jesus,” “Unclouded Day,” and many others. How we miss these songs! One thing that makes sense to me now, however, is that the “dumbing down of America” has affected the church, and many of the folks cannot keep up with all the words, and the reading of the hymnals—sad, but true! We have opted for repeating words over and over again, hoping God arrives before we are all tired out.
I love the new music, however, and sometimes feel the Holy Ghost, but how I remember songs about heaven that would bring tears of thanksgiving so strongly we would all just weep and rejoice. Please, let’s sing songs about the Blood and Heaven as well as the rain and the shout!
Remove not the ancient landmarks. . .ask for the old paths, wherein is the good way, and walk ye in it! Some glad morning...
Marthalee Lyman, Washington
Re: “A Music Minister Wonders Aloud“
I agree with Michael! Although there are wonderful new worship choruses out there (and I use them) we don’t need to forget the good old hymns that have brought us to where are today. I was very dismayed at Youth Congress as I didn’t know most of the songs that were sung during “worship.” And I do keep current with music trends. I found it hard to worship to most of the music, as did the young people that attended with us.
I try to use a hymn every service. Even if I put it with a newer worship chorus. I do think we can blend the old with the new and not forget the “old paths.” I think we all need to know “Blessed Assurance,” “The Old Rugged Cross,” and one of my favorites “When We All Get to Heaven!” We need to examine our motives for not singing hymns. Thanks for reminding us!
Dawn McGuire, Florida
Re: “How Far Is Too Far When It Comes to Church Music?”
Preach it Brother Michael!
You have hit the nail right on the head. This younger generation has all but tossed the good songs of yesteryear out the door. Much of the stuff they call music today is garbage. Once in a while something worthwhile slips through, but the majority of songs seem to have the same overall thought and lack of feeling.
I love the songs of old. Songs like “I Shall Not Be Moved” and “I Am Determined to Hold Out to the End” stirs my spirit. They make me turn my eyes upon myself to see if there’s something I may need to change, to make sure I’m ready to meet the Lord.
I call the generation of today, the “microwave” generation. They want a quick fix to everything including their blessings. If you can’t get it in five minutes, it’s not worth having. They are truly missing out.
I recall a service years ago when a sister used sign language as she sang “We Shall Behold Him” and the Spirit of the Lord took over and for 45 minutes we wept and worshiped the Lord. I don’t know if “kids” today would linger in the presence of God while such a slow and reverent song was being sung.
Oh, for the good ole days...
Pat Long, Washington
Re: “How Far Is Too Far When It Comes to Church Music?”
There is nothing wrong with mixing old in with the new, however, every generation changes. “Won’t We Have a Time” was at one time a new song also.
You asked, “Where is the anointed music?” as a praise and worship song couldn’t be anointed. It’s not so much the song as the singer, as long as it is worshiping God.
Kimberly Rigney, Mississippi
Re: “Minister of Music“
I listen to all types of Gospel/Christian music so that I can stay relevant. I even help my 16 year-old with music choices for his “special” song each month.
We incorporate southern gospel (in this Yankee area), as well as praise and worship, black gospel, hymns, etc. You cannot exclude the older generation in order to accommodate the younger generation.
Yes, there are songs that are no longer relevant (“Hold The Fort” or “Give Me Oil In My Lamb”), and a new way to lead our congregations—worship that is all about Him (vertical praise), which is different than when I was growing up in church. The music directors of today need to be aware of the dynamics of their “saints” and still reach out to the new comers.
In most surveys, let’s not kid ourselves any more, the “unchurched” are not drawn to the music. Our music is way down the totem pole. Thank God, the ministering of God’s Word and doctrine get a higher “rating.”
We are there, as praisers and worshipers, to prepare the way for God’s Word. I think we need to keep that in mind when choosing our “set” for worship songs.
Karen Zenobia, Michigan
Re: “Decline Ahead: Are Pentecostals The Next Methodists?”
I wrote a letter a few years ago stating almost the same as Bro. Trammel. I said that we Pentecostals were just about 50 years behind the denominational churches, but give us time and we would catch up. It seems to be proving true, to our own shame and hurt.
I pray that the modern church (sleeping giant) awakens out of sleep before we find ourselves in the same boat as Methodism and other denominations that started out strong.
Cherry Wyant-Price, Kentucky
Re: “How Far Is Too Far When It Comes To Church Music“
Apostolic praise and worship is second to none. There is nothing quite like the people of the Name lifting their hearts and their voices together to the Lord.
From the earliest stars of rock and roll and R&B to many of the most current artists—not a few of them have roots that start in Gospel music. Whether Albert Brumley’s song, “Everybody Will Be Happy Over There” (written in the 1920s) or Chris Tomlin’s “How Great Is Our God” (written in the 2000s), when God’s people engage Him in praise and worship, there’s nothing like it. Notwithstanding the wonderful moving of the Spirit of God in these worship songs, there are also incredible emotions tied to these lyrics and harmonies; hence, the reason for much of the success of these stars in the music industry.
I take issue with this statement made by Michael Alford: “If you really want to feel the true anointing of God, sing some of the old songs. You will feel a deeper anointing than when you sing the new praise and worship songs.”
Some of the most refreshing God-moments I’ve ever had has been in what is called a “modern/contemporary” worship service. Where did the idea come from that you can’t entertain God’s presence with a new song like you can with one of “the oldies”? More than one reference was made to feeling the true anointing of God in Michael’s article. I submit to you that God’s glory can be made manifest whether you are singing “It’s All In Him” or “Revelation Song.”
The focus here should not necessarily be on what songs are you singing, but should be on Pastors teaching their congregations what true praise and worship is. I submit that the greatest preachers have yet to preach and the greatest songwriters have yet to pick up a pen. It’s not the old songs that we must not forget it is the Jesus’ Name message of repentance and water baptism in Jesus’ name, the infilling of the Holy Ghost with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues and living a life of consecration to the Lord.
The church isn’t getting worse. It’s getting better. This is not an anemic, weak, pathetic generation. This generation is a strong force that will experience the greatest revival ever known to man and they will do it by singing and preaching under the anointing of the Holy Ghost!
Mark Tuccelli, Florida
Re: “How Far Is Too Far When It Comes To Church Music“
Music is designed to usher us into the presence of God. Not for us to necessarily get “our” feel-good on. Music is birthed out of a heart that has a longing to be in communion with our Savior, thusly, song writers create songs from “their” relationships, experiences, struggles. Thereby, that has produced a “change” in our music, because it, “our music,” has resulted from the life of upheaval.
If you haven’t noticed our world, our culture, society has become increasingly worse and worse, from generations which proceeded it. I personally still enjoy the old traditional favorites, however, I understand the responsibility that we have to “reach our world” with the Gospel of the Kingdom. Our Gospel can never be compromised, however, reaching out of our four walls involves reaching past ourselves, “out of the box,” to capture those souls that are desperate to find God.
Many times this is achieved through music and a connection to like issues in the lives of hurting peoples of our world. We can never forsake the landmarks, but reflecting can never exclude the reaching. God commanded that we should “Go” that is a progressive statement. Go and let our music be out of a heart of true worship, never let our personal preferences displace God’s intension to reach the lost masses.
We still sing the traditional favorites in my church, but we also integrate “new” worship songs into our praise services. Even today’s music will be traditional to an ever changing societal environment of tomorrow. Music must be worship to God, and even though styles will be perpetually changing, our worship must always be in “spirit and in truth” given to God from “our” hearts.
G. K. Sharp, Indiana
Re: “How Far Is Too Far When It Comes to Church Music?”
Michael Alford’s argument about contemporary praise and worship music, “Are we trying to become modern, more like the world?” (and those who share his opinion), is completely irrelevant because the music of the church has long been similar in style to the music in popular culture.
I attended the IQ Forum conference at the Urshan Graduate School of Theology last October and there was a session on modern worship music versus the hymnbook. Most of the session dealt with what percentage of old hymns are sung in churches today and whether that’s a good or bad thing.
But another point that came up (if I remember correctly) was that we should be concerned with the ideology of those writing the songs we sing. The argument was made that these old great hymn writers were amazing Christians—so in essence we shouldn’t listen to or sing a worshipful U2 song. Which is ridiculous! If that was the case, why aren’t we singing all songs written by Apostolics? Why are we singing the latest from Hillsong United or Israel Houghton? Because it’s good stuff! So, why aren’t more Apostolics leading the way when it comes to original worship music?
I spoke up in the session about a trend within some “emergent” churches, like Ecclesia in Houston, where the music sung is written by and about the local congregation. Their music reflects the struggles, victories, and worship that are personal to that congregation. I think that’s fabulous and wonder if that’s similar to what the early church believers did.
I asked the moderator (whom I believe teaches New Testament) what the apostles sang, and he explained it to me, and I’ve since forgotten the specifics, but I believe they sang the Psalms. It made me wonder: If we’re so concerned with doing church just like the early church did, then why aren’t we singing the songs the apostles sang?
I’m not really making an argument for exclusive Psalmody, but I am saying that you can’t make an argument for one style of music (inspirational or southern gospel or even black gospel) against another (contemporary/modern) because those are all genres. And they are all tied to a time period.
Cara Davis, Florida
RE: “How Far Is Too Far When It Comes to Church Music?”
I would say 80 percent of the music we sing is from the last 25 years, and 50 percent of it from the last five years. The remaining 20 percent is music that is 75 years or older. This is not an exact formula of course, but a conscious effort to be sure. We have three worship leaders at our church, and each one leads a little differently and with different music; one is in her mid-forties and favors music that was a popular church music style when she was in her early twenties; another is in her early thirties and prefers to lead either really current music or music that she remembers singing from hymnals when she was a child.
I
am also in my early thirties and I have tried to find a balance between music of
the last thirty years, along with timeless hymns such as “Blessed
Assurance,” “Amazing Grace,” and “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” We are
all passionate in our pursuit of Christ and sincere in our desire to lead others
to the presence of the Lord through the vehicle of praise and worship music.
Overall, I believe we’re covering the bases, from “My Savior Lives”
and “God of Wonders” to “Nothing But the Blood,” God is worshiped and
our congregation is challenged, encouraged, and ministered to.
Name Withheld By Request, Missouri
RE: A Request for Prayer
Our church has been raising money for a new building for some time now. We have purchased 4.5 acres on Hwy. 1 in Vivian, Louisian. Everyone has been asking us, “When are you going to build that new church?” Our answer has been, “When we have the money.”
An
outstanding family in our community has given us a challenge that would change
that
Please pray for us that we can accomplish our goal within the given deadline.
Pastor C. V. Holley, Louisiana
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