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Sing a New Song October 22, 2007 By Johnathan Dean
As time moves forward, we progress in almost every area of our lives. Automakers upgrade their cars, clothing styles change, and we all love advancing in technology with new cell phones, new computers, and much more. Even in our church services we see change and things moving forward for the Kingdom of God.
To me, it is an exciting challenge to help introduce the change that seems to have become such a controversial issue with some: the progression of music in the church. The good news is this—worship is still about God!
Actually, we all worship. The tough question is, “What do we worship?” If the focus of my worship is a style, a persona, or being “seen or used” at an event, then I have missed the point. I was created for His glory (Isaiah 43:7, Revelation 4:11)!
Public Worship, Private Preference I am sad to think that a style of music would be enforced as a right or wrong issue based on personal preference. In the book of Psalms, many sounds and instruments are mentioned and used. It excites me to see that even in the Bible there was variety based on the skill or preference of the musician.
Recently, I was privileged to help lead a worship team at a large event. It was truly one of the most intense worship experiences in which I have ever participated. Hundreds of people, including elders in the church, were amazed at the depth. Not because of me or the incredible worship team, but because the youth of today are so hungry to move forward with a “new sound.” This is good news to the founders of the church! The message is the same—many of the songs sang of the name of Jesus, the cross, being redeemed, the love of Jesus, our need of Him, being free and having victory, praise, being filled with the Holy Ghost, and even reflecting on and singing the hymn we all love: “Jesus Paid It All.” What a message! There were no veiled references or obscure statements relating to Christ; all songs boldly proclaimed Jesus.
My Goals for Him As a young worship leader, I have a few goals (outside of first giving Him glory):
And to think that we as worship leaders are keepers of the sound of God! What a responsibility! From as early in the Bible as Psalm 33 all the way to Revelation 14, you find “new songs” mentioned. So, I will continue to sing a new song, making the message of the song the issue, and not the style or genre.
ninetyandnine.com © 2007, Johnathan Dean
--------- Johnathan Dean is a Minister of Student Music and worship leader, married five years to Carla Wilson Dean and father of Klein Dean, age six months, and still trying to master the hard act of parenting! He’s clumsy, not all together yet, and still trying to figure it out, but loving it. Hats off to all parents!
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