Or that it isn’t wise at times to reference what the world is singing. That doesn’t mean we can never use a popular song to make a specific point in a meeting. Evangelism should be the natural overflow of a group of Christians who are passionately, clearly, and compellingly extolling the greatness of God and his mercy in Jesus Christ – not trying to sound like the world. Evangelism involves proclaiming the gospel – the good news that Christ died in our place for our sins to reconcile us to God. Is playing songs by U2 or other popular artists the best way to do that? No. Third, Matt asks if we should seek to evangelize non-Christians during our times of corporate worship. Seems like it would be much better to simply reference the words and comment on them. Also, prior associations people can have with the song make it even problematic. There’s no sense that this is a husband singing to his wife, andĮven if it was, it wouldn’t be appropriate for a multiple generation congregation. This song doesn’t accomplish those goals. “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled” (Heb. Sexuality is a gift from God to be celebrated within the covenant of marriage. If reading those words seems awkward here, imagine what it would sound like if they’re sung when the church of Jesus Christ gathers. Your body is a wonder (I’ll use my hands) One thing I’ve left to do, discover me discovering you We got the afternoon, you got this room for two I certainly have no idea why someone would sing John Mayer’s “Your Body is a Wonderland” on a Sunday morning. We’re really not that different!” Or are they thinking, “Why are these Christians trying to act so much like me? I was hoping they could provide some answers to my problems.” Or maybe, “Why do I come to church to hear second-rate versions of songs I listen to? Why don’t they sing about something has changed their lives, rather than something I already know?” Hard to say. What are people hearing as these songs are being played? Are they thinking, “Wow, these Christians really relate to me?” Or are they thinking, “Gee, I never knew Christians listen to the same kind of music I do. Second, singing/playing popular secular songs on Sunday mornings can have a number of effects, some good, some not so good. Our primary goal is to make sure that unbelievers have the opportunity to encounter in some way the grace and truth of God revealed in Jesus Christ, expressed through his church. I wouldn’t expect someone who doesn’t know the Savior to be totally comfortable in that setting. “To each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good” (1 Cor. We’ve gathered to build each other up by rehearsing and celebrating the Gospel, calling to mind God’s covenant promises, confess our sins, exercise spiritual gifts, and much more. But it’s not our responsibility to make sure they’re “comfortable.” The church is different from the world. We should make sure that unbelievers can understand what’s going on in our meetings, and that we’re not doing anything to make them feel unwelcome. There are three ways I want to respond to Matt’s question.įirst, the idea that we should make “seekers” feel more comfortable in church begs for further clarification. Should we seek to evangelize during our times of worshiping God through singing corporately? I’m really interested to hear your thoughts about doing songs like these. Some folks mentioned that they had been to church’s where song such as: “She Will be Loved” by Maroon 5, “Your Body is a Wonderland” by John Mayer (that Sunday’s service was about sexuality), lots of U2, etc. I recently came across a message board where folks were discussing secular songs that could be done to make “seekers” feel more comfortable at church.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |