As I write this note I am reminded of the enormous challenge we each face for the year 2009. Yet, we are excited just knowing that the unexpected things will add spice to our journey of life. I am looking forward to what 2009 has in store for me and my family, for church and other ministry related work and most of all ‘Expecting Great Things from God’.  It’s a great way to look back at 2008 and find out how much God has blessed us while also learning from past mistakes that we have a new year to start afresh. It is my prayer your 2009 will be a meaningful one. 2009 is going to be exciting! May yours be an exciting one too! Wishing you well!

Well, folks here is another blogging section on ‘Worshiping Beyond Styles.’ I hope it adds blessing to your worship journey.

New Testament Worship

Originating as a result of the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple and the subsequent dispersion of the Jewish people during the Exile, the Synagogue (Literally means ‘a gathering place’ or ‘a place of assembly’) became the religious, education, and the social center of Jewish life. Unlike the temple worship where sacred rituals were conducted and practiced, there were no rituals in the synagogue worship. It’s focus was primarily on reading and understanding the word of God.

Early Christian worship has been greatly influenced by the synagogue. The Jews who had been faithful in their worship at the temple were faithful in their synagogue worship too. After the ascension of Christ, the disciples continually went to the temple praising and blessing God (Luke 24:51-53). A basic gathering of the Jerusalem church was the daily attendance of believers in the temple (Acts 2:46-47). Luke and John records Jesus teaching in the temple (Luke 19:47; John 7:14; 10:22-24). Jesus went regularly to the synagogue on the Sabbath as was his custom (Luke 4:16; 19:45-46; John 2:13-16).

Luke observes Christians continually went to the temple to bless God. They were found praying steadfastly (Acts 2:46). The apostles continued to teach daily in the temple (Acts 4:1ff). Much of Christian worship comes from the Synagogue. The Synagogue was the local center for worship. Christians inherited Scripture reading, preaching, singing, and prayer from Jewish Synagogue worship. A Synagogue worship consisted of a service of the Word in which the creedal (Duet. 6:4) was proclaimed. The service included Scripture reading and exposition, prayer, and benedictions. The book of Acts and the Epistles continues to reflect the involvement of Christians in Jewish worship. The Apostles, like Jesus, taught believers in the temple (Acts 5:25).

The worship practice of Christian worship slowly began to change by the time Gentiles were becoming Christians. The church had to develop its own forms of common worship. Although worship centered on the temple for Jewish Christians the relationship to the synagogue was equally strong. Paul made synagogue the starting point of his missionary work (Acts 13). He preached in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch and Iconium and found a house of prayer at Philippi. The division rather started to take place when the preaching of the Gospel became the central point of Christians, which forced them to hold their own meetings. The first church in Jerusalem met in the Upper room for prayer (Acts 1:14; 4:31; 12:12). The breaking of bread and the Lord’s Supper played an important role in the worship of the disciples and the new Gentile believers. Believers thus probably met in houses.

Rediscovering our Ancient Heritage

The church’s worship in the third century took place in homes or Catacombs. Worshipers sang Psalms, read the Word, listened to sermons and discussed their implications for their lives. The content was always the proclamation of God’s salvation and the anticipation of Christ’s return. The early Christian worship was fourfold: the gathering, the service of the Word, the service of the Table, the dismissal.

The conversion of Constantine changed the face of Christianity in the fourth and fifth century. The church shifted to a friendly environment from a church that was underground. The church grew rapidly. Worship theology became to be formulated in various creeds, and worship was developed to a more fixed form. Worship was caught in the transcendence of God. It became an elaborate spectacle to be observed with fear and trembling. Worship became the work of the priests with worshipers watching.

The sixteenth century saw a upheaval of worship among Christians. Martin Luther and John Calvin made efforts to strip off unnecessary traditions and return to the purity of the early church. Reformation shifted the Word of God as the center of worship. Followed by the reformation was the rise of Revivalism in the nineteenth century. The rise of Pentecostals, Charismatic, and the Praise and Worship movements in the twentieth century stressed style over substance. They emphasized its openness to the Spirit and supported the action of lifting hands, dancing in the Spirit, laying hands for prayer; which is essentially rooted in the early church.

Christian worship has traveled a long way. From the ancient church we learn the emphasis of the four-fold order; from the Medieval church, we learn the visual, mystery and transcendence; from the Reformation era we get the emphasis on the Word of God; from the Modern to Post Modern, our contemporary church inherits the sense of the Spirit and of intimacy.

Looking back at history makes us think about the intensity of worship and how worshipers struggled to bring meaning into their worship. Although Christian’s worship ritual developed from one tradition to another, one thing we know is, Christ has been and will always be the center of worship. No matter how intimate we worship, or how transcendent our worship might be, in the words of A.W Tozer, “The Christian church exists to worship God first of all. Everything else must come second or third or fourth or fifth.”

Thanks and Happy New Year!

To be contd. (Bibliography to be followed.)

]]> http://www.vee.nagamusic.com/worshiping-beyond-styles-iii/feed/ http://www.vee.nagamusic.com/adding-songs-to-playlist/ http://www.vee.nagamusic.com/adding-songs-to-playlist/#comments Fri, 26 Dec 2008 09:05:41 +0000 Vee http://www.vee.nagamusic.com/?p=109 Folks,

I thought it would be interesting to upload some original songs sung bi-lingual ‘English and Japanese’ that I wrote and was produced by our group called ‘Go-Ye Chanpuru’ in the year 2007.

For your listening pleasure!

Vee

Asia! Jesus Cares!

Redeemer!

Come to Me

Worship the Lord!

First of all, ‘Merry Christmas’ to you all. May this yuletide season bring you a step closer to Christ. May your worship also be heartfelt and your genuineness in your worship reflecting you of who you are to God.

This article is kind of a sequel to ‘True Worship Against False Worship,’ and rightfully so because worship witnesses Christ. In worship Christians truly witness Christ not only to ourselves but to those who are seeking Christ.

Rick Warren says, “Worship is a powerful witness to unbelievers if God’s presence is felt and if the message is understandable…God’s presence must be sensed in the service. More people are won to Christ by feeling God’s presence than by all our apologetic arguments combined. Few people, if any, are converted to Christ on purely intellectual grounds. It is the sense of God’s presence that melts the heart and explodes mental barriers.” It opens up many facets for us to consider if worship should be left only for Christians or worship must go beyond the four-walled corners of our churches. In my study of worship I have concluded that our Christian worship must witness the awesome presence of God ‘God in our midst’ by Christians genuinely expressing their love and complete allegiance to God. In so doing, worship witnesses the power of God among Christians because worship opens the flood gates of heaven from where God’s mercies are experienced. When a non-believer sees for himself/herself this genuineness, as worship is offered, the experience will no doubt leave an impact that a non-believer will no way forget what he/she saw in the worship of God. Following ‘Worship Evangelism’ as Sally Morganthaler says, my research itself as I gather materials, brings me to this question ‘How can Christian Worship Witness to Non-Believers? In other words, ‘Worship-Witness’ as I use it, is worship witnessed by a non-believer, who, with the help of the Holy Spirit, understands, feels the presence of God, senses an invitation to receive Christ as his/her personal Lord and savior.

A powerful worship witness would therefore, in the words of Jack Hayford means “allowing worship to be what it was meant to be - “a resource for incomplete and broken mankind to find completion and wholeness in His presence.” He adds that worship is to be a resource “for incomplete and broken mankind to find completion in … His presence. God designed worship to witness, and it will witness, if only we will let it. Robert Webber stresses that worship is the gospel in motion. It means worship witnesses as seekers not only hear the truth about God, but also observes this “Gospel in motion,” believers interacting with God through Christ. Songwriter and pastor Mark Altrogge says, “We’re prophetic as we speak forth truth of God in our worship. We’re proclaiming who Jesus is and what He’s done.” Gerrit Gustafson adds that evangelism is the natural and expected fruit of worship that is authentic and full of God’s presence and truth.

Glauner Da Silva Pereira elaborates ‘Christian worship subsists not only in the strict sense of worship to the Lord as a community; neither only into the nature of God, but of our relation to the world itself, to our neighbor, and to ourselves. James White says, “In a narrow sense, much of worship does revolve around the glorification of God. . . in a wider sense, as man through worship moves to a greater concern about this life before God and among men, he tries to reflect the love of God in concern for his neighbor.” According to Sally Morganthaler, ‘God does not want unbelievers to just observe believers worship. His intention is for nonbelievers to become worshipers.’ “All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, O Lord; they will bring glory to your name” (Psalm 86:9).

When we look at Acts 10:34-35, Peter exclaims, “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation.” Here, Peter makes this discovery that God is not a separatist but God in his grace through Jesus Christ, offers everyone the opportunity to become a true worshiper, and this worship is available to everyone. John Mark Terry claims, “Thus, effective worship will draw believers into fellowship with God and prompt them to evangelize the lost.” Sally Morgenthaler, who has long been a strong proponent of worship evangelism defines worship witness as a wholehearted worship of Christians calling the whole world to the whole hearted worship of God. . . (and) the fusion of the power of God’s presence with the power of the gospel.” How does this happen? First, as unbelievers hears the truth about God (through worship songs, prayers, Communion, baptism, Scripture, testimonies, drama and so on); and second and most importantly, they observe the real relationship between worshipers and God. In worship witness, God’s truth and the uniqueness of Christ are communicated primarily through the worshipers and the acts of worship. Worship Leader, Tommy Walker comments: “The most powerful thing non-Christians can see is people worshiping. Worship shows people who God is. . . I can’t tell how many times non-Christians have said, “I don’t know what this is – something’s going on inside!” like God’s knocking on their heart’s door! He’s breaking down the walls. That’s the anointing, and I’m afraid we may be taking it out of our services. Similarly, Robert E. Webber proposing worship as outreach in the terms of “Liturgical Evangelism” defines it as calling a person into Christ and the church through a conversion regulated and ordered by worship. He says, “These services order the inner experience of repentance from sin, faith in Christ, conversion of life, and entrance into the Christian community.”

Further on in Scriptures worship is used by God as a powerful tool for evangelism. When Paul and Silas were thrown into prison in Acts 16:25-34, they praised the Lord in front of unbelieving prisoners worshiping him in the midst of their own difficulties. An earthquake hit, the entire prison shook, the doors opened, the jailer and his family were saved, and the church in Philippi grew mightily. Rick Warren convincingly says, “Although unbelievers cannot truly worship, they can watch believers worship. They can observe the joy that we feel. They can see how we value God’s Word and how we respond to it.” Through the worship of Christians non-believers can hear the gospel preached and how the Bible can answer questions to the problems of life. Non-believers learn as they observe Christians how worship encourages, strengthens and change people. Non-believers can sense when God is supernaturally moving in a service, although they won’t be able to explain it. Why should worship witness? When we recognize that our worship is a heartfelt, active response to God, worship genuinely attracts the seeker who is hungering to see what a supernatural relationship with God is like. Agreeing with Sally Morganthaler, she says when worship becomes the seedbed of authenticity and nonbelievers see that, worship will produce the by-product that God intended it to be: a witness to Christ. Amen!

The problem however lies when Christian worship does not accurately represent God and worship services do not truthfully engage believers in heartfelt, active response to God. And, sadly, in many Churches worship services is not authentically connecting worshipers with God and as Morgenthaler says, “scores of would-be worshipers – seeker and saved – are slipping away.

Lastly, we can ask ourselves what importance do we give in the worship of God? Worship is everything we have been created for. John 4:23 says, “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will come to the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.” God continually seeks people like ‘Us’ to worship Him truly. The most important thing for Christians to do is to worship Him in such truth that when God inhabits our praise and make his presence known, we become like what the Israelites experienced in II Chronicles 5: 13b, “Then the temple of the Lord was filled with a cloud, and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the temple of God.”

May we seek to worship God with the best that we can offer and pray our churches will awaken from this worship slumber.

Thanks.

I am trying to find a way to answer a question raised by Zhalie and what Zero Tolerance also wanted to know. I am not sure if this will satisfy their appetite but then again the question, ‘What is Real worship and what is False worship?’ is an important one yet a difficult question to answer in just a few sentences. Plus, since no one but oneself can judge from our own hearts if our worship is truly real or not I will leave that matter to one’s own relationship between Him/her and God.

Yet, the question being an important one I thought I would like to attach an article that I hope offers a window to the question of ‘Real worship and False worship.’ I personally refer to Isaiah 29: 13 as my standard to true worship. That is, “The Lord says, “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.” We also find in Ezekiel 33:31-32, “My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to listen to your words, but they do not put them to practice. With their mouths they express devotion, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice.” Pretty hard hitting! But so true! So, should I say the very opposite of Isaiah 29:13 and Ezekiel 33:31-32 can be false worship? Rightly so. Although I cannot measure others people’s worship with that of mine but, looking through the Scripture, we find worship is neither ritual or liturgy, but about God, for who He is, for what He has done and about our hearts, our actions, our will, our conscience, our lifestyle and anything that is done in loving obedience to God proceeding to bring glory to Christ. Anyway, here is an excerpt from Dr. Robert Godrey’s article, “Pleasing God in our Worship,” that will highlight more with regards to the question set above. I hope this adds blessing to your hearts. Guys, Thanks for your responses!

Vee

PLEASING GOD IN OUR WORSHIP

Excerpts from 2nd point:

TWO

The Need for True Worship

All Christians need to cultivate a life with God that is growing and developing. If we are not growing, we will stagnate or die. The corporate, official worship of God’s people is a crucial and essential means God has given to help us grow. Think of the words of Hebrews 10:19-22:

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great high priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.

This passage calls Christians to draw near to God through Christ since, even as Christians, we experience a distance between ourselves and God that only the work of Christ can bridge. We need to draw near to him personally and individually in devotion, meditation, and prayer; but we also need to draw near to him by meeting with him in the fellowship of his people, where God promises to be especially present (Matt. 18:20). We meet with God when the people of God meet together, pray together, sing together, and listen to his Word together.

Christianity is a religion in which individuals become an integral part of Christ’s body. We are not just an association of individuals, but we are organically connected to one another (1 Cor. 12:12-27; Eph. 1:22-23). We express that we are the body of Christ, especially when we meet God together in public worship.

Worshiping False Gods

John Calvin rightly called the human heart “a factory of idolatry,” meaning that faithful worship does not come naturally to fallen human beings. Sinners become idolaters because God has so deeply planted the need for himself in human beings that when we do not know the true God, we invent false gods, false religion, and false worship. God warns against such idolatrous worship in the first commandment: “You shall have no other gods before me.” The idolatrous worship of false gods is condemned throughout the Bible.

Worshiping the True God Falsely

We need to listen to the call of Scripture to promote holy worship and flee idolatry. But the worship of false gods is not the only kind of idolatry condemned in the Bible. The second commandment teaches us that idolatry is not only a matter of worshiping false gods, which is prohibited in the first commandment. It is also a matter of worshiping the true God falsely. The second commandment says, “You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sins of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments” (Exod. 20:4-6).

This commandment clearly forbids the use of images of God in worship, but it also implicitly forbids all human invention in worship. The prohibition against images means that we must worship the true God only in ways that please him. The people of Israel claimed they were worshiping the Lord as the true God when they fashioned the golden calf. They regarded the image as Jehovah (Exod. 32:5-6). But such false worship offended God and brought judgment on the people.

The story of the golden calf reminds us that God’s own people can fall into idolatry in their worship of him. We may want to be creative and inventive in worship, but that creativity can lead to idolatry. Repeatedly in the Old Testament God judged his people for false worship. Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu were struck dead for offering “unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to his command” (Lev. 10:1). Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel, and his heirs were consistently criticized as idolaters because of images and false temples and services dedicated to the Lord. The people of God were rebuked in these instances not for worshiping false gods, but for worshiping the true God falsely.

The New Testament also warns against pleasing ourselves with false worship. Paul wrote to the Colossians condemning their novelties and experiments with “self-imposed worship” (Col. 2:23). Jesus warned against allowing traditions to dominate and subvert the Word of God: “Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition” (Matt. 15:6). Jesus was not speaking about worship when he made that statement, but then he used Isaiah 29:13, which is about worship, to support his words:

These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.
They worship me in vain;
their teachings are but rules
taught by men. (vv. 8-9)

He was saying that our service to God, whether in life generally or in corporate worship, must not be determined by tradition but must follow the teaching of God in the Bible.

Paul specifically warned the Corinthians against false worship in the way they were administering the Lord’s Supper. The sins and errors that infected their worship led Paul to charge them with destroying that sacrament: “When you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat (1 Cor. 11:20). In fact, God cares so much about worship that Paul records that God visited judgment on the Corinthians for their abuses in worship related to that sacrament: “That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep” (v. 30).

The Bible reminds us that neither our instincts nor our traditions nor our experiments are reliable guides to worship. The Bible itself is our only reliable guide. One of the ironies of our time is that many Christians who affirm the inerrancy of the Bible do not really study it to find out what it says about worship. We must search the Scriptures to find God’s will to guide us in our worship. The Cambridge Declaration made this point: “The Bible alone teaches all that is necessary for our salvation from sin and is the standard by which all Christian behavior must be measured.”

Author:

Dr. W. Robert Godfrey is President of Westminster Theological Seminary in Escondido, California. He is also Professor of Church History. He received the A.B., M.A., and Ph.D. degrees from Stanford University, and the M.Div. degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He has taught at Westminster Theological Seminary (both in Pennsylvania and California) for over twenty years. He is an ordained minister in the Christian Reformed Church. Dr. Godfrey was a contributor to John Calvin: His Influence on the Western World; Reformed Theology in America; and Scripture and Truth. He edited the Westminster Theological Journal for several years, and is a frequent speaker at Christian conferences. Dr. Godfrey is a native of California. He and his wife Mary Ellen have three children: William, Mari, and Robert.

As we mourn with those who lost their loved ones in the Mumbai incident we also take every effort to let the world know that ‘Terrorism Stinks’. Nothing can and will come out of violence and we see that in our history of human existence. Likewise, we also pray for an end to senseless violence in our home state too; that we will become a better citizen by who we believe, what we believe in and where we stand as people of faith. That Christ is the answer to everything and our faith expects us to live by the teachings of Christ.

Folks here is the 2nd part to ‘Worshiping Beyond Styles’. More to follow.

Worship Renewal

I believe all God-Loving church wants to do their best in the worship of God. Yet often times in desiring to do so, worship is planned according to one’s personal preferences and that which fits into one’s mindset. There is always the danger of excluding some worshipers thus forfeiting their needs to worship God and receive His blessings. Worship must be sensitive and planning must also be done so.

Where does your church fit? Traditional or Contemporary. Is there a desire for your church to be both traditional and contemporary. In other words, do you desire worship that is rich in the historic tradition, while also experiencing freedom in worship that is joyful, warmth and celebratory.

Understanding the Historical Progression of Worship

Old Testament Worship

Genesis 4:2-5 records, the sons of Adam, Cain and Abel worshiped God. They brought the fruits of their soil as an offering. God called Abraham and he responded with faith and obedience and built an altar unto the Lord and worshiped him (Gen. 12:7).

God revealed himself to Israel as Jehovah and gave worship to Israel as a means to express its relationship with him through the covenant in Mount Sinai (Ex. 20: 1-18).

With the covenant handed through Moses, God gave specific instructions regarding the building of the tabernacle; directing Moses to build a sanctuary for worship and an ark in which the Ten Commandments should be kept. (Ex. 25:26). Franklin Segler says that ‘Corporate thus had its beginnings with the building of the tabernacle.’

The tabernacle stood at the very center of Israel as a continual reminder of God’s presence. It symbolized Israel’s relationship to God. Furthermore, sacred rituals began to take place in the tabernacle. Sacrifices such as burnt offerings were done to indicate the complete consecration to God. The worship of God took form in its climax when David set up the first altar for Yahweh in Jerusalem (2 Sam. 24:25).

After the Ark was placed in the tabernacle, David appointed Asaph to direct priestly musicians, singers as ministers before the Ark of the Lord. They (Levites) were to invoke, thank, and praise God from morning till evening (1 Chron. 16:4). King David is thus credited as the person who brought Israel to an organized worshiping community. David also becomes the symbol example of a true worshiper. David brought revival, unity to the nation of Israel.

Richard C. Leonard, says that the worship of the tabernacle of David has been called ‘The New Covenant worship in the Old Testament era,’ primarily because it focused on the presence of the Lord in the midst of His people, symbolized by the Ark. He adds, “Davidic worship was festive in character, bringing the people together in pilgrimage to the sanctuary.” In Davidic worship while there were certain prescribed musical patterns, worshipers could also express their worship spontaneously. (Ps. 33:3; 96:1; 149:1) The word “Selah” often mentioned in the Psalms referred to outbreaks of improvised praise. Centered around the Ark, the celebration of the Lord’s presence in the midst of His people was the central point of Davidic worship. This worship typified the indwelling presence of Christ with His church.

Some highlights of Davidic worship:

1. Worship was visible and actions like bowing down (Ps. 95:6; 138:2), lifting of the hands (Ps. 63:4; 134:2, clapping (Ps 47:1).
2. Processions accompanied by dance (Ps. 68:24-25); 100:4; 149:3; 150:4).
3. Music was both vocal and instrumental. Tambourines, stringed instruments, percussion instruments amplified their praise.
4. Worship incorporated extended praise.
5. In worship, worshipers pledged their allegiance and thanked the Lord. (1 Chron. 16:34; Ps. 118:1; 136:1; Ps. 100:4; 147:7).
   

To be continued!

Thanks and God Bless!

Vee

As much as I would want to be consistent in writing, I realize being a Pastor and a Musician as well, I end up having my schedules jam packed. Our convention called Okinawa Baptist Convention has a month Thrust on Evangelism “Nuchidu Takara” Or “Life is Precious” festival. I am taking care of worship, band and sound so as you can imagine, it’s not been an easy week. Anyway, today I had the time to look back at  the blog and decided I should post some excerpts from what I wrote some years ago and published in a Japanese worship book. Well to cut off from excusing too much, I as soon as I get a break from all these schedules I hope to write more.

I am a proponent of Blending Worship which would also mean the blend of Traditional and Contemporary music style. Not only is Traditional Worship Traditional but Contemporary Worship has also become a tradition with its roots in the Jesus movement of the 60s, coupled with other influences from Black-Gospel, Pentocostalism, and other popular music styles. In taking an example to simplify our understanding,  we all agree that families have traditions because each year we find ourselves consistently repeating what we did the past years thus making it a family tradition. Likewise, contemporary worship style has also become a tradition in itself and I  qoute Greg Scheer who says, “..Praise and Worship has itself become a tradition.” He adds,  “In its Thirty-year history, it (Praise and Worship) has become a dominant music style of the evangelical church.” Anyway, to cut the story short, here is what I thought I would like to share with you all. Credits to authors I have quoted will be posted later on. Hope a word or two brings light to your Christian worship roots.

“The Road to the Future runs through the Past.”

- Robert E. Webber 

Oftentimes I encounter pastors, Christian friends who would say, ‘Hymns are things of the past. We need to represent the present and go along with what the present has to offer.’ On the other hand, I have also encountered Christians who would not, for any sake, accommodate the idea of singing praise and worship songs because they do not carry any depth and, too worldly musically for the church.

I recall my experience of ‘worship styles’ while worshiping at a Baptist Church in the Philippines in 1995. I had just left my home church in Nagaland, India and had come to Philippines to receive my training at Philippines Baptist Theological Seminary. The church that I went the very first Sunday was a contemporary church that used Drums, Keyboards, Electric Guitars, Tambourines etc. The music was loud and stuffy. The singing of the worshipers were drained by the sound of the music. Looking sideway, I could see people singing with their eyes shut as if lost in wonder. I did not understand their reaction and in the least, I wasn’t expecting the kind of worship I experienced. I did not know the songs they were singing, much less about the music styles. The kind of music I heard, I used to hear in rock concerts. Honestly, I started questioning, ‘Are they really worshiping God?’ Does this kind of music help lift up God’s mighty name? Why are they so informal as if they are in a Soccer game? Where is the Awe, Reverence? I was devastated. I couldn’t find my place.

Prejudice of worship styles hindered me to worship God for few Sundays. I closed my heart and down rated the worship as a mere fun time. I disconnected myself from the worship of God and the church by building a wall between them and me. Prejudice! That’s what hardens our hearts, shuts our minds, and disposes off the potential to bring unity into our church life.

What is your present situation in your church? Is there a tug of war that is somehow draining your effort to bring unity in your worship services? Is your younger generation singing hymns comfortably? Do the older generation readily accept the new Contemporary songs? How did you choose the church you worship today?

Historically, says, Elmer Towns, Professor at Dallas Theological seminary says, Protestants chose churches based on the doctrines and not on worship styles. The difference I see in this present generation is that people are choosing churches depending on the worship styles rather than denominational affiliation.

The Tug of War

Is there a tug of war in your church? What does advocates of Traditional or Contemporary worship say about their worship style.

According to Gerrit Gustafson, Traditionalists say, ‘Hymns bring deep theological truths. It is historic, and provides texts that draws from many subjects-Father, Christ, Holy Spirit, Mission, Commitment etc., name it and you have it but contemporary songs lacks theological depth, lacks intellectual rigor, and often repetitive.’ Traditional worship advocates adds that traditional worship is not necessarily for the liturgy but because of the rich tradition, the heritage, the beauty, the content, and substance of prayer book worship.

Contemporary advocates say, ‘Contemporary songs are powerful. They bring new meaning of celebration. Contemporary worship is driven in today’s music culture. Contemporary songs allows more freedom and spontaneity and speaks of renewal and intimacy with God.’ Contemporary worship style brings joy, warmth, and a sense of community experience.

The tug of war that is prevalent in many churches today is that contemporary churches tend to sing choruses to the exclusion of hymns. Traditional churches do the same by excluding choruses. For some contemporary churches, hymns are considered as being preoccupied with sentiment and individualization. The same is criticism is shared of the contemporary songs for the lack of theological reflections.

Barry Liesch, Professor at Biola University observes a disturbing trend in today’s young people. He says, ‘Our young people are committed Christians. But when it comes to their knowledge of hymnody, they’re ignorant. He adds, “Hymns may not explode or dazzle like fireworks, but like starts, their light shines. Hymns bring deep theological truths within our reach in portions we can grasp with melodies we can remember.”

Traditional Worship and Contemporary Worship

What makes a church Traditional or Contemporary? What difference can we see in a worship style that is Traditional or Contemporary.

Traditional Worship

In a Traditional church, people enter and prepare for worship in silence. Silence has to do with awe and reverence. The experience of silence had to do with the feeling of speechlessness before God. Thus silence entails meditation, preparation, and openness. Worship then continues with an Organ or a Piano prelude. A greeting, an opening sentence or a call to worship usually follows the prelude. A call to worship may often be a responsive reading. A hymn follows, an invocation prayer recognizing God’s presence and thus inviting God to cleanse the heart and prepare it for true worship.

Once the worshipers stand before God, the Scripture is read to recognize his presence. In some churches, an anthem by the choir may come in sequence before the word of God is brought to either highlight or add to the message being brought. The worship then proceeds to the hearing of God’s word which is generally followed by a hymn of response or consecration. The service would end with the Benediction pronounced by the pastor.

Isaiah 6:1-9 offers a traditional worship order pattern.

Hymn: Praise to the Lord Almighty

Opening Prayer

Confession, Assurance of Pardon

Welcome/Greetings

Hymn

Scripture Reading

Choir

Sermon

Hymn of Invitation/Response

Offering: *Solo

Lord’s Table (Bread and the Cup)

Pastoral Prayer and United Amen

Doxology or Benediction

Contemporary Worship

Contemporary worship was born from the praise and worship movement tradition, or influenced by the charismatic tradition. Contemporary worship style has a whole new approach to the assembling of the people for worship. The gathering usually starts with an informal singing of praise choruses. It is followed by the Pastor entering and welcoming people, ‘ Good morning and welcome to the fellowship etc.’ The service is followed with a singing of 5-7 songs led by a worship team consisting of 3-5 singers, drummer, guitarist, bass player, keyboardist, percussionist etc. The lyrics are projected on an overhead. The strength of contemporary worship style is the singing, which would last from 20 minutes to 30 minutes or even more. After the song are sung, the pastor ends that part of worship with a prayer and the service of the Word begins. A characteristic of contemporary worship is the freedom in worship, joyful singing, both vocal and physical, clapping, shouting, leaping and even dancing.

General Observation

A general observation of Traditional and Contemporary worship style is that, a traditional worship service is cold, solemn and looks like a funeral service. On the other hand, a contemporary worship service is defined on music and singing failing to adequately recognize the Word, Lord’s Table and the dismissal act of worship.

Two widely used pattern in a contemporary worship is the ‘Five Phase or a Four Phase Worship Pattern.’

Five Phase Pattern is widely seen in Vineyard churches.

Intimation Phase: Song serves as a call to worship. (Sings, Shout Clap your Hands.)

Engagement Phase: The people having gathered, now sings to God. Song expresses the purpose of coming before God. (Come let us worship and Bow Down.)

Exaltation Phase: The people are prepared to sing songs that extol and magnify the Lord. (I Exalt Thee.)

Adoration Phase: Worship song becomes softer, slower and quieter. (I worship You, Father, I Adore You.)

Intimacy Phase: This phase is the quietest, with songs that are more direct and relational. (I Love You, Lord.)

Close Out: A Song then transitions to the teaching time.

The Four Fold Pattern is Modeled in the Old Testament Tabernacle or “Journey into the Holy of the Holies.”

Outside the Courtyard: Worship songs depict the preparation of the people. (I will Enter His Courts with Thanksgiving in my Heart.)

In the Outer Courts: The content of the songs shifts to the experience of worship. (Here I am to Worship.)

In the Inner Courts: Songs now emphasize the worship of God. (I Exalt Thee.)

In the Holy of the Holies: Worship reaches an intense and intimate time of relationship. Songs are directed to God. (I Love You Lord, None like You.)

Friends, I will post the 2nd part some weeks later. Needs a little updating!

Thanks and God Bless!

Your Comrade!

Vee!

I am sorry for not being able to sit put and write. You’ll all have to excuse me. I will write soon in the meantime I thought I would like to share these pictures from my concert. Will post more.

Thanks.

Vee

It’s been a quick week and I can’t imagine how my time is zapped up like a blink of the eye. Monday comes and within no time Sunday is here. Yet, life is such a wonderful gift from God to be lived at the fullest. Although we are partly experiencing the economic downfall, I believe we are all ready to face any challenges and come out of this mess soon. We must continue to pray for our leaders. Anyway, without much ado, I thought I would like to update some of my thoughts on writing worship songs.

Writing songs for worship as I have learned is a 3 way process. First, I, most oftentimes write worship songs from my own personal devotions. Worship songs can be personal. The Scripture/ God’s words has to speak to me first. What does God say? How is it going to impact to me personally? Unless, there is a personal testimony to your songs, songs can become song-sake and your relationship with God may not be reflected in the song.

Second, Worship songs can be corporately addressed. What is the proclaimed Word? To whom it is addressed? What is the Scripture teaching us through the particular verse? How will the song affect the congregation? Carefully analyze any worship songs of this generation, and you will find there are songs that is addressed as ‘I’ or sometimes ‘We/Our’. It does not necessarily mean that because it is addressed as ‘I’ it is not a worship song. Our personal worship can be corporately shared by each individual and sung as a congregation. Example, ‘I worship You,’ “I give you my heart’ ‘Our God is an awesome God,’ ‘We’ve come to bless your name’ etc. It means the author of the song has had the congregation in mind and is collectively desiring that the Scripture has something to say to the congregation, and that is, addressed to the people as a response to God.’

Third, worship songs are an offering to God. It addresses to God. He is the sole audience. Some people call it ‘One Audience’. That is so true. Our worship songs must be directed to God the Father, the Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Worship songs must reflect our adoration, love, respect, worth of Him, proclaiming His greatness, victory etc. There are also songs that are addressed to God. Example, Songs like ‘You are crowned with many crowns’ etc directly proclaims who God is. Worship songs must teach, admonish and encourage us to get closer to God. It must help us to meet God personally. Worship songs must help guide us to change our hearts, lives every time we sing. It is God who changes our heart but worship songs serves as an aid towards that change. And likewise, worship songs must be written and sung sincerely. First, with your being as a person who has received His forgiveness and salvation. Second, as a person whose life is surrendered to God and in response obey His teachings. Third, God is your priority and your love and adoration for God is singly focussed.

Thanks for reading and pray a word or two sinks in your heart. Next, I would like to write few thoughts on why songwriters write songs that we call (Mostly Contemporary) ‘Praise’ and ‘Worship.’

Vee

Thought I would like to jot down few thoughts about writing songs for worship for our folks who are aspiring to write one. I will try to cover some basics in a series.

As you may well know yourself, writing songs can both be easy and difficult. There are times I would compose a song in less than 3 minutes. Other times it takes hours and even years. I have this song called “Come to Me” that took me two years to complete. Every time I would sit down to write the song, the words just doesn’t fit the music and an inner voice doesn’t agree with the lyrics I am working on.

Yet, in all of these, the most important thing I have learned is to know that you are writing a devotional poetry that reflects who you are to God. Most of my songs have come from personal devotions. After reading a certain Scripture, and after I have been meditating on the word of God makes me realize many things that can be talking to me or an encouragement that will uplift your congregation. As I write, my one and only focus is God Himself. God whom I adore, worship and to whom I give worth to express my wholehearted love, honor and worship.

There are times my emotions are overflowing and I would write down what, how I am feeling. But, again, feelings must be expressed Scripturally. What does God say in a certain emotional situation. The book of Psalms is filled with sincere expressions of feelings and we know that David has written what he felt at that moment of time. Too often, songwriters write words just based on their feelings and in case of secular songs, that’s what it is. But, when it comes to writing worship songs I believe we have to be very careful about what we want to say and how that song will eventually help your congregation to join together in praising God through the song you have written. It’s such a humbling experience when you find your songs being sung during regular worship services.

Well, folks, time to take off. Will update you all soon.

Vee

Two weeks past and here I am preparing for yet another concert in Okinawa. This time it’s my CD release concert, scheduled for October 12th.

Tokyo Charity Concert for the Myanmar Cyclone victims was well attended. Although the chapel hall was small the response I heard was very good. The Band!! We did pretty well, enjoying every bit of the songs we played. It’s always wonderful when you play with experienced players and most especially when you have been playing together for some years. It’s not easy to take care of a band but when you start jiving together you don’t really have to worry so much about what’s going to happen next.

Our sound engineer was none other than our Tokyo Peace Church   Pastor’s son Kazuki. He is only 19 and his team members were just around his age, that is, 15-20. What impressed me was the time we     had to set up   the sound before the concert. They started setting up      at 3:30 pm. We started our sound check at 4:45 pm until 6:00 pm.       They did a superb job.

All the funds that was raised will go towards re-building homes,    shelters for those who need immediate medical attention etc in   Myanmar. It may cover only a certain geographical portion of    population but then they need help.

(Senior Pastor Makoto Tanno, Tokyo Peace Church with my band members)

Well, soon after Tokyo Concert, I had my brother Vesato Theluo come all the way from Nagaland, visiting with my family. I was happy to have had a close brother come and see us while also having the opportunity to know what’s happening back home.

(Vesato, working out the vending machine)

Hearing of home was pretty stressful, straining, disappointing, hurting to hear the reality of the situation at home; nonetheless, quite challenging too, to hear how some folks are trying their best to bring about change in Nagaland. May God continue to give them wisdom as they strive for the best. A sincere appreciation to the CM Rio (Don’t know him personally) for ushering and providing new visions to young people to not only explore but to help dream big for themselves.

Music wise, I am just excited to see nagamusic.com bringing in together a community of Naga musicians to a platform where we can share dreams and visions together. What politics cannot, music can and what politicians cannot we, musicians can; helping in our own way to bring change into the society. Whatever music style we play, when we sincerely express our views that positively offers hope there is a magic touch that we probably will never be able explain in plain language. Only when people listen, we realize that the music we have come out with inspires and touches the soul, the inner within, the heart we can only feel, yet the action of what we hear connects us to the unknown, the association of a power that begin to work in our consciousness and we know something is happening in our heart. Music is powerful and so is the message. Many people considers Bob Dylan, Bono etc a kind of prophet because of the message they bring through their music. When our music, message is coupled with our lifestyle, man! there’s the power energized to bring a new beginning.

Well, folks, have a good day. Will continue to write and share thoughts. Pray a word or two finds meaning in your heart.

Vee