Ok, I realize I'm straying into a touchy subject here, but please hear me out first!
I've had some interesting conversations with several gospel musicians about what is appropriately titled, "Gospel Music" and what style is best. Let me say this upfront.....as long as the message of the gospel is clear and unfettered, the style really doesn't make a lot of difference to me. Of course, my personal preferences are for southern gospel or christian country music, but there are also a lot of groups out there in the contemporary gospel world that are doing a great job spreading the message of Christ. Many folks get really bent out of shape when someone doesn't agree with them that this style is best or that style is best...but you're really losing the point on whats important here...and thats telling folks about Jesus and what he did on calvary for us.
I've always thought of music and its delivery in terms of ice cream.....some folks like chocolate, some folks like vanilla and some folks love orange sherbert! Its the same way with gospel music folks, no one form or style is going to reach everyone and we have to be open to new modes of delivery, although the message should "NEVER" change.
I've set in churches where it was quieter but the Holy Spirit moved in a sweet and gentle way and spoke in a still, small voice. I've also been in churches where folks ran the aisles and shouted to the top of their lungs and yes, the Holy Spirit was moving there too. God reaches different people in different ways and there is no "One way fits all" just like no one flavor of ice cream is right for everyone!
If you're a musician reading this post, let me urge you to keep the message of Christ front & center and don't get detoured with fancy solos, loud music and just throwing a word of the gospel in "here & there".....yes, music is beautiful and it adds to the message and reaches different people, but the message should always be clear!
So there, I'm off my soapbox now....gospel groups, don't try to be all things to all people, just work where the Lord has called you to be and give it your all and in the end, I believe you'll have a special crown waiting just for you! I know in our group, The New Journey Quartet, we try our best to do this: get people to meet and come to accept the one we've been singing about for so long..The Lord Jesus Christ and mission #2....to rekindle the fire of those who might have allowed their fire to die down and to get back in the fight because the time of "His" coming is near!
Until next time...
In His Service,
Bill Warren
New Journey Quartet
www.newjourneyqt.com
828-726-1143
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment