Navigating Worship Preferences

Q: I am a minister of music, and I've been reading through the Pentateuch to study the foundations of the Israelites' worship... and I've hit a theme I'm curious about, application-wise, for the church today. In Deut. 7:25–26, God orders the pre-conquest Israelites to completely destroy the idols of the pagans when they overtake their cities, saying, "Don't covet the silver or gold on the images and take it for yourself, or else it will ensnare you." I grew up during the "height" of the traditional/contemporary "worship wars" controversy, and while I never really took a side, I find church members on both sides can idolize styles of music (or even music itself). However, I found that those against contemporary styles usually went the farthest in their rejection, saying it's "too worldly." My question: is there anything Scripture has to say as a litmus between "redeeming" secular (or maybe even godless) things for Christ's Church, and being "ensnared by the gold and silver" of worldly standards, trends, and styles? Summary In this conversation, Dr. Michael Easley and Hanna Seymour explores the complexities of worship music, particularly the divide between contemporary and traditional styles. He highlights the importance of education in helping congregations understand and appreciate diverse musical expressions. The discussion also covers the role of songwriters, the distinction between secular and sacred music, and the impact of personal preferences on worship experiences. If you've got a question for Dr. Easley, call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at [email protected]. Takeaways: You cannot please everybody in worship. Education is essential for understanding worship music. All truth is God's truth, regardless of the source. Music is a creation of God, meant for His glory. Every songwriter has flaws, but their work can still be valuable. Congregations can sing secular songs with a different perspective. Understanding your congregation's preferences is crucial for worship leaders. Education can enhance appreciation for diverse music styles. Worship leaders have the power to shape congregational experiences. Personal preferences should not hinder worship. Find more episodes of Ask Dr. E here. If you've got a question for Dr. Easley, call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at [email protected].