Dad, Do I Have To Wear My V-Neck To Church?
In my lifetime, 35 years, I have seen “worship music” go from pipe organ and choirs, to acoustic guitars and camp choruses, to acoustic Dave Matthews wannabe worship bands, to Passion dominating the scene with loop based sounds, to Hillsong United bringing in 15 guitars to the stage with face melting licks. And soon that will be gone.
I am fully aware that each one of these styles still exists.
But I am pondering a few questions…
1. What is the next sound that will dominate Sunday mornings across America?
2. If your church has a “sound”, will you be willing to change or become “that church” whose pipe organ and ties has simply been replaced with an electric guitars and v-necks.
Your thoughts are appreciated…
Los
RAIN IT DOWN
i think next sound will be a reversal to something simpler. at least that is what i am hoping for.
I think the next sound will be a fusion of Kieth Green meeting Tribe Called Quest.
I wanna hear Buckhead's recording of that!
Count me IN!
agreed.
this is the question a ton of us are asking in bible college. whats next? where is this going? i have no answers, but i'm excited/anxious/alittlenervous to see where it all goes.
you have an idea.
I don't think there will be the major structural change (such as organs to electrics) as there have been in the past 20 or 30 years in the modern "contemporary" church, but I do think there are large stylistic changes to come. As the world of popular music changes it's face, certain churches will change along with it. I think that these changes will come easier than the ones we stand in today have, but I do think there will be much less prejudice (as in "NO we will not have those guitars and drums in our church) and more of stylistic preference (liking rock-n-roll over Polka). I can't paint what tomorrow will look like, but I do think it will be shaped more by preference than conservatism.
True. A great Chorus will always be a great chorus
I think you may be right Crystal. But I imagine it will have the taste of the simple with the current – done tastefully. Something that takes the best of the old, the now, and the next and actually succeeds at "blending" them. So maybe not simpler. But not afraid to be when it should be.
i agree. and is what i envision. i am not thinking hymns and folksy. but modernly organic.
I like that – modernly organic.
i don't know what the next "it" genre will be.
i just hope that more (all) churches start figuring out that whatever their sound is, it should be the best in town.
.ooooooooooooo
That'll preach
Hopefully the music of African Christians, Asian Christians and South American Christians start to find their way into our churches. Imagine the richness of worship!
would be grand
I agee that we will see a return to "simpler". I am praying that the lyrics return more to being Christ focused and less of what we can or want to do to/for him.
nice thought Ray…imagine that?
The question is what do you see in the horizon?
Taylor, I see Lima Pery helping figure it out.
Our church is always changing. So, the likelihood of becoming "that church" is pretty slim. However, every church has people putting the setlists on paper. So, personal preference is always in the mix. I don't want to become "that church". But if it is seeing souls saved and believers becoming disciples – who am I to say it's bad?
i will say that if the trends moved towards bringing an authentic motown/folk/brit pop fusion (think james morrison), i'd be game…
guitars, horns, beats…dang!
Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaang
I'm guessing intimate organic music ala Sufjan Stevens. And I would like lyrics to be more theological and instructive rather than "rah rah" (not that there's anything wrong with that…)
Less praise chants and more on how to go out and be his hands and feet
interesting thought.
i'm all for theological, but i guess my thing would be that i see that corporate worship time as our time to respond to God. it would be difficult, at least for me, to respond in a song that i feel is preaching to me. that would be an awkward balance. hmm…
i guess to clarify, i like the thought of social justice and action being a focus of our songs, but i've been to some events where the songs have almost been inaccessible from a congregational view because they were too heavy, wordy and preachy.
united's "all of the above" album, though, is an example of "being hands and feet" worship. i can get into that.
not sure!
but I wouldn't be surprised if it consisted of even more guitars, synths, bassdrops, big headphones, and yes, more vnecks.
HA
My home church has a pretty raw sound. I love it. We play everything from Hillsong… Black Gospel… Original music… and my favorite is when we just flow prophetically. I believe every church has their own "indigenous" sound! And they need to stick to it. If you're musicians are amazing, that's great. If they're not very slick or pro… THAT'S GREAT TOO! It's all worship, and it's about our hearts.
I'm not sure what the "next" sound is… but I'm sure it will be a genuine expression of love our for God, just like all the others have been.
Thanks Los!
PREACH!!!I'll be honest. I sat in a worship session with you, your brother, your mom and dad. It was one of the most prophetic moments of my life. Your mom spoke something into my ear that only her and the Lord knew would appear. KEEP LEADING OUT MAN!!! You are gifted.
Thanks for the encouraging words. Next time we're in ATL I'll send you a tweet. Take care!
My friend Jesse has a similar experience and whisper worshiping with the Mooring Fam…
ehh, i have a few ideas, but i'm not sure what things will look like. it'd be cool to see more individual church communities writing their own stuff. stylistically, i don't know…everything is kind of branching out musically everywhere. i just think it will be more tuned to local communities. but if the radio is any indication…please please please keep auto-tune out of the churches.
I think it's all dependent on the church you're in. I like the megachurch culture, but I have a hunger for doing a church plant. I think based on the culture that plant would probably reach, we'd be doing roughly the same music I play for the youth group I volunteer at; raucous, but refined rock worship. Passionate songs that can be easily followed, and loud guitars and drums. There's a line between a worship experience, and a concert in a church, and I'd like to be right in the sweet succulent middle of that.
For another church though, soft acoustic worship with some bongos might work better. It's all about atmosphere… not the atmosphere you create, but the atmosphere you attract.
Could it be we're just gonna get more churches creating their sound rather than the bigs making the sound that everyone imitates?
i hope, man. i hope.
i've been feeling more and more that God is telling us to not just lead worship, but lead our church in worship. there's places that our church needs to go in worship that tomlin can't write for. that needs to be me. and i need to stop being a punk and go there.
I'm guessing the next big style on the scene will be total new wave 80's – sythns – the hair – everything! However…now that I live in NorCal which is very culturally diverse, I wish the next trend would be a more "urban" sound.
Urban is my hope as well.
i don't really think guitar players will ever give up stealing The Edge's guitar tone. if only he had copyrighted that dotted 8th note slapback delay in "where the streets have no name"…
For real.
I don't know about you guys but why not a hot mix of classic cowbell, ukulele, and a DJ just for kicks…
I agree with the idea that as churches we need to find our sound and for a lack of better words our song. That song that is reflective of His heartbeat for our city! That's what I can't wait to see.
Well Hello,
This is tough. Cause those "not so hillsong sounding" tunes are out there and have been…but the church has to take the risk of doing them…and championing them.
Realizing they wont be lilke a Chris Tomlin or Hillsong tune…so you can't expect the same results right away or compare them to such, as so many do.
The feedback is usually that its just easier to sing an upbeat, happier, 4 on the floor, easy to repeat worship song. (ive heard that verbatim too many times)
The record may come out but then the next step is Patience…Taking risks while waiting for people to feel comfortable singing songs with a little more depth and meat then a lot of the praise choruses as you said earlier.
Somewhere along the way, we cookie cut worship songs, maybe around the passion explosion and we didn't take it much further than that in a lot of circles.
We allowed the more popular folks to create our worship songs for us and shape our music without pushing this creativity in the people right under our noses.
A worship song mold was created and we got comfortable.
Their have been some that challenge that, but their songs though widely loved, are seldomly used.
This has been my experience anyway…and my soap box i keep in my closet
Good stimulating topic….love it and love you.
CASE
Dude. You sound like a frustrated NP worship leader.
I hear you bro.
John Mark is probably thinking, How the hell did this song make it?
Yeah, I was thinking John Mark McMillan. Who else are you talking about CASE? I'd like to hear some new sounds.
METAL please……….Mastodon for Jesus!
My church is a capella. We're finding (and making) new music with and without instruments (mostly without). Some of the recent wonderful arrangements I've heard include an a capella version of Tree63's "Blessed Be Your Name" and other contemporary music. Of course, we stick pretty heavily with the classics, and so do contemporary artists as illustrated by Third Day's "Blessed Assurance".
Will a capella be the next big thing? Likely not. But many churches of Christ are keeping their a capella services while incorporating instrumental services. And the funny thing is, the older folks are gravitating toward the instrumental services, whilst the the younger stay with the a capella. Rebellion at its best, eh?
Yep, we Church of Christ-ers have the added struggle of making those great contemporary songs into a capella! But, man oh man, you should hear it. It would blow your socks off.
I know as its Author, God loves music. I wonder, though, what really comes as a sweet aroma to Him? I know, I know…it's not the sound, it's the heart. But, let's say the sound counted some, too – what would be on His ipod?
I've been in the music biz long enough to see lots of fads and trends embraced by the church. I believe there is a new sound coming – not an imitation of anything, but honest expressions from honest artists full of scripture. The songs will carry people into God's presence. Praying for music "on Earth as it is in Heaven." Any worship artists willing to lead a revolution?
My personal outlook would be a resurgence of older truly theologically accurate hymns that have new vibe. I did "It Is Well" last Sunday, as well as some other more contemporary. "It Is Well" slayed! I think, hope, that there will be a more focused attempt at less of man, more of God lyrical shift, ala, Matt Papa. That is where I feel the Father leading me in ushering others to the throne through worship. Maybe more rhythmically organic . . .?
nah. i really don't think that's it.
I think that worship leaders will start writing songs that fit the needs and meet the tastes of their congregations.
true. I am the greatest sinner of these.
Every worship trend has been a lukewarm copy of some secular music trend – the current one was prefaced by The Strokes, Jet (Aussie band that was a big influence on *ahem* certain worship songwriters) Arcade Fire, etc.
Why would the next worship trend be any different?
We could make it
you're right. we could. and we should. Los, you will get an A+ for effort, no doubt in my mind.
i'm just playing the cynic but here's why i'm cynical.
the music is not honest. (your post was about "sound" and not worship – i'm not trying to pretend i know what's in people's hearts before God)
but the "sound" is not an HONEST sound.
it's a sound that pushes, pulls, makes people feel, gives people urges, demands urgency, anticipation, intensity.
IMO, for the "sound" to be meaningful, and not just a half-assed copy of Fall Out Boy, etc. it needs to be HONEST. that's the next movement. that's where the sound needs to go. music (arrangements) that seek honesty and support a truly honest lyric/heart.
right now, the music is not honest. people want their emotions to be charged up, to be fired up by the drums, for passion to be ignited. (i'm not knocking it – i play way too many sus chords)
but the next "sound" that will matter is an honest sound. but i'm not gonna hold my breath because houses of worship aren't ready for honesty.
I think the cycle is heading for a more poetic feel. Think about it: from the praise choruses, camp songs, to Passion, then Hillsong. It's kind of heading for more poetic lyrics (as In Christ Alone) I think. Musically, I don't know, but I hope we get more diverse. It would thrill me to see tunes in some different styles.
let me preface by saying we do covers and originals at our church…
i agree that worship leaders/teams need to be writing/creating, that's the next new thing. Just like a Lead Pastor gets his heart burdened to teach on something by the Lord, worship leaders get their hearts burdened to pray something over their congregation. Those prayers NEED to be written into songs and sung on Sunday. Here is the hurdle I see…will the Lead Pastors of the world RELEASE their worship leaders to write and be creative BUT also use the platform to play those songs? OR, is he to locked in on being like some other church that's in the top ten "most innovative" and just wants an American Idol contestant?
freedom to create+freedom to fail= 2 Corinthians 3:16-18
Nate. We need to be friends.
ME too.
The iPod and the single has changed the entire music landscape, not just the church. Every genre/sound has a place.
It will go multi-services with multiple styles. We already do it (and others do too). We have a Sunday morning "acoustic/world/folk" service and a "rock/pop" service. As the worship leader, I love both services. For years I've been an "anything but country and rap" musician; I realize that there are very few things sweeter than twang of a tele and I'm just too white to rap, but I'll help drop the groove.
The real next step may not be defining "what sound is next", but the maturing of our musicians to appreciate all forms of music as a gift from God.
No clue where we will be. If you had asked this question 20 years ago that generation would likely have never thought we would be where we are now. I think we just need to be open – whatever that means will depend where we are and who we are reaching.
I completely agree with you, Ben! I have long thought/hoped/prayed that churches would step out and step up to writing their own stuff along with singing the more familiar tunes. Different communities struggle with different things and have different reasons to praise God, which is sweet! Let's sing about them!
On a side note, I would also love to see more hymns brought back with new styles sewn onto them. A little more organic, to use a term already coined here.
Great thoughts. The iPod has
Totally open
I hear you
My hope is that the next sound is RAW JESUS, that it is a melody that brings people to their knees. I love the current movement, but feel that sometimes the people get in the way of the Savior. I want US to go away, so that HE can be made GREAT!
Fleet Foxes meets Kings while sing modified hymns… Its True! Just wait!
Location, location, location.
I live in Atlanta. What music is hot in Atlanta? What is the most listened to radio station, and what music do they play? How can we take that style of music and reclaim it for God's glory, so that we can reach those in my community?
That's the approach I'm starting to take. It may not answer what style will be the next big thing, but I guess it tells you what style I'm going to try next.
Oh, one other thought. If you're going to do it, do it well. Don't go out and by Protools and Reason or Cubase and "lay down a beat" and think automatically think it sounds as good as Rihana. Know what you're doing and how to do it before you throw it out there for whole church. You're first shot is usually your worst. That's why so many worship leaders get shot down when trying something new. They have one practice with a new style and think that just because they got through practice they're ready to do it Sunday morning. And it usually crashes and burns the first time.
Well, you will probably get shot down the first time you try anything at your church. So if it's the vision God's given you, AND your pastor confirms it, then keep trying. Find your sweet spot in it.
Well I'm seeing a trend already towards a more heavy metal sound in a lot of areas. I know a few ministries that cater specifically to hard core metal kids and even worship in that genre… so I could definitely see that influence coming in… harder music, more guitars, more intensity…
I do see, in the states at least, a few things.
More songs about us becoming His hands and feet. Less songs that get stuck in a room and more that spur us out of the room.
I also see a fusion of true urban vibe with the Brit pop that is killing it.
I'll take a stab at it.
I agree. I was going to comment that I predict the simple foursome (maybe a fifth singer or piano), a la Coldplay, U2, Killers, etc. But I was also going to throw in some urbanity, such as Beyonce (Single Ladies has a great, simple groove I would love to hear in church) and Rihanna. Those two girls are the extent of my urban music knowledge. haha.
And actually, now that I am thinking about it… we might even start to hear some country pop-rock. Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift, despite her sub-par singing ability… ok, lack of singing ablility… have been rockin it out lately.
I agree. I was going to comment that I predict the simple foursome (maybe a fifth singer or piano), a la Coldplay, U2, Killers, etc. But I was also going to throw in some urbanity, such as Beyonce (Single Ladies has a great, simple groove I would love to hear in church) and Rihanna. Those two girls are the extent of my urban music knowledge. haha.
And actually, now that I am thinking about it… we might even start to hear some country pop-rock. Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift, despite her sub-par singing ability… ok, lack of singing ablility… have been rockin it out lately.
If history repeats..which it so often always does..then be looking for the sound that the 30 yr olds hate…think is of the devil and perverse. This would be the next sound.
In all seriousness I just don't want to be that worship leader that still thinks he is cool and can't pass the stage off to someone young with the next sound. i am afraid that we, as the church, will try to embrace the new sound without raising up the next generation of worship leaders to lead the very sound they "naturally" create.
So better yet, are we as current church leaders and current worship leaders secure enough in Christ to pass the baton to the younger generation and let them run with it like so many pastors allowed us to do
PREACH!!!
That is some solid stuff man. Solid Stuff.
Well considering that the Indian Christian music I used in our ethnically diverse church freaked people out (Come ON people!) I don't know if we're quite ready for such a big switch yet. Disappointing.
Oh and I forgot to mention – we already have rap in church, it goes down quite well, and we're not just an under-25's church either. Maybe it's going to get more urban?
There's some US-based stuff that would work in Australia, and some that doesn't quite cut it culturally, so I think there is going to be a slight difference between US & Oz, though Hillsong seem to be able to bridge that quite well so far. Saying that, Bluetree REALLY excite me, but I realise that I get a buzz out of anyone singing with a Belfast accent and reaching lots of people
i think simplicity is going to reign again. maybe more than ever. i'm not saying that we won't use technology or that it won't be creative, but i do think that things will become much simpler…
I think my greatest struggle in all of this is: I'm able to remember how culture and meeting people where they are is important to keep in mind in foreign nations when carrying the Gospel, and likewise in contemporary society here in the US in terms of "relevancy", but I am constantly unable to remember the aforementioned ideal about middle class, ties, and pipe organ America. They're not *necessarily* wrong for their ties and pipes. I'm wrong for my approach to them and my judgment. That may be the exact culture and set up that's need to reach a certain grou p of people here. God give me eyes to see.
I think that there won't be "a sound", but rather a mix of sounds. I think that as the church's eyes are opened to BEING the church and begin reaching out into their communitystatecountryworld, rather than the church being just a place we go TO, that they will begin to adopt the sounds that they hear as they are serving and being God's hands and feet.
I pray that the lyrics that we sing as we worship will be birthed from God's Word and from how we see God working amongst his people. I think we will continue to see a mix of hymns that are hundreds of years old and "new" songs that speak Truth in a way that people can relate to.
As long as the heart behind the music is authentic and the Gospel is being proclaimed then I think we'll be fine.
naked hand bells with a Caribbean flavor
I think Grocery stores or Burger King should start doing worship records….
so everyone can get it their way….and lots of options so we won't accidently loose anyone to say…Kroger.
My hope? My hope is that the practice of church music will return to being congregation-focused rather than musician focused (on a human level – obviously we must be ultimately Trinity-focused). I long for a return to musicians choosing songs, keys, etc. for what serves the congregation best. The best church music is that which supports congregational singing.
Realistically, that's not going to happen without some fundamental changes. 1) Humility on the part of the musicians. Worship leading tenors (especially) will have to stop "showing off" and die to the idea that them sounding "awesome" is what serves the congregation best. 2) Pastors who are willing to eschew the styles that they hear from the "successful" churches portrayed at conferences for one that is focused on corporate singing. 3) Congregations who come to corporate worship to actually worship corporately, rather than just happen to be individually worshipping while a bunch of other people are doing the same thing.
Is this pitting the modern church against the traditional church? No. The problem exists in all kinds of churches. A tenor worship leader on their own mission in the stratosphere is just as bad as an organist playing a 3-minute obscure introduction to a hymn. The "giant show" mentality exists with having the most kicking band or having the largest, most trained choir in town. The problem largely goes back to the Second Great Awakening (in the US), not to the mid-'80s.
As long as we see worship as a production and the congregation as an audience, we'll stay sick.
I really wonder if things are going to become more organic–rich with emotion and not just cool licks, more influenced by the corporate atmosphere and not the decision making team on staff **no offense to ya'll
**
I know it's different in each church, each environment is sort of like a personality, you get to know its quirks, it's ins and outs, and eventually the core of who they really are in Christ. I would love to see a less homogeneous worship set, personally.
"Worship music"? That term in and of itself needs redefined. Who knows where this "worship music" will go next–better yet, who cares?
The church for too long has been following trends and trying to figure out what's "cool and hip". We spend our time and energy trying to create something that this "lost world" will want to come and be a part of… we continue to try and make ourselves appear like we're at the forefront of different industries when in all honesty all we're doing is following what the world has established as "good".
Worship is a life–not a genre. It's not the first 20-30 minutes of our Sunday morning services. It's a response. How ever that response sounds, doesn't matter. Before God, we could stand in silence and respond–it might even be more effective and intimate then a musician leading people in song. Full band, no band, acoustic-based, piano-based, hard rock, no rock, African, Spanish, British, Australian–doesn't matter. Worship is our hearts before God–responding…
Authenticity is the key. Surrender is the key.
So wear your v-necks and your cute little vests–or don't. Play your electric guitars–or don't.
Whatever you do, live with your hands open and your heart constantly responding.
What we call "worship" on Sundays and Wednesdays will then only be a continuation of what's already happening in our lives everyday.
What about a worship leader singing Scripture spontaneously over their congregation? It's really scary to do since there's no set melody or anything (I've done it a couple of times – just hang on the root and maybe go to the IV or V when it's needed – or, like Shout Unto God, just repeat that IV to V), but it adds an element of the unplanned and God-reliance into the service that is super refreshing AND super traditional.
Not only would it encourage leaders to hide the Word in their hearts, it would kinda be like a 'gotcha' for everyone to see if they're listening to the words they're singing. Plus, there's so much meaty stuff in Scripture!
Has anyone ever tried this?
This is a little bit of a late comment, but I had a thought.
What's wrong with lyrics being less "congregational"?
I understand that we want people to be able to sing along and all. But what about all the songs everyone sings along with on the radio? People go to concerts all the time and sing every single word of all those "complicated" songs, even Christian concerts. Everyone I know goes to a concert because they love the music AND the lyrics. And when you're there you sing your freaking heart out! I don't whine about how the songs are "too wordy" or something like that. I sing the songs because they speak to me or reflect something in my life.
I dont think the style of music is what is important… its the intent of the music that I'm look for a change in. How it sounds doesnt matter too much to me what I hope and pray for are songs that take us back to our roots of surrender and abandonment of our lives to a God who gave it all for us, so undeserving that we are.
Dont get me wrong I love most of our current music styles and songs (I'm a worship director) but I long to see songs that are God focused rather than us focused (God I will do this or that, I will whatever… you know the ones). These songs are important but we need balance. I'm praying that we can all get past the 'styles' and join together in the point and purpose of worship… To get God praised, lifted high, honoured and glorified and then taken to the world through us… Please God let this be the next 'big style'!
if you look at where the billboard charts and overall downloads and sales are and where the church is we have a long way to go to catch up to using hip hop in the church
I am on a mission to keep pursuing the next generation in our ministry – we are willing and ready to adapt to styles that speak to the current, next and last generations with God's help! It's not about the latest fads, it's about Communicating in the language that speaks the clearest, that moves us out of the way to reveal God…may our ministry never hold too tightly to anything
You know what… I don't care. You guys go ahead and debate these style issues.
If you think your view of the style of music over 35 years is anything… It just shows how narrow you are and unaware of the church outside of your tiny corner in the world. You think what you see is the "standard" or the "center" of the style of things in the church…
You don't even know how big and diverse his church is around the world.
You think that that somehow US churches are "leading" churches around the world…. You have no idea.
Dude.
Wow.
Sorry you are so angry.
Why be a worship snob??? Really.
things move slower out here, off the beaten path.
Dude.
Wow.
Sorry you are so angry.
I've been wondering the same thing, what's next for the Church, not only in music, but in style. I think it's going to be a more stripped down style, more raw, more, I hate to use this word, but "organic."
I like how people like Aaron Keyes are walking the line between prophetic worship and the whole hillsong side.
It'd be cool to hear some Hebrew sounds and sounds from Scandanavia, Africa and Asia…
I know it's only a matter of time to hear some more mainstream country worship…
But overall, I think there will be less focus on music in worship and more focus on prayer and pain. I think the fluff is coming to an end.
Yeah, let's bring back some Keith Green too…I grew up on that stuff.
What are your predictions for the future of worship?
I think there is a sweeping movement right now where people are connecting worship and justice. I think this will continue and will lead into a season of intense worship that focuses more on prayer & fasting and taking the hard things to God in worship, rather than rock music. I just have this sense that we’re coming up on more reflective/somber days.
I think there is a place for all types of churches, from ones that do Hymns to the more contemporary. I think too many worship leaders are more concerned with rockin' the house than praisin' the Lord. I have seen some that rock it but you can tell they are still focused on God and givin' him praise. I have seen others rock it and put on a good show but they do not "Lead" worship. I think a worship leader needs to be who God created them to be for His glory. Instead of trying to be the next big thing they should be focused on bringing God glory, when they rock the house or bring in the Gaither Funk. Not sure what the "next" big thing is but I can tell you that I'mma keep on praizin' Jesus, baby!
Man I hope its country music like Jesus likes!