By many appearances, the Christian music industry is in the midst of a worship explosion.
Think of any musical style - rock, reggae, soul, classical, raze, alternative, easy-listening, urban, jazz - and there's a Christian artist somewhere using it to proclaim God's praise. For many contemporary Christian musicians, including a "worship set" in the midst of your concert has become almost expected. Names like Matt Redman, Delirious, SONICFLOOd, Ron Kenoly, Tree63, Darlene Zschech, and a flood of other worship artists have achieved a level of notoriety previously reserved for performance-oriented musicians.
There is a flurry of new record labels devoted to worship music, including 40 Records (created by Bill Gaither and dc Talk's Toby McKeehan), Worship Together, and sixstepsrecords (founded by Louie Giglio of Passion). They join the now-hallowed ranks of Integrity, Maranatha, and Vineyard, which have been producing worship music for a combined total of more than 50 years. The WoW Worship CDs, compilations of the most popular current worship songs, have racked up sales in the hundreds of thousands. Praise and worship now merits its own space in retail markets, and praise and worship radio stations are springing up almost weekly. And the movement goes on.
Where are we headed? Where have we been? What is happening?
Whenever there is a sweeping change in a culture or society, it's wise to sit back and reflect on what God is doing. Our goal should be to DEFINE the issues, DISCERN the difference between the good and the bad, and then DEVOTE ourselves to what pleases God, regardless of what "the masses" are doing. Proverbs 14:15 says, "A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps."
Given the sudden, widespread popularity of praise and worship music, it's important that we give thought to our steps. We'll start by seeking to answer a few basic questions. What is a worship song? What is worship music? Where are these songs coming from? What do they say, and how are they perceived? What are the artists and writers saying?
>From there we'll move on to look at the pluses and minuses of the praise and worship movement. Obviously, what many people thought was a passing fad appears to have enduring qualities. Lives really are being changed. God really is being worshiped. Yes, worship may be merely a trend for some, but clearly it is a passion for many. Still, it's worth asking if everything that calls itself "worship" can be seen as edifying and worthy of the name. It might also help us to consider how the church might profit in even greater ways from all that is taking place.
Finally, we'll spend some time addressing the ways we can benefit from what God is doing in this generation. Whether or not you've been aware of what's been taking place, God is up to something that can revolutionize our lives.
What He's "up to" is gaining for Himself more of the glory that He alone is worthy of and deserves. Although far from the whole picture, worship songs can play a vital role in that process, and help us define and encourage who we are in Christ before God.
So, please stay tuned. I pray that our brief look at the praise and worship phenomenon will bear the sweet fruit of a greater desire to live for the audience of One.
For His Glory,
Bob
Doing Business and Pleasing God: Money, business, and property are vital components of God's plan for blessing his people and bringing himself glory. A biblical view of these subjects frees us from a worldly perspective and prepares us to acquire and use material wealth as God intends. This set of messages is from the first full conference by Dr. Wayne Grudem based on his book, Business for the Glory of God. Available at the Sovereign Grace Store:
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Check out the Song Sampler collection of worship songs from Sovereign Grace Music. This compilation provides a taste of the worship music that Sovereign Grace Ministries has been producing for more than 20 years. Birthed out of the worship in Sovereign Grace Ministries' local churches, these diverse songs are Christ-centered, passionate, and doctrinally rich. Available at the Sovereign Grace Store:
http://www.sovereigngracestore.com/wosa10.html
