My friend Andy just posted about the schism that’s been happening as a result of differing musical tastes in people. Suddenly we have Hip Hop church which is different from Rock Church who think Country Church is abysmal because they just wish they were Bluegrass Church. I’d like to add a bit to what he had to say:

• Is Blended Worship a real option or a sad compromise from traditional to contemporary.
  Yes and no. Redone hymns can be *incredible.* But sometimes “Blended” is like going to Steak-n-Shake and finding they “shook” them together. Bleh.
• Should Music Style Be a Church Growth Strategy? (Or at least part of strategy discussion)
  Music can definitely get people in the building. But isn’t it secondary at best? Relationships grow churches, not flashing lights. But since people are now professional consumers of music, virtually everyone can tell when the music “isn’t right” and needs improvement. Excellence is important, but authenticity is better.

Good corporate worship should:

1. Communicate Jesus
2. Be theologically sound
3. Maintain some standard of aesthetic excellence.

I’m concerned that we miss the first two in pursuit of the third.

Before I get caught up in Feedburner subscribers, Analytics stats, comment numbers and ReTweets. Before I get convinced that some amount of my self worth is locked up in this blog I’ve created. Even before any real content appears. I’d like to pause, for just a second, and worship.
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