Recently we went to visit another church. As the service started, the music team were straight into it: Wham! – about five frantically strumming guitars, with someone playing keyboard and a kid on the “bash and crash.” The tune was one we’d never heard. The words were a simple statement, repeated and repeated.The second and third songs were similar.

As we looked around, a number of people were making an effort to clap to the rhythm. But quite a lot were just standing there waiting for it to stop. We didn’t wait for any more. We left, never to return.

Sorry Pastor, we never got to hear the message you’d put so much effort and prayer into preparing. One of your congregation told us you’re a fantastic teacher but we couldn’t endure that row long enough to hear you for ourselves.

This got me thinking: What does constitute good Christian music? What makes it “good”? And what makes it widely acceptable?

We need to think wider than: “The oldies won’t like it if ....” or, “Our young people won’t come if we don’t give them a free rein.”  I cannot escape from the concept of melody as a starter, for good music. Good lyrics speak to my soul through my intelligence. Good rhythm supports and contributes to a melody.

To a greater or lesser degree, the Church has used music with lyrics based on good theology to enable Christians to remember important tenets of their faith for 2000 years. But, in recent years we’ve got more wise, more daring, more modern. Excessively loud music switches off the intelligence. It numbs the brain and assaults the very nerves we hear with. So why do we put up with it ?

“Our young people like it.”

“The new Christians are used to it.”

Hmmm! What happened to Paul’s teaching that new Christians should, “Put off” their old way of thinking, and “Put on” the new way – the way of Christ. And shouldn’t these new Christians, young people or older, be disciples? By definition, discipleship involves discipline.

I could take you to a church where one of the drummers is only about 15 years old. But when he plays, he contributes to the music and makes it better because he doesn’t try to over-ride all the other instruments. ...

Where is the church daring enough to restore good music? Where are the songs with well written lyrics, that communicate something meaningful? And where are the tunes with a clear melody, so that the congregation can all participate in worship and enjoy it ?

– Tim Jollie
Hunua, South Auckland