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| Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs |  |
We hear a lot these days about “convergence” and “blended” worship. This, of course, has to do with the inclusion of various elements of worship from different traditions and incorporating different styles. In many cases, this variety of elements is most readily seen in the selection of music, both choral and congregational, for the worship service. Many of you reading this have responsibility for the choir(s) in your church and a large part in planning for worship. This article is especially for you – an encouragement to be eclectic.
Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your heart to God.”
The first challenge of this passage concerns how best to enable our congregation to let the word of Christ dwell in them richly. Obviously, psalms and hymns and spiritual songs come into play here, but what exactly do these distinctions mean? We have no real way of knowing what Paul had in mind and even today there are differences of opinion as to what each is. Here’s one concept, though, and you’ll quickly see from this definition why all three “styles” are needed.
Psalms most likely refers to artistic, prepared expressions such as those a choir or ensemble might present. Most likely these are objective in nature and point us to the splendor, majesty and greatness of God.
Hymns probably implies something similar to what we know and expect today. That is, musical expressions that are congregational in nature and speak to truths and experiences that all can relate to. They may be “vertical” (God-centered) or ־horizontal” (relationship-centered); praise oriented or testimonial.
Spiritual songs seems to indicate a more personal, fresh expression and in most cases would be a fairly recent composition. A present day example might be what we call praise and worship songs.
So, why do we need to be eclectic anyway? For starters, consider the needs, tastes, backgrounds and experiences of your congregation. Don’t misunderstand: worship should never be merely a convenient, ear-tickling, feel good, “me” slanted experience. The absolute “otherness” of a holy God should be acknowledged and revered. Yet think of the variety of ways you can help your congregation come to this understanding. Classic, traditional hymns give us a sense of heritage, an appreciation of our legacy and a bond with the past. Contemporary worship songs afford us a fresh expression of devotion, confession and gratitude. Further, worship songs give us a very focused, deliberate thought while hymns develop those concepts. As one musician stated recently, “Praise and worship songs tell us ‘God is great.’ Hymns tell us why.”
As you combine styles and traditions (especially as you create medleys for the congregation), keep in mind the textual considerations. Most people easily follow changes of mood, tempo, dynamics and style if they can follow a progression or enhancement of thought. You might base the theme for your song sequences on the pasto’?s sermon topic or any special observance designated for that day.
Key relationship between songs is also an important consideration so as not to “jar” those in the congregation by an abrupt modulation. Songs that are in the same key or are “a fourth” apart make for the easiest transitions. Modulating upward by half steps is also effective, especially if a chorus is repeated. Encourage your accompanists to become skillful in half step modulations.
A fine balance must be achieved in all the worship elements to create structural compatibility. The proper blend of traditional and contemporary elements will, of course, vary from church to church, but please be sensitive to how much of what is needed and whether the contrasts are complementary or confusing.
Finally, determine how best to introduce a new stylistic element into your worship. Praise and worship songs might be easily and quickly learned by the congregation if a soloist or ensemble present them first. New hymns might best be offered in a choral arrangement or instrumental setting initially. By the way, worship songs work very well as responses to scripture readings and prayers or as “tags” to classic hymns.
Above all, remember that “style” is merely a vehicle to convey God’s truth. Styles come and go, and trends change. God’s truth is eternal and steadfast.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you... richly!
Scripture quotation from the Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV). Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.
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| | | Easy 2 Excel Communiqué Conductor’s Tool Box Article Fall 1999, Edition 176668 |
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