Now that I play guitar mostly in worship services at church, I am confident that I will not hear someone from the congregation request to hear “Freebird,” at least not as a serious request. But there are worship songs that have a particularly special place in our hearts. For instance. with older congregations, you could decide at the last moment to sing “How Great Thou Art” or “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” and most, if not everyone in the congregation could sing either of those songs without the need of a hymnbook and could even provide harmony parts.
In the first ministry I served, one of the many hats I wore was that of minister of music. It was a congregation that sang hymns, so occasionally on a Sunday night, I would let the congregation call out the hymns they wanted us to sing. When a request was made, I would ask the person what it was about that hymn that made them ask for it. Most often, the hymn evoked some cherished childhood memory, perhaps having been taught the hymn by a grandmother. Not surprising then, most of the hymns requested were well-known and long beloved. However, occasionally someone would request a hymn that no one knew, including me and the pianist. When asked why that hymn, the answer was usually, “I have always appreciated its words, and wanted to hear its melody.
Music is a powerful medium songwriters of every genre use to communicate a message for good or for ill. It can serve up a heart-stirring message of undying love or of a universally shared experience. Some skilled wordsmiths artfully explore the great mysteries of life. Yet, there are others who churn out a crass message, even one that is obscene, for its financial potential.
I believe that we Christian musicians ought to use music to deliver the highest message, expressing praise to God through beautiful melodies and skillful lyrics, to communicate a message that is biblically true and doctrinally rich, extolling the attributes and works of our great God. But like our secular counterparts, we too often settle for shallow, frothy songs of not much substance. We can, and we should do better, much better! Let’s glorify God.
