Comments on: Newsflash! The Key to the 20 Somethings is Not Musical Style http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevinwax/2007/10/02/newsflash-the-key-to-the-20-somethings-is-not-musical-style/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=newsflash-the-key-to-the-20-somethings-is-not-musical-style Kingdom People - Living on Earth as Citizens of Heaven Tue, 22 May 2012 18:06:50 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: Sherri http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevinwax/2007/10/02/newsflash-the-key-to-the-20-somethings-is-not-musical-style/#comment-1126 Sherri Wed, 23 Feb 2011 14:23:48 +0000 http://trevinwax.wordpress.com/2007/10/02/newsflash-the-key-to-the-20-somethings-is-not-musical-style/#comment-1126 The Holy Spirit is a huge factor in this. Music...relevant or not...used in the way to prepare hearts of those already in Christ to worship Him. The Holy Spirit will move regardless of music or not, but more often than not he does move and prepare people through music...what style is irrelevant. I've found in my years of ministry that when our hearts (those who are in Christ) are tuned in to the Holy Spirit's leading and the Word of God, hearts turn. How we get there...well, it's many different ways...Paul said, "...I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some." I Cor. 9:22 The Holy Spirit is a huge factor in this. Music…relevant or not…used in the way to prepare hearts of those already in Christ to worship Him. The Holy Spirit will move regardless of music or not, but more often than not he does move and prepare people through music…what style is irrelevant. I’ve found in my years of ministry that when our hearts (those who are in Christ) are tuned in to the Holy Spirit’s leading and the Word of God, hearts turn. How we get there…well, it’s many different ways…Paul said, “…I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” I Cor. 9:22

]]> By: Chuck http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevinwax/2007/10/02/newsflash-the-key-to-the-20-somethings-is-not-musical-style/#comment-1125 Chuck Sat, 01 Jan 2011 23:14:00 +0000 http://trevinwax.wordpress.com/2007/10/02/newsflash-the-key-to-the-20-somethings-is-not-musical-style/#comment-1125 I agree that without an enviornment that connects to people. i.e. a church that is not only friendly but accepting as well. music has little longterm impact. My experience has been when surveying a local university campus the first question that I was asked by unchurched and the dechurched alike was "what kind of music did we have." While music may not be what keeps 20somethings in church - it can be a stumbling block to getting them there. Music cannot replace "relationships" and it cannot replace "Truth". What I have discovered is that 20somethings want to experience God not just learn about Him. They want to see that God is real and relevant to their lives, not simply learn about God. These are folks that desire to see God in action. When asked why many left church [the ones that had grown up in church] the response was that they learned about God, but saw little change in the lives of Christians. So why commit your life to a God that has such little if any impact on people lives? What is needed is the entire package. Powerful worship, God's Word, Prayer, dynamic relationships. Thanks Chuck I agree that without an enviornment that connects to people. i.e. a church that is not only friendly but accepting as well. music has little longterm impact. My experience has been when surveying a local university campus the first question that I was asked by unchurched and the dechurched alike was “what kind of music did we have.” While music may not be what keeps 20somethings in church – it can be a stumbling block to getting them there.
Music cannot replace “relationships” and it cannot replace “Truth”.
What I have discovered is that 20somethings want to experience God not just learn about Him. They want to see that God is real and relevant to their lives, not simply learn about God.
These are folks that desire to see God in action. When asked why many left church [the ones that had grown up in church] the response was that they learned about God, but saw little change in the lives of Christians. So why commit your life to a God that has such little if any impact on people lives? What is needed is the entire package. Powerful worship, God’s Word, Prayer, dynamic relationships.
Thanks
Chuck

]]> By: Book Review: Worship Matters « Kingdom People http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevinwax/2007/10/02/newsflash-the-key-to-the-20-somethings-is-not-musical-style/#comment-1124 Book Review: Worship Matters « Kingdom People Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:27:35 +0000 http://trevinwax.wordpress.com/2007/10/02/newsflash-the-key-to-the-20-somethings-is-not-musical-style/#comment-1124 [...] Articles: Romanian Worship: Rediscovering “Awe” Newsflash! The Key to the Twenty-Somethings is NOT Musical Style Youth Worship: Worship Bands and Song [...] [...] Articles: Romanian Worship: Rediscovering “Awe” Newsflash! The Key to the Twenty-Somethings is NOT Musical Style Youth Worship: Worship Bands and Song [...]

]]> By: drew http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevinwax/2007/10/02/newsflash-the-key-to-the-20-somethings-is-not-musical-style/#comment-1123 drew Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:58:10 +0000 http://trevinwax.wordpress.com/2007/10/02/newsflash-the-key-to-the-20-somethings-is-not-musical-style/#comment-1123 Wow! Great comments on a great subject. I am a 40 year old guy that leads an outreach music ministry to reach the age group that you address in this blog. I dropped out of church in high school and didn't return until my 30's. I have a special place in my heart for this age group, particularly since I was called to minister specifically to them. Our ministry plays cross-over R&R in an effort to reach those OUTSIDE the church. Now, that being said, I have a few brief comments to share about music and worship. I believe that music can attract people to church, as can numerous other things. And music (and other things) can retain people. However, the Holy Spirit is the only one that can truly bring people to Christ and keep people in church for the right reason. Like others have previously said, there are most assuredly people that go to church for the music but are pretending to be Christian. "I never knew you. Get away from me, you evildoers!" On the other hand, while it is of tantamount importance that we follow the Spirit's guidance in ministry, I am reminded of Paul's statement "I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some of them." Ultimately, it is all in God's hands, but I believe that we should do everything in our power along the way. It is His pleasure that we are vehicles for leading others to Christ, and our love for Him drives us all to serve to the fullest. Wow! Great comments on a great subject. I am a 40 year old guy that leads an outreach music ministry to reach the age group that you address in this blog. I dropped out of church in high school and didn’t return until my 30′s. I have a special place in my heart for this age group, particularly since I was called to minister specifically to them. Our ministry plays cross-over R&R in an effort to reach those OUTSIDE the church.

Now, that being said, I have a few brief comments to share about music and worship. I believe that music can attract people to church, as can numerous other things. And music (and other things) can retain people. However, the Holy Spirit is the only one that can truly bring people to Christ and keep people in church for the right reason. Like others have previously said, there are most assuredly people that go to church for the music but are pretending to be Christian. “I never knew you. Get away from me, you evildoers!” On the other hand, while it is of tantamount importance that we follow the Spirit’s guidance in ministry, I am reminded of Paul’s statement “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some of them.”

Ultimately, it is all in God’s hands, but I believe that we should do everything in our power along the way. It is His pleasure that we are vehicles for leading others to Christ, and our love for Him drives us all to serve to the fullest.

]]> By: John http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevinwax/2007/10/02/newsflash-the-key-to-the-20-somethings-is-not-musical-style/#comment-1122 John Thu, 15 Nov 2007 20:26:23 +0000 http://trevinwax.wordpress.com/2007/10/02/newsflash-the-key-to-the-20-somethings-is-not-musical-style/#comment-1122 One more thing. Those that say that if those that are unchurched come because they like the music or something else that enables a worship experience other than strict adherence to biblical principles and to have GOD centerstage is intolerant and single minded. One poster on this blog stated the following: if we got rid of every dynamic media and production feature, i doubt we would lose anyone, save those who are there to be entertained, and we need their seat anyways. what we have been sold as “an enhancement to your worship experience” is most often the brainchild of some guy at a worship corporation designed to eek out a few more shekels from the faithful. if every hour spent strategizing on how to impress people with our churches was spent on our knees in prayer, revival would already be here. ouch. i better go pray now. Now, this is a typical rant from someone that has no desire to welcome those who may be struggling in their faith. He would require them to adhere to this one line of thinking, and that the only reason we do "contemporary worship" was that it was some corporate driven desire. Well not being a corporate entity, and enjoying christian music in both the car and the church, I would find that his single barrell approach to worship a main reason why those who are unchurched and wandering, remain in that state. Only membership is allowed in the club, or their seat as he put it, unless you are GOD centered at all times...seems that post was far from GOD centered... One more thing. Those that say that if those that are unchurched come because they like the music or something else that enables a worship experience other than strict adherence to biblical principles and to have GOD centerstage is intolerant and single minded. One poster on this blog stated the following:

if we got rid of every dynamic media and production feature, i doubt we would lose anyone, save those who are there to be entertained, and we need their seat anyways. what we have been sold as “an enhancement to your worship experience” is most often the brainchild of some guy at a worship corporation designed to eek out a few more shekels from the faithful. if every hour spent strategizing on how to impress people with our churches was spent on our knees in prayer, revival would already be here. ouch. i better go pray now.

Now, this is a typical rant from someone that has no desire to welcome those who may be struggling in their faith. He would require them to adhere to this one line of thinking, and that the only reason we do “contemporary worship” was that it was some corporate driven desire. Well not being a corporate entity, and enjoying christian music in both the car and the church, I would find that his single barrell approach to worship a main reason why those who are unchurched and wandering, remain in that state. Only membership is allowed in the club, or their seat as he put it, unless you are GOD centered at all times…seems that post was far from GOD centered…

]]> By: John http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevinwax/2007/10/02/newsflash-the-key-to-the-20-somethings-is-not-musical-style/#comment-1121 John Thu, 15 Nov 2007 20:15:54 +0000 http://trevinwax.wordpress.com/2007/10/02/newsflash-the-key-to-the-20-somethings-is-not-musical-style/#comment-1121 I would disagree and agree to a point. I think the most successful church would have a similar trait. They all have dynamic and engaging pastors that provide a message that is applicable to every day life. Music styles do bring people in and turn those away. But I think the key is for whatever reason the unchurched come that first time is so wide and varied that its not just one thing or all things. Some may say the relaxed atmosphere, the coffee you serve, the welcoming attitude, the preaching, the music, so there is a wide variety of reasons why they do come. Do not make blanket statements because a few people prefer less music, ill find a hundred who will counter that. Its a complete package, and the point is that you have to find a way to get people into the church, then you have to find a way to keep them. When churches get stagnant, people leave no matter how good you think you do it..God Bless! I would disagree and agree to a point. I think the most successful church would have a similar trait. They all have dynamic and engaging pastors that provide a message that is applicable to every day life. Music styles do bring people in and turn those away. But I think the key is for whatever reason the unchurched come that first time is so wide and varied that its not just one thing or all things. Some may say the relaxed atmosphere, the coffee you serve, the welcoming attitude, the preaching, the music, so there is a wide variety of reasons why they do come. Do not make blanket statements because a few people prefer less music, ill find a hundred who will counter that. Its a complete package, and the point is that you have to find a way to get people into the church, then you have to find a way to keep them. When churches get stagnant, people leave no matter how good you think you do it..God Bless!

]]> By: Sling Shot » Music http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevinwax/2007/10/02/newsflash-the-key-to-the-20-somethings-is-not-musical-style/#comment-1120 Sling Shot » Music Tue, 30 Oct 2007 00:17:26 +0000 http://trevinwax.wordpress.com/2007/10/02/newsflash-the-key-to-the-20-somethings-is-not-musical-style/#comment-1120 [...] http://trevinwax.wordpress.com/2007/10/02/newsflash-the-key-to-the-20-somethings-is-not-musical-styl... [...] [...] http://trevinwax.wordpress.com/2007/10/02/newsflash-the-key-to-the-20-somethings-is-not-musical-styl… [...]

]]> By: Stephen http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevinwax/2007/10/02/newsflash-the-key-to-the-20-somethings-is-not-musical-style/#comment-1119 Stephen Mon, 29 Oct 2007 20:27:48 +0000 http://trevinwax.wordpress.com/2007/10/02/newsflash-the-key-to-the-20-somethings-is-not-musical-style/#comment-1119 as a church musician, all this conversation says to me: "Everyone is an "expert" on music, and most of them don't know what they're actually talking about." Don't point the finger at someone else. I'm talking to everyone. Also, I would hide this article the next time your church is looking for a music minister - killing his involvement in the mission is sure to be helpful. as a church musician, all this conversation says to me:

“Everyone is an “expert” on music, and most of them don’t know what they’re actually talking about.”

Don’t point the finger at someone else. I’m talking to everyone.

Also, I would hide this article the next time your church is looking for a music minister – killing his involvement in the mission is sure to be helpful.

]]> By: trevinwax http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevinwax/2007/10/02/newsflash-the-key-to-the-20-somethings-is-not-musical-style/#comment-1088 trevinwax Wed, 17 Oct 2007 18:33:26 +0000 http://trevinwax.wordpress.com/2007/10/02/newsflash-the-key-to-the-20-somethings-is-not-musical-style/#comment-1088 Hi Devin, Thanks for the feedback. This discussion is definitely the result of cultural contextualization. I don't want to say that music doesn't matter at all... it does, and it matters a great deal. But it is not the key element that brings people to church or keeps them in church. That said... if a church is completely unprofessional in its music and has no desire to change, that church has other issues that are manifesting itself in its musical style. Music matters to people... but the idea that one style of music is going to appeal to most all of us 20somethings is just wrong. We don't expect that, and while we like contemporary worship, it's not the magic bullet that's going to bring us. Hi Devin,

Thanks for the feedback. This discussion is definitely the result of cultural contextualization. I don’t want to say that music doesn’t matter at all… it does, and it matters a great deal. But it is not the key element that brings people to church or keeps them in church.

That said… if a church is completely unprofessional in its music and has no desire to change, that church has other issues that are manifesting itself in its musical style. Music matters to people… but the idea that one style of music is going to appeal to most all of us 20somethings is just wrong. We don’t expect that, and while we like contemporary worship, it’s not the magic bullet that’s going to bring us.

]]> By: Jim Pemberton http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevinwax/2007/10/02/newsflash-the-key-to-the-20-somethings-is-not-musical-style/#comment-1089 Jim Pemberton Wed, 17 Oct 2007 18:06:10 +0000 http://trevinwax.wordpress.com/2007/10/02/newsflash-the-key-to-the-20-somethings-is-not-musical-style/#comment-1089 It's interesting that Baptists are pushing kids into the baptistery ever earlier only to abandon their development. Why would have to try to reach our 20-somethings if they are already truly Christian and have been properly discipled? Too many parents leave the spiritual development of their children up to the schools and the church and fail to be adequately involved in either. If our Christian 20-somethings have gone off to college, the college town churches should be full of them. They marry and settle somewhere. Wherever they settle, they go to the church that most appeals to them for any number of reasons. These may be good reasons or bad reasons. I imagine that most of the people that attend Joel Osteen's church are there for the wrong reasons. We should make sure that people join the church for the right reasons. We should make sure that our younger children are properly discipled so that when they become 20-somethings they are well equipped to find a good church for the right reasons. If this happens, whatever worship music we end up will be chosen by spiritually healthy Christians and will most likely engender an appropriate offering of praise to our Lord from the congregation. It’s interesting that Baptists are pushing kids into the baptistery ever earlier only to abandon their development. Why would have to try to reach our 20-somethings if they are already truly Christian and have been properly discipled? Too many parents leave the spiritual development of their children up to the schools and the church and fail to be adequately involved in either.

If our Christian 20-somethings have gone off to college, the college town churches should be full of them. They marry and settle somewhere. Wherever they settle, they go to the church that most appeals to them for any number of reasons. These may be good reasons or bad reasons. I imagine that most of the people that attend Joel Osteen’s church are there for the wrong reasons.

We should make sure that people join the church for the right reasons. We should make sure that our younger children are properly discipled so that when they become 20-somethings they are well equipped to find a good church for the right reasons. If this happens, whatever worship music we end up will be chosen by spiritually healthy Christians and will most likely engender an appropriate offering of praise to our Lord from the congregation.

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