As a trained vocalist, soloist, former worship team member, sometimes choir director...I agree with everything you've written. "Dark Church" (lights down during "worship") needs to end. I don't want to watch a performance; I want to participate and actually hear the congregation in what is supposed to be "congregational singing."
I repent in "dust and ashes" of my years as a Hillsong wannabe.
I, along with the other congregants, now heartily sing a few old hymns, accompanied by piano or organ, which bookend the simplicity and centrality of Christ.
I’m with you. Though we sing Hillsong, we do it with our sound and with the emphasis on the singing. Let the church sing! Hymns or not! Let the church sing God’s word.
I've been feeling this for years. On the choir topic, I actually miss choirs in churches. It allowed more people to participate in the worship leading and promoted congregational worship in my opinion. It's rare to see a church with a choir these days. I'm with you. Turn on the lights and let the church sing!
Thanks for your thoughts, Audra! I meant to mention keeping the lights on! Will probably add. Choirs can be done well, but if the congregation isn’t encouraged to sing it can just turn into another thing to spectate.
I love this explanation! As someone that has been working to get the lights turned on and heretical Christian bands out of the church music rotation, this was a great encouragement to read.
I had to save this post, this is a reread for sure. Thanks for sharing Salvador!
Thanks, Adam. I see you’re in Birmingham. Blessings to you in Hoover!
Yes much love to our fellow 205 substackers 👏🏼
As a trained vocalist, soloist, former worship team member, sometimes choir director...I agree with everything you've written. "Dark Church" (lights down during "worship") needs to end. I don't want to watch a performance; I want to participate and actually hear the congregation in what is supposed to be "congregational singing."
I repent in "dust and ashes" of my years as a Hillsong wannabe.
I, along with the other congregants, now heartily sing a few old hymns, accompanied by piano or organ, which bookend the simplicity and centrality of Christ.
Never have I been more joy-filled.
I’m with you. Though we sing Hillsong, we do it with our sound and with the emphasis on the singing. Let the church sing! Hymns or not! Let the church sing God’s word.
I've been feeling this for years. On the choir topic, I actually miss choirs in churches. It allowed more people to participate in the worship leading and promoted congregational worship in my opinion. It's rare to see a church with a choir these days. I'm with you. Turn on the lights and let the church sing!
Thanks for your thoughts, Audra! I meant to mention keeping the lights on! Will probably add. Choirs can be done well, but if the congregation isn’t encouraged to sing it can just turn into another thing to spectate.
I love this explanation! As someone that has been working to get the lights turned on and heretical Christian bands out of the church music rotation, this was a great encouragement to read.
Yes.
The whole foods movement comes to the church.
This lines up with that raw experience that Rosaria Butterfield shares in her Gospel Comes with a House Key.
“Don’t confuse the synth pad for the Holy Spirit.” That part!
Ohhhhh YESSSSS!