Secular and Sacred
- By Branon Dempsey
- Published September 23, 2008
Branon Dempsey
Branon Dempsey is the Managing Editor for PraiseCharts Live as well as the Director and Founder of Worship Team Training: a ministry for local church worship ministries. He has studied and been trained by members of Maranatha! Music and Integrity Music for worship ministry and composition. Branon lives in Cypress, Texas where he is also a Worship Leader/Songwriter and has been in ministry for over 16 years. You can read more articles and blogs by Branon on PraiseCharts Live or visit him at www.worshipteamtraining.com.
Like the shock we experienced in adding drums in a worship service (for the first time) is similar to the shock of introducing a secular tune on Sunday morning. How far we have come in church music from singing Awesome God and The Battle Belongs to the Lord (Those born before 1980 or those who were pre-exposed - remember these?)
Some say that the Church has gone too far in the direction of contemporary music by using secular songs. Others say that we have not gone far enough in order to be relevant with culture. There is a fine line between remaining relevant and remaining biblical; but sometimes these lines are blurred leaving mixed signals to those in Christ and those seeking Christ. Assuming that there is a point and context for delivering these songs, when is it helpful, when is it hurtful? Where is the biblical foundation that can support the use of secular songs in a worship service? What say you?
Eugene Peterson has this to say:
Some say that the Church has gone too far in the direction of contemporary music by using secular songs. Others say that we have not gone far enough in order to be relevant with culture. There is a fine line between remaining relevant and remaining biblical; but sometimes these lines are blurred leaving mixed signals to those in Christ and those seeking Christ. Assuming that there is a point and context for delivering these songs, when is it helpful, when is it hurtful? Where is the biblical foundation that can support the use of secular songs in a worship service? What say you?
Eugene Peterson has this to say:
Spread The Word
3 Responses to "Secular and Sacred" 
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said this on 23 Sep 2008 1:27:48 PM CST
Thanks for helping us be more sensitive to this divide. We continue to benefit from your P. Floyd harmonies on God of Wonders. We've pulled in a Coldplay intro for Shout to the Lord and are working on a Lifehouse intro for Here I Am to Worship; our youth band even pulled off an Aerosmith intro in Brewster's Majestic! These reharmonizations and different intros have freshened some standards and given us another connection point with those in our congregation. We continue to seek God's wisdom in knowing exactly where that fine line is, but I'm confident that He can continue to use our psalms, hymns and spiritual songs to speak to the various generations. From the new songs He puts in our hearts, many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord as we glorify Him in the sacred and secular. Oh, that we give God the freedom to break down barriers and interpenetrate all areas of our lives.
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said this on 27 Sep 2008 1:40:40 PM CST
Knocked em out a few weeks ago with Material Girl by Madonna, We were ramping up to start Dave Ramsey'e Financial Peace University. We wanted to make the point that Christian are caught up in the more stuff just like others. We have remakes of Bon Jovi's Wanted Dead or Alive, Lynrd Skynrd's Sweet Home Alabama is now Sweet home in Heaven. They listen to it coming and going from church, why not make them take a fresh listen to another view. We have had many go and tell their friends which leads to an open door to the gospel that did't previously exist. Thanks Eugene for The Message!
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said this on 14 Oct 2008 9:08:32 AM CST
If it can be a tool or starting point to engage people in a discussion of the sacred, why not? Paul did this, Jesus did it. While I may label songs as "Christian" or "non-Christian" to discuss music with others, I really believe that all music in a gift from God (like money) that can be used to honor Him (or not) by what the song says/elevates. Let me be clear, that doesn't mean it has to mention God or Jesus. It can be a love or relationship song that honors Him by honoring others. We see that in the Bible too. How about Song of Solomon and Proverbs?
I think using "secular" songs become a problem when it becomes more of a distraction to people than a useful tool to engage people, when it's used to "be cool" and shoe-horned in rather than as a natural expression of heart and thoughts. Personally, I find it easier to use a song that's a cry of desperation/personal expression or positive message/encouragement (ie - Desperado, Don't Stop, Forever's As Far as I'll Go, Meet in the Middle, You've Got to Stand for Something, Love Will Find a Way, Bring Me to Life) than one that exemplifies culture vs. Christianity (ie - "Material Girl" mentioned above). I've "parodied" quite a few songs from 60's to rock, country and pop to make a connection. To wrap it up, I'd use it if it would help engage many people in the topic and leave it out if it was going to be more of a distraction or all out offensive to many people there. |