Steve Bell, 06/05 - Interviews - Christian Music Today
This is a great interview with my friend Steve Bell. In it he talks about the sad state of worship music these days, and offers a few solutions. I think that what he says can also be applied to other areas of the institutional church, like preaching and teaching. It's worth the read,
posted by Darren at 9:08 PM
4 Comments:
Interesting interview, thanks.
With all due respect to your friend, I'm always a little skeptical of sweeping criticisms of worship music.
We may dislike a particular song or style (as muscial taste is subjective), but as long as it is authenticly written and communicated I believe it pleases God's ear.
And isn't that the point?
12:58 PM
I agree with Christy's point that as long as something is authentically written etc., that it pleases God.
But, I would also think that if I am trying to write a song for Him, I would want to write it as well as possible, with as much quality in it as I can. After all, we're playing for the Creator of the universe here, and that SHOULD put a little more importance in what were trying to do.
6:43 PM
I hear what both of you are saying, but I think Steve is talking about more than style or authenticity. It's about doing your craft well, and doing whatever it takes to be the best you can be. A 19 year-old with three chords under his/her belt is not going to write a song that inspires anyone to worship more (I know this is a generalization, but for the sake of arguement...)I, as a 38 year-old, may bring my experiences to that song when I hear it, and it becomes meaningful to me. It's like any great art, experience does mean something. Steve wants to write songs that are Rembrandts, not paint-by-number.
I don't want to sound harsh and judge those who are starting out in their craft, but the artist's job it get better, learn more, and push themselves to be and do their best. Hope this makes sense.
10:57 PM
Definetly, Darren.
But I guess if I saw an earnest 19 year old who knew 3 chords trying to use those 3 chords to glorify God, it *would* inspire me. And it would suit the definition of worship...to show God how deeply we love him.
Done well or not, authenticity is the heart of worship and no one really has the right to discredit someone's beginner attempts, even if they stink. We learn by doing and even beginner attempts will be a cool snapshot of where we were in our walk when that song was written. God deserves our best, but I don't think anyone really sets out to "squeak out" a worship song in 10 minutes without any desire to do it well.
I'm just beginning worship leading..a greater challenge that I ever could have imagined internally. You try to bring people to a place where they can see God with fresh eyes, but when they are complaining about the arrangement, the key, the speed, how loud the drums are, if the singer's mikes were too loud etc etc, we lose sight of the purpose.
It's all about God, and while we strive to do it well, the rest is mere details.
Thanks for an interesting discussion.
10:41 AM
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