missio

[Disclaimer: This post is probably a weeee bit opinionated. Read with care. Especially if you lead worship. Or sing.]

So many worship songs sound like one of two things. They either sound like:

1. The songwriter bought a Christian magnetic poetry set, sat about 3 feet from the refrigerator, and chunked the poetry set at it. He then wrote down the resulting mess, organized it into 2 verses and a chorus, set it to either (E,A,B,C#) or (G,C,Em,D) and recorded it. One more rule: when performing, the chorus must be sung at least 4 times.
2. Possibly even worse, the songwriter has a Passion/Hillsong cookie cutter. They then apply this cookie cutter to a select list of phrases (ie: “open the eyes of my heart Lord”, “be lifted”, “my glorious”). The same chords from number one is used, but only the G,C,Em,D set may be used. The chorus begins the song, and ends the song. Twice. Before the music kicks back in for two more choruses. And an altar call. With dim lights and softly played music.

I must say, with great remorse, that lyric-writing is an art form on the decline. There are only a few that I personally listen to that I truly enjoy with gusto. I hear their songs, and immediately know that they are writing from the heart, life experience, and Scripture. Some bands (again, opinion) that I think have great worship lyrics:

• David Crowder - Yes, he’s mainstream. For a reason. His lyrics are outstanding. His music may begin to be overplayed in worship sets, but the lyrics still remain insightful and Godly.
• Shane and Shane - The new album in the Spring is going to be loaded. Just look up “Embracing Accusations” or “God Come” on YouTube, and you’ll see what I mean. Definitely chock full of experience and Scripture, not just empty praises.
• Starfield - You can tell that these guys have been somewhere. And are going somewhere. Their lyrics take you somewhere, and in performance they lead worship like few others.
• The Swift - Incredible lyrics. Britt Edwards, Mike Simons, Matt Wilder, and Guy Lemon all do an excellent job of bringing experience and Biblical texts together in a way that twists the heart and makes it think about what God has done and who God is.

So what do I personally think worship should look like? As you can tell, I think it should be a combination of Scripture (first and foremost) and experience. If you’re writing empty praises to God, I really don’t want to hear that Malachi 2 stuff. I want something real. When you read the Psalms, you can see how the writers (David, Moses, etc.) go through ups and downs, and read accordingly.

Just remember, we have something of substance to sing about. Jesus saved the world.