Church Music Reborn
The need to sing fifth-century Lutheran dirges has long been one of my common complaints about traditional church services.
I had welcomed Christian praise bands who rocked out with tuneful pop and rock music that were sing-along and tap-along songs as well as good messages.
But not everyone likes this music, though I think it is wrong to call it “Christianity light.” So it was wonderful to learn recently that contemporary composers are writing music for church choirs and instrumental outfits that is up-to-date as well as religious.
It took a recent graduate in worship and music education who became our music director to introduce the congregation and myself to this development.
“I Will Give Thanks” by Craig Courtney has such beautiful lyrics and music, many people had tears in their eyes. When I heard a wind orchestra play composer Wayne Oquin’s “Song for Silent Voices,” thoughts of those who had left this life overwhelmed me. I told the conductor how much the music meant to me, speaking I’m sure with a shaky voice and wet eyes. His response told me I was not the first to do so.
Modern church music you can actually sing or listen to. What a welcome revolution.