This post is part rant, part observation, and part challenge. For a while, I’ve noticed that this topic is closely related to the overarching issue of style. I think, however, that if this topic is given the proper attention, then it will transcend the argument over worship style. Indeed, I’m becoming more convinced that worship leaders should pay more attention to this aspect of their corporate leadership, because I believe it is one of the more powerful weapons in worship. So, what is this weapon that demands so much attention?
Sound.
Now, this may seem like I’m saying that surfers should pay attention to water while surfing, but I believe there is more here than the obvious. Aesthetically speaking, the rise and fall of sound in music can have a profound impact on the overall musical experience. This is even truer in moments of worship, both corporate and private. I believe that sound, something that can be under our control, can open the door for the Holy Spirit, someone who is most certainly not under our control, to move in our hearts and minds.
In my own practical experience, however, I find that this thought rarely gets acknowledged, let alone is given the attention it probably should. It’s not really a question of style, but more of a question of experiential reality. Sound can momentarily shatter our perception of reality, forcing us to consider the things happening around us, the words we are singing, and the God we are worshipping. Think “warm fuzzies” and chills-up-the-back moments of worship... what makes those so special?
It has little to do with the song selection itself, or even the band playing the song. Yet, the two major factions of the style conflict take their corners, and stand their ground. The “contemporary” faction (normally younger demographics) turn up their amps and drums to “rock out.” The “traditional” faction (normally older demographics) are appalled, deeming such worship as “noise” that is both irreverent and hurts one’s ears.
I humbly think both factions are equally in the wrong, and are missing a greater point. Neither is considering the importance of sound, and how it operates as a two-way street. The Spirit can move equally in loud crescendos or deafening silence; it just depends on the moment. And because either faction is not considering this important point, both are missing out. The contemporary faction is becoming distracted by the noise, and the traditional faction is too afraid that they might wake God up from a nap.
1 Kings 19 is often cited for supporting quiet reverence in worship, and it is important. It is not, however, an excuse to silence our worship. Elijah was distracted by the “noise” or distractions of life (manifested in noisy sounds, granted), but he lost his focus on God. Focus on God can be just as easily lost in the noise of the stiff, silent traditional service. I think it’s also worth pointing out that, if God truly did show up in His might and power in our worship, then our eardrums would be non-existent.
Further, I think it’s important that 1 Kings 19 shows both the noisy moments and the silence, which is where God’s voice was ultimately heard in this encounter. The contemporary faction thinks that such quiet moments are “too slow” or “too boring,” and they then move to drown out the voice of God in worship. Not a brilliant idea.
I think this passage illustrates, among other things, the importance of the juxtaposition of noise and silence. Both are present in this encounter with God, and both should be present in our worship. Sound, if properly controlled and utilized, can break us of distraction and move us into an encounter with the holy Otherness of our Father and Creator.