Two things sadden me beyond words...

[Full Quiver]

We use a mix of hymns and newer songs. Mostly newer songs. Those choruses that we sung at camp where you just repeat a line a dozen times are not part of our line up and I agree with Dolfan there.

I prefer songs that specify whom I am praising or worshiping. A generic "Him" doesn't really cut it for me. I prefer Lord, Jesus, God, Jehovah, etc.

Our pastor is constantly telling the older generation, he is in his 50s, to move forward. Get outta your reserved seat, move around, get with the program. In fact he is currently preaching a sermon series titled HE SAID, we said which refers to what the Word says and how Christians have interpreted and practiced it. Traditions are just that and are not necessarily Bible.

I don't take to kindly to folks that say the KJV is hard to read and understand (I am a KJV lover) BUT INSIST that we sing songs that were written in the same style and language. That's INSANITY!

My perception of this thread was that Phil wants to be revered by the younger generation the whole while he is not willing to revere them. All God's children are just that, God's children, and are not to be "touched".

I find some of the newer stuff to be awesome and very revealing as to the person of God. It's not as new as a lot of stuff we do now but I am a Friend of God is very special to me and helped me get the picture that He isn't the big bad wolf but that HE considers me His friend.

I could go on and on!

[scooter]

The hurricane song link you posted, Pastor Gary, was a good read. Seems that folks are all over the place on that song, too. I like the tune, the melody. I will catch myself singing it sometimes. But, I cringe at some points when we sing it at church. I always feel like I am listening to a pop music love song. Angst, emo, all that. And, just honesty, I don't like to cringe when we sing. I thought the guy's review of the song was spot on. I really liked one response someone posted that maybe worship leaders should take time to educate on lyrics instead of putting them on screen and running with them. Actually, as I consider it, that may only make it worse in some places.

I appreciate the back story and how personal that was for the writer. When it became published and not personal, in our touchy feely romance driven emotionally charged times, maybe some of that inspiration was lost in translation from private psalm to public merchandise.

Response: I love that song now. Though we do sing passionate kiss. lol

[Phil Hoover]

Full Quiver,

I'm sorry that you perceive me as one wanting to be "revered." Nothing could be further from the truth. However, my heart is deeply troubled when I see ANY GENERATION being dismissed or ignored in the house of God.