IMHO, history shows how music often precedes revolutions…
When God gets ready to tip history in a new direction, new music often serves as the catalyst.
Why?
Music has a way of bypassing the intellect and piercing the very core of the soul. The only element that makes Christian music what it is are the lyrics. Remove the lyrics from Kirk Franklin, Mary, Mary, Tye Tribbet, J. Moss et. al. & you'll soon feel the beat (at least I do 🙂
Again, I repeat: "Music precedes the revolution"
- It is well documented that Martin Luther co-authored hymns to the tune of pub music while guzzling brew (beer) from his Stein (beer mug). He was vilified, however, his music, heavily influenced by pub music where he often drank, preceded the Protestant Reformation. Before Luther, the preferred music was Gregorian Chant. Again, God used music to tip history in a new direction.
- Thomas Dorsey, heavily influenced by the Blues scene here in Chicago was inspired to write many gospel tunes. He's even called the father of Gospel Music. Before Gospel, the preferred music were Wesleyan Hymns et. al. all heavily influenced by the Enlightenment Period. Again, God used music to tip history in a new direction.
- Kirk Franklin, heavily influenced by hip-hop, R&B, & Neo-Soul. Before him, it was Thomas Dorsey followed by James Cleveland and The Hawkins Family. Again, God used music to tip history in a new direction to respond to this Post-modern & Post-Christian generation.
As for Bishop Love, I'm still studying this. I do believe we're at another tipping point and rarely does God do the same thing twice. Since history has moved from modernity to Post-modernity, God's tipping history again.
The bigger problem is not what Bishop Love did, it's how will pastors respond when God tips history in a new direction which requires a different skill-set to lead effectively.
Hey Pastor!
So what are you doing to prepare for new direction?
P.S. Great segway to the video with the history lesson 🙂 You’re always teaching.
I’m not sure how I feel about this…
I kinda look at it like this. “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new”
(2Cor 5:17, KJV). I’m singing a new song because those old songs bring back old memories of the old me.
In the 40th number of Psalm, when David speaks of his perservering faith during his trials, he says, “He hath put a new song in my mouth” (v.3), and a number of other times David admonishes us to “Sing unto the Lord a new song.”
Even listening to Bishop Love sing these songs from the pulpit, “Always and Forever” just did not take me to the same place that “Near the Cross” took me. Even as I sit here on my couch with my laptop, I couldn’t help but stretch forth my hands and sing, “near the cross be my glory ever, ’til my raptured soul shall find rest beyond the river.” I may very well be one of very few 25 year old who feel this way, but I’d take a a hymn over any of those re-written songs anyday.
Rolanda,
So, how’s everything? I believe I still owe you an email 🙂
Thanks for the compliments and you ask a very important question. In the Old Testament there’s an interesting story in 1 Chronicles 12. David had been running from Saul, and while he was hiding, God sent some men to him who are described as mighty men. One of the groups, The Sons of Issachar were people who understood the times and new what Israel should do. They were the strategists who developed the master plan for the battle.
What am I doing, I’m looking for NEW LEADERS who understand our times and know what we must do to increase our church’s effectiveness. Let’s face it: old models of doing church are no longer effective. I’m praying that God will bring “new voices” so we can discern together God’s plan for the next generation. You’re probably one of them God’s sending since you asked the question 🙂
Que P,
Thanks for sharing your feelings! I agree with you regarding Christians being new, however, what do you do when no song completely expresses your love for God?
Regarding David’s desire to “sing a new song…”
The psalm begins with David’s joyful report to the congregation about his deliverance and an encouragement to them to trust the Lord. God did something wonderful for him after a long period of prayerful, patient waiting.
Using figurative language to describe his distress and release, he affirmed that the Lord saved him from his dilemma (like being in a slimy pit with mud and mire) and established him firmly on a rock. This deliverance gave him a new song for rejoicing.
Question:
Why didn’t David choose an established song to express his true feelings? Furthermore, Scripture records subsequent moments where no other songs were adequate to express their feelings towards God (Psalm 33:3; 96:1; 98:1; 144:9; 149:1).
For the record…you do know “Near the Cross” was written by Fannie Crosby who was influenced by Charles Wesley, who was influenced by Isaac Watts (i.e. Dr. Watts hymns), who was influenced by Martin Luther who wrote “A Mighty Fortress is our God” to the tune of bar music while drinking 🙂
Pastor Stowers
What do I do when no song completely expresses my love for God? Wow! I don’t know. I can’t say that I’ve ever found myself at a place where this has happened. But I guess that’ll be the point where I sing my own new song.
And yes I know “Near the Cross” was written by Fannie Crosby. I’ve studied hymns of the church, however I didn’t know the direct lineage down to Martin Luther, but it’s no suprise to me.