Chuck Swindoll’s response to Graham Kendrick

RE: Church Music

Thank you, Mac, for sending me a copy of this interview. I’ve read it carefully and I appreciate what he is getting at as he describes the broader need of today’s worshiper. I’m being told that there is a resurgence of theological truth in the music of the twenty-first-century church. It is long overdue, in my opinion. There is a growing interest in and appreciation of substantive content, a “depth of soul” that has been missing in the superficial, trendy style of what I’ve called “feel-good religion” that has dominated the scene. When we established Stonebriar Community Church over eight years ago, I deliberately addressed this issue and determined that we would blend our music so it would reflect the great truths of the faith – regardless of the era in which it was written – and it would always be done with excellence and only for God’s glory –“Soli Deo Gloria,” as Bach wrote on every piece of music he composed. This commitment has served as a “filter,” restraining us from being drawn toward every wave of the latest fad and at the same time, keeping us from becoming dated by embracing only the hymns and songs of yesteryear.

As is true of everyone who wishes to sustain a balance between depth and relevance in his life, we need roots and wings in our churches. As a result, it isn’t uncommon for our “blended worship” to include the works of Wesley or Watts, Newton or even Handel or Bach and in the same service several of the meaningful, substantive songs of this generation, with all selections following a theme that ties in with the message being preached. In addition we enjoy a wide spectrum of instruments in the expression of our music, where no two Sundays are identical – lots of variety and always sound theology . . . and that includes the songs we teach our children. We’ve found that such a commitment serves to encourage and comfort the flock as well as educate and instruct, a la Colossians 3:16-17. Such worship, I’ve discovered, is the “missing jewel” in most churches today, which is somewhere between sad and tragic.

Chuck

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When I asked Mac if I could reproduce Chuck Swindoll’s comments, here’s his wise response:

By all means Rowland … I’ve spread the article – and Chuck’s response – pretty broadly because Kendrick has the integrity to say what he said, and Chuck’s supporting remarks are balanced and well expressed. He’s not knocking out all the modern songs – just making sure they contribute to worship. I think writings like these need to be ‘out there’ to challenge what’s going on in most churches today. Kendrick’s point is right, ‘If we want to help the whole congregation to worship, the worship leader isn’t going to be able to default to their own preferred style’. Young Christians need to learn to sing hymns like “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” and discover the role of prayer in the trials of life. The theology of hymns like this has reinforced the pulpit message so effectively for centuries – it would be tragic to lose this source of learning, especially for younger Christians grappling with their new found faith. mh

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Rowland Croucher

March 2007