Rick Hope

Recently, I've noticed that anytime I'm around a body of believers, there is always one debate that seems to be prevalent (especially among Baptists), and that is the issue of the type of music to be played in church. Now, personally, you could please me either way. I grew up among the old hymns and they still move me as well as carry some fond memories with them. However, being a youth pastor, I also appreciate the praise choruses and use them often in my quiet times.

But I know and understand that it is and will remain a hot debate for some time to come. However, there is one argument that I hear from both camps that frustrates me to no end. "I can't worship with THAT type of music. The Holy Spirit just isn't there."

I worry, for several reasons, when I hear that comment.

First of all, I feel that it limits God. Mark 10:27 says that with Him, all things are possible. When we say or allude to the idea that God can only work through one type of music, then aren't we limiting Him? I don't know about you, but that's one thing of which I don't want to be guilty.

Second, I feel that it's important that we don't just limit our definition of worship to a church service. The late Grady Nutt said that as a child, he had a hard time understanding the biblical admonition to "pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17)." He said that maturity eventually brought awareness that the idea of constant prayer is an attitude of dedication and concentration on God that comes out in all that we say and do.

Worship, then, is not a song, sermon or drama. It is, rather, an attitude that reflects our walk with God. How do you worship?