“Amazing grace how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me…”—John Newton, 18th century
“Shout to the Lord, all the earth let us sing…” Darlene Zschech, 20th century
These two amazing songs and many others have come out of personal encounters with a God of truth, love and hope. It is an expression of their experiences that glorifies the wonder of God. Many will identify and put their trust in God as they sing these songs. For me, this speaks about the passion for God in a man or woman’s heart when they are able to articulate it in song, in writing or in their lifestyle.
As we look at the history of the Church at large and how she has moved and changed over the centuries, we will notice how its expression of worship through music and songs evolved. As the Holy Spirit moved over the Church, men and women who were revived would produce great songs that help the generation of their time worship and connect with God and even saw changes in their community.
The Journey of the Church
Early music in church was shaped by Greek, Syrian and Hebrew influences. In the Jewish culture, the Psalms were sung daily in the synagogues, through a responsorial chant where the Levite leader chanted one line and waited for the congregation to sing the next.
Hymns followed the psalms adapting from the early chants. Catholism developed the Canticle i.e. lyrical portions of the Bible that were sung at specified times of worship. This brought about the historical “Gregorian Chants” which was associated with Pope Gregory who was known for his mission mindedness to evangelise Europe.
Back in the Middle Ages, the Mass was the most important worship service in the Catholic Church. The Gregorian Chants were considered sacred and was used in the Mass. Musicians and composers altered the chants by changing the rhythms, voice, harmony, countermelody, descant and imitation. However as more composers added their flavour, it became more complex and difficult for the singers. Hence, liturgical organ music was introduced where the organist improvised on the theme. Later it was decided that the music for worship must be kept simple for congregational participation. As the Middle Ages came to its tail end, we see the endeavours of Francis of Assisi and the Franciscans, Dominic of Castile and the Dominicans who were dedicated to spiritual renewal and church reform.
In the 1600’s and 1700’s, some of the world’s greatest composers such as Bach, A.Scarlatti, Handel and Mozart contributed to the Mass. Around the same time, Martin Luther, an Augustinian monk discovered the teaching of the Truth in Paul’s letters that “the just shall live by faith” i.e. salvation by personal faith in Christ, leading to the birth of the Protestant Reformation.
The 18th century saw religious music expanding beyond all boundaries. Composers “borrowed” common melodies and even secular/popular songs, rewriting religious words to them. During this period many hymns, anthems and choruses were birthed. Among those who contributed to the composing of hymns was Charles Wesley. We also saw significant revivals happening around England, Europe and America. Here we see the likes of John Wesley, George Whitefield, who passionately preached and lived the Gospel turning many to Christ.
The 19th and 20th centuries introduced freedom of style in what history calls the “Liturgical Movement”. Religious music underwent a transformation to suit a changing and evolving congregation. Music was simplified and integrated, with pastors and composers setting religious texts to folk melodies to encourage congregational singing. Examples of famous hymns set to popular tunes are ’Amazing Grace‘ and ’There Is A Fountain‘. At this time, modern missions took on a greater movement. Modern Pentecostalism was formed in 1905 in America.
Into the 20th and 21st century, new musical ideas once again transformed the music of the church—contemporary Christian music! Church worship music has definitely evolved and has become very personal songs of worship, celebrative, prophetic using different musical instruments. There’s a whole new wave of the Holy Spirit poured upon the Church today that has inspired so many to write songs for this generation in different styles and sound that preserve the message of the Cross while reaching the needs of an ever-changing world.
Living It Out Loud
Through the spiritual revolutions, believers every where grew to love God more and to see Him greatly exalted in their daily lives. For example, John Newton composed this heartfelt hymn ‘Amazing Grace’ after he was caught in a violent storm while steering his ship. He records that God had addressed him through the storm and that grace had begun to work for him! Later he ceased from slave trading and became a minister who drew large congregations and influenced many. Among them was William Wilberforce, whom he encouraged to remain in politics and fight for the abolition of slave trading. This gave effect to the social reformation in England!
Many times people say, “Where are the good old hymns?” While we appreciate the hymns of old and continue to sing them, we must realise that we have such a creative God who will continue to inspire men and women to write new “hymns” i.e. new praise songs that today’s generation can connect to God with. Same message just a different flavour. There’s a heart cry from the generation today for a faith that is real, raw, radical, and full of passion. During her lowest moment, Darlene Zschech chose to praise God and wrote ’Shout to the Lord‘, instead of screaming and pulling her hair out. What a great way to look at our God who is bigger than our circumstances. Sing your way out of the storm!
“Passion is not what you claim you have but what others claim they see in you”—Kenneth Chin. How true is that! We don’t tell someone we love them but do nothing to affirm those words. It’s the same with God. When we say we love Him, we do something. It is both inwardly experienced and outwardly expressed! Singing, shouting, dancing, writing radical music and songs, and raising the standard of Christian living without compromise—that’s living our faith loud! Claming to have deep joy but being quiet and solemn about our amazing God isn’t going to do much for our faith. Like King David we need to be able to celebrate and be undignified before the Lord!
Matt Redman’s pastor once said that too many times we come as consumers to worship instead of producers of worship. We must come back to the heart of worship, offering a sacrifice of praise. He’s bigger than we make Him to be! We must choose to pursue and love God, and when we encounter Him, inevitably we change! |
