On Hymn Books and Songs – I have a great love for them. I believe that all churches should use them for not only the intricate melodies, but for the message. These messages that have been penned by our heritage. Our “Brothers and Sisters” in Christ, many of whom suffered terrible hardships, including prison and beatings, and yet were able to draw on their almost supernatural faith to pen songs of utter praise and worship to an Almighty God despite their circumstances. It seems that those in the “younger” generation are realizing the futility of finding heritage in our current world and time and know that we must look back and hang on to these earlier times and traditions. Does this diminish the struggles faced by those who write new worship songs and praises? Or that their songs don’t have the same meaning because they are not being “persecuted?” Absolutely Not!!! We need to always realize and never forget the writings of Paul to the Romans discussing the many gifts and talents of the members of the Body of Christ, who we are blessed to be a part of.

I think that it ultimately boils down to what Ash wrote. It is our personal relationship with Christ that allows us to worship freely. I love listening to the little kids during S.S. worship as they sing with hearts unabated to our Heavenly Father. It does not remotely matter what song, or what style, it only matters that they are worshipping and that is evidenced by the love and joy on their faces.

Also, thanks for the congrats on finishing up with Med School. It has been a long journey, but most of my success is due to Christ and Andria as she is always next to me holding my hand through this awesome journey that we call…Life.

Luke

I think this is a very interesting phenomenon that we’re seeing, and one that is encouraging to me. It seems like a continuation of a cycle…one that began with a generation that was looking for something more or wanted to feel something more and finally started questioning and experimenting with new ways of thinking and new worship styles.This wasn’t all bad, but maybe now we’re seeing people realize that the answer doesn’t lie in how modern or emotional their church is. Our search is for something much deeper.

After all the questioning, maybe people have been floating so long that some good old traditions and stability is refreshing…we can now see the value in it like never before. We want to know that we have something that is more than just a warm fuzzie and will last long enough for our kids and their kids too.

Anyway, I think the issues are bigger than a church and go back to the depth of our own relationship with Jesus…and no matter how wonderful it is, no church is going to (or should) be able to replace that.

just wanted to clarify!

I just heard Michael Card and Buddy Green talking on the radio Sunday night about how they grew up with the old hymns and that they were surprised that young people were now discovering them again and were drawn to them. I wasn’t surprised at all…I think that in some ways our generation has been underestimated in what we can “handle” spiritually or what God can use to move us. It’s often assumed that unless it comes in an repetetive one line song or if the presentation isn’t in the fast pased MTV style, we will not stay connected or be interested. I think maybe one reason we are being drawn again to the hymns is because it causes us to have to think deeply and to contemplate…that’s refreshing…its not just about emotion. It’s like the emotional and the intelect can meet eachother.

I think our generation is tired of being stereotyped into an “ADHD Christian” generation. We want to be taken seriously and be used significantly…and maybe we are beginning to realize that we can learn from the men and women of our faith in the past who lived significantly.

I hope some of this makes some sense…I have lots of thoughts whirling around my head and it’s hard to organize them or even understand what I am thinking myself! Thanks for your thoughts.

-Rebekah Kaufmann

your Andria