Fred

But, you have to “feel” the music for the “style” of modern music to be right.

Truthfully, organ music is much closer to concert levels. And, a couple decibels is almost 100% difference. So, it does matter.

Really, this is about style, and language. Indeed, the music “feeling” right is a language. And, most people living in the Christian subculture really have unlearned what those around them experience as music.

We should not impose on the newly initiated our preferences, and if the preference is given it should be given to the beginner not the veteran Christian.

That principle, if applied, might mean simply actually turning up the volume. Appeasing people, is just reinforcing their desire to live in a Christian subculture that has no regard for the lost but rather to stay in their walled ghetto.

So, it is indeed better to preach the gospel in a language that people will actually hear it as well as understand it.

You’re absolutely right that we should not be complaining about things. Grumbling is wrong. But we’re also supposed to submit to one another. As I already pointed out, a few decibels doesn’t really make a whole lot of difference. I really doubt that a seeker will come to your church because your music is louder than someone else.

I also really doubt the volume level is somehow related to reaching people.

It’s also a two-way street. We complain about people complaining about the sound. “It’s too loud” “There’s too much bass.” “The drums sound harsh.” Whatever it is, they’re wrong to complain, but we’re also wrong to complain. I run the volume up because the mix sounds better that way, there is more subtlety and depth to it that way. But I also respect the fact that it doesn’t nave to be rock-concert levels. A moderate level is perfectly acceptable. Those who like it loud would hardly notice and those who like it quieter can live with it.

While it’s wrong to grumble, isn’t it also wrong to cause people to grumble?

And remember that Romans 12 says that we should live at peace with all men, as it is up to us. We need to take the initiative to live at peace with one another. If I can do something that ends arguments, that’s a win. Some people just love to complain though, so if it’s out of our abilities, at least we’ve done our part.

What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

For us who are serving, it’s not about the loudness or softness of the music. It’s not about what the style is. It’s about serving those who we are trying to reach. Who are we trying to reach? Well that will depend on where you are. Maybe soft music and subdued instruments works for your demographic, maybe jamming guitars or bagpipes works for your demographic. The important thing is to figure it out, and then don’t be afraid of the opposition. Because we can’t all get what we want. And just as Paul said in 1 Cor. 13:11, “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.” Us who have “matured” in the faith should set boundaries for new believers (doctrine) and help them to learn, but not get in the way of their growth and coming to the faith.

But I like your definition of holiness: “to offer our lives, and in the context of liturgy, our communal life as a church.”

Great post, Rich. Legos are fun too.

Our guys are such servants–rarely complaining for their preferences. However, you might just need to accept “it” if you want others to accept it. Are you not asking others to do the same?

If we are talking about reaching people (which is what I am talking about), than I do think it is our job to say “get over it” to the veterans. Missionaries should not complain about the food they are served in the land they are trying to reach–especially if it is a favorite dish.

It’s not our job to make people uncomfortable. It’s also not our job to justify it by saying those we’re making uncomfortable should just accept it.

And you’re actually probably talking about “loud music” not the actual sound pressure level, but I had to make that point anyway.

And you mention the same thought process here with the spiritually mature seeking a more silent and reverent worship experience. But how many times are we told to come to a Jesus ‘like a child’? Children are shameless, they don’t see extravagant worship vs. ‘feel it’ worship, they see their creator, father, savior and can’t help but feel giddy and want to express their love and gratitude to God.

Now in all fairness, people express themselves differently. Some prefer the ‘be still and know that I am God’ while others prefer the ‘make a joyful noise…’ method. It’s unfair to say that one method is more or less spiritual. Can anyone say that the Tzutzi’s banging drums to God under a Baobab tree is any MORE or LESS spiritual than what western, conservative, non-denominational churches do?

If you were slightly an idiot you could answer that question. The rest of us worship as we are led by the spirit to do.