Scratching Itching Ears

Worship leaders: You've probably heard these phrases throughout your time in ministry, coming as "encouragement" or "feedback" from your congregation...

"Why don't we sing more hymns? They're full of truth and sound better than those newer loud songs form the radio!"

or...

"Have you heard this new song? It just sounds so good—full of energy! It'll get people really pumped, especially since we haven't sung newer songs in a while." 

These phrases mean well, but let's take a look at what informs their motivation, especially in the context of culture.

Most cultural development is driven by novelty and nostalgia (especially in Western cultures), designed to deliver products and experiences that on one hand, maximize our visual and auditory senses, and on the other, psychologically highlighting "hot" memories of the past that bring about similar feelings, physically and emotionally. This development capitalizes on what Paul calls "itching ears" in 2 Timothy 4, and it's an age-old mentality of chasing after what we want to hear and see instead of what is good for us to take in. Sadly, "itching ears" has permeated many churches in regards to the music and atmosphere of worship services—and it comprises all camps: traditional versus modern, hymns versus choruses, etc.

I've found this takes place mostly when we focus on the aesthetic value of the song more than the doctrine it communicates. Ideally, there should be a primary focus on doctrine with aesthetics coming alongside to support the delivery. However, we can become fixated on how something sounds and ascribe higher value to that, leaving doctrine as a secondary concern. Or, we assign unnecessary spiritual value to aesthetics over doctrine, often attributing the emotional stirring of well-arranged musical stylings to the work of the Holy Spirit.

To be absolutely clear: I believe the Holy Spirit works through our active worship, especially when we focus on the truth contained in His Word. Aesthetics can help prepare the worshipper's heart to rejoice in the Holy Spirit's work, but generally, aesthetics contribute to the offering of glorifying God and also edifying the congregation of worshippers. So when I hear phrases like the ones above, I immediately react internally to what I know to be aesthetic preferences being given higher spiritual value than what is actually the case. Let's examine some aesthetic qualities that play a large role in the delivery and resonance of doctrine, but can often be distorted or overemphasized:

• Melody: A well-crafted melody is one that is singable and interesting. Avoid large leaps and over-widened ranges, but don't be afraid of a melody that delivers an interesting contour or pitch selection.

• Lyrics: A well-crafted lyric communicates clear truths. Avoid generic "oh" and "yeah" (they DO have their place—but sparingly); likewise avoid over-exaggeration or "rawness" that really only serves to highlight the cleverness of the writer. On the other hand, antiquated terms found in some hymns can be confusing, so practice discernment when using those, or take the opportunity to exhort/explain their meaning and application.

• Dynamics: This layering of sounds and intensity of volume seems to be the sticking point for congregants with differing preferences. Craft your arrangements that use intensity to enhance what you're singing, but avoid sensory overload, especially for infants and older congregants. (Sound engineers: Pay attention here!)

It's still important to acknowledge there is value in aesthetic preferences. After all, if the aesthetic value is of low quality, or greatly differs from our cultural contexts, is proves to be a distraction when we worship, which hinders an aspect of our edification and diverts our attention from fully praising God. 

So, worship leaders, the key is this—find a healthy balance between aesthetic values that your congregants prefer, but always keep doctrine in the highest view. Make room for the hymn lover who relishes rich words and no-frills arrangements. Similarly, embrace fresh music and stylings that offer new ways to communicate timeless truth. 

Congregants: Practice empathy with each other's preferences and experiences, much in the same way worship leaders are called to practice sensitivity and discernment in their directing of the music that you sing.

Here's a great reminder for all of us from the apostle Paul in Ephesians 4:

"I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift... And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."

To sum it up in the context of our worship services and the music we sing, always do this, no matter the style: 

• Pursue unity. 

• Practice humility. 

• Encourage strongly. 

• Love well. 

Be blessed 👊✌️