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The Fray on Christian Music
Nov122006 Filed under: Growing Strategies Author: Tony MorganRemember that conversation we started a few of months ago on music for weekend services? In light of that dialogue, I found the article about The Fray in the September/October issue of Relevant Magazine to be pretty intriguing. Here’s what Ben Wysocki had to say about Christian music:
"As Christians, we set out to make really honest art that is relatable and understandable for people, regardless of their religious orientation or faith background. Isaac grew up writing Christian songs in a Christian language about Christian themes and Bible verses, and then he started making friends who weren’t Christians, and they couldn’t understand what he was singing about. They couldn’t relate to it. We wanted to steer clear of those labels and a lot of baggage and make art in a way that can relate to Christians and non-Christians."
Wysocki continued, "I think we’re called to make music for more than just the Church and to make music for the unchurched people and hopefully speak a bit of life into them."
What do you think? Should Christ-followers use music to "speak a bit of life" into those that are unchurched? And, is it acceptable to use that type of music in church services? In case you’re wondering…I do.
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Tony Morgan is a pastor and the Chief Strategic Officer at NewSpring Church where he develops creative solutions for communications, technology and NewSpring Ministries--the church's ministry that equips other church leaders.
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Tom
November 13th, 2006 at 1:37 am
I don’t know how anyone could disagree with the comments you posted by The Fray.
As to your second question, one first has to answer the question of why you have music in your services, period, before you begin to discuss what is and what isn’t appropriate.
Matt
November 13th, 2006 at 2:13 am
Isn’t it our purpose to bring non-Christians in to the fold? I would have to say that The Fray are right on in their mission. Especially with the youthful audience that they play to. Pastor Greg Roehlinger at Palm Valley brought up the statistics of the young adults that are not coming to church and your post goes right along with that.
So yes, we should play this music in church. It is amusing and ironic to me that the aging baby boomers that were so moved by the revolution of rock and roll music are critical of this. They should know better than anybody that music moves people and we should use it to move the young to church. Thanks Tony.
anne jackson
November 13th, 2006 at 7:59 am
yes, and sometimes…those musicians who aren’t believers can still see truth and communicate it back into our lives…there are a few staind songs that completely bring me straight to where i need to be. (a few…) not to mention instrumental music. i think truth is so far beyond what we can tangibly see or touch sometimes that we can see it when the father is illuminated, no matter the original source.
Casey
March 29th, 2007 at 3:35 pm
Thank you for the article.
I have to admit that I was a bit outraged a few months ago when I heard The Fray playing on the Fish. Now, I love their music, at least artistically speaking - they have a really great sound. But, until I saw this article, there was nothing that obviously connected the group or their music to Christianity. Instead, “How to Save a Life” tended to conjure images Grey’s Anatomy.
I often worry about attempts by Christians to reach the unsaved by blending into pop culture. It’s a very fine line and one should know without a doubt that that is really their calling before playing with that line. Too often have we lost good soldiers for what looked like a good idea but was not orchestrated by God.
Are The Fray so called? That can only be truly answered by God, The Fray and, eventually, by their fruit. Nonetheless, I pray that they are victorious in invading pop culture for the Kingdom of God.
As for worship services… Well, I tend to agree with Tom: The real question is why we are singing. If we are singing to worship and glorify God, then we should let the Holy Spirit guide us in what words we us to do so. If our purpose is anything else, then it really doesn’t matter what you sing - as long as it feels good for the moment, right?
Wayne Watts
February 1st, 2008 at 2:09 am
I think The Fray have made a wonderful song. It is their choice whether they want to promote Jesus or not. Many Christians have jobs that do not promote Christianity. But our obligation is to reflect Christ in our lives.
Two points to consider though: As they move into mainsteam music, I wonder if the same will become of them that happened to U2. Look at the difference between U2’s early years and now. Music fame can easily become a replacement for God.
Also, I do not think churches should play music that does not mention God or Jesus. A church is not a coffee shop, it has a purpose, and that is to express Jesus’ love. That is one place we do not need to be embarrassed or to be subtle or to downplay Jesus. It is now the only place in our country that Jesus can be mentioned without glares.