Where Have All The Hymnals Gone?

Since we moved last month, we’ve been going through the process of finding a new church that’s a little closer to our new home. Given that we live in the buckle of the Bible Belt, you wouldn’t think that would be a problem. What with at least one church in every block, the choices should be endless, right? Well, not exactly.

Churches are different now and I’m not. That’s not an indictment of the churches, it’s just that I’m dangerously close to 61and I have my own ideas of what church should be like. Before you say anything, I know it’s not all about me and what I want and what I like. It’s about reaching out to the community and being relevant, but mostly it’s about carrying the Gospel message to those around us. That part hasn’t changed – or shouldn’t change.

You see, my childhood church was small. It seemed big at the time, but I had nothing to compare it to. It would probably seat 100 or so. We had three classrooms for Sunday School across the back of the church. No bathroom, no running water. I’ve belonged to some larger churches since then, of course, but nothing like some of these “Six Flags Over Jesus” mega-churches of today.

In addition to the new look of churches, there’s a whole list of new terms that are used in churches today. In order to help those of you who, like us, are searching for a church home, here’s a glossary of terms you need to study before your search begins:

• Traditional Service – This used to be called “church”. It’s where you go to hear and sing hymns like “What A Friend We Have In Jesus” and “Blessed Assurance.” These services are likely at 8:00 or 8:30. Apparently the people in charge have decided that most “traditional” people get up early and might as well go to church. Good luck finding a “traditional” service at 11:00.
  
• Contemporary Service – The term “contemporary” is defined as “fashionable” or “modern-day”. In today’s church, “contemporary” means mostly one thing – drums. If it’s a Baptist church, it also means the preacher takes his tie off – after the “traditional” service, of course. You don’t often see the words “Baptist” and “contemporary” used in the same sentence. It’s like the term “liberal Baptists”. They’re the ones who speak to each other when they meet in the liquor store.
  
• Blended Service – This is some weird combination of the traditional and contemporary services. It’s kind of like listening to bluegrass music being played on a flute – it just wasn’t the way it was intended to be. My advice – pick one or the other, but don’t blend.
  
• Praise Music – This is the music usually sung in a contemporary service. It is usually up-tempo and loud. Not many people know the words to praise music, but that’s really not a problem because there aren’t that many words anyway. There are usually just a few phrases that are repeated indefinitely. I’ve heard it referred to as “7-11 Music.” Seven words, eleven times. You get the picture.
  
• Praise Team – This is a group of three or four people with microphones who stand in front of the church and lead the praise music. In most cases, they replace the choir. Actually they don’t really lead it, they just stand up and sing it. Not to be judgmental, but most of them look more like they’re passing a kidney stone than leading worship – but that’s just me.
  
• Hymnals – These were books of hymns used a long time ago - back before we read the words off the wall. They actually had the music and words written down and numbered for you. Ask your grandparents if you want more information.

Now, before you get all testy, bear in mind that this is only my opinion. Thankfully, in this country, you can go to church wherever you want. You don’t have to like the same thing I like. The best news is that God hasn’t changed. No matter how we worship Him, whether we stand up or sit down, whether we clap or don’t clap, God is still the same. And “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” is still a great piece of music, whether you read it off the wall or out of a hymnal.

It used to be that all most churches wanted was a young preacher and a new van. Now add to that drums and a p.a. system and video screens. Progress, I guess. At least it gets me in bed early on Saturday night. Got to get up early if you want to be “traditional”.

Till next time……….