What Would Jesus Play?

Does God have a certain kind of music he likes best? 

 

Is it country music? Classical? Or rap? Is he only into pop or R&B? EDM? Afrobeats? Maybe grime? Jazz? Is he ever feeling the blues? WWJP: What Would Jesus Play? 

I think you already know the answer.

John the revelator saw “a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb” REV 7:9  That represents a lot of diverse music cultures and styles. I’m sure it has more to do with the heart, especially if Jesus said his father is looking for those who worship in spirit and truth. He specifically said the location wasn’t critical; it might be easy to superimpose that on music genres as well.

Most white American Christians would feel awkward in the gatherings of the first century Jewish Jesus-followers. Go back further a few centuries and you have the dedication of the temple with 120 priest playing trumpets, along with the Levitical singers wailing on cymbals, stringed instruments, and more. We’re talking serious decibels. And then the presence of God was so thick that they couldn’t even stand up. Something, uh, different was going on that we’re not used to.

So why do we choose the style of music we use?

Culture. It's what we’re comfortable with.

The reason why many churches today have a “contemporary” service—and whatever that means—is because so many Baby Boomers were swept up in the Jesus/charismatic movement back in the day. Coffeehouses sprang up where these new believers could play music they related to and reach their friends who didn’t yet know Jesus. Fifty years ago in Cincinnati, there must have been at least fifteen different coffeehouses in rented spaces and church basements where young people gathered to hear this new music…this new song.

The proverbial “worship wars” soon followed.

Church leaders today must think about music. And think about it seriously. We all know it: music is a powerful corporate medium. So for what purpose is the style of music you use in your gatherings? Is it to relate to the majority of people who are already there? The majority of a particular age group? To reach people who are not there yet? I’m not talking about the “heart” issue; I’m talking about the cultural sticking point.

It’s the same question I’ve asked before: what is the purpose of your weekend gatherings? It’s easy to say “to worship Jesus”. But by whom and for what culture to participate and relate to?

Music is way too important not to think hard theologically and philosophically about it.

Dave Workman | The Elemental Group

“Where were you . . . when the morning stars sang together…?”  JOB 38:4a; 7a

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