A Capella Hymns vs. Rock Bands

One of the biggest struggles right now for all Christian churches is how to keep the younger generation interested in coming to church. One way to keep the 'text generation' interested is to adopt a more upbeat style of worship -- complete with drums, electric guitars and fully amplified stage vocals.

I have experienced both types of services -- my home church stays mainly with the a Capella hymns, but I've been to several different churches that use the 'worship band' model. Both have their merits, and I think that both are pleasing to the One we are praising, our Father in Heaven.

One excellent example of this struggle is documented by Shane Hipps, lead pastor at Trinity Mennonite Church in Glendale, Arizona: Music at Trinity (video link)

I agree with much of what Pastor Hipps has to say, but I do have a slightly different take on some of it. He states that hymns are sung from the neck up, while 'praise songs' are sung from the neck down... but I find this is not always the case.

For those with perfect pitch looking for 'choir quality' singing, I suppose hymns can be a very cerebral experience, but for someone like me, who has no formal music training, it's just as much from the heart as any ditty accompanied by instruments. In fact, I find a more heart-felt connection with many of the old favorite hymns, and I find it more spiritually moving to harmonize with those around me as we praise our God in one accord. If everyone is participating, it is an experience that can move mountains.

The praise and worship band concept is also great for those who don't have formal vocal training, as there are instruments to harmonize with, and amplified voices to mask any mistakes they may make. But, in my experience with several different churches using this style, it becomes more about the performance on stage than it is about the singing praise to our God. In all cases, I could not hear any of the voices around me, much less my own voice. All I could hear was that which was being blasted through the loudspeakers. I know there are many who feel the spirit move in such an environment, but I am not one of them.

The harsh reality of the situation is that, unless we find a way to teach newcomers and the younger generation how to sing hymns, we are going to lose our Mennonite heritage of four-part harmony. I can follow along in the hymnal, trying to harmonize with those around me as the notes rise and fall, but I really don't know what I'm doing because nobody has ever taught me how to sing hymns. It's just assumed that if you are a Mennonite, you know how to sing in four parts. We either get proactive about this situation and teach, or we sit idly by and let an important part of our culture slip away with the passing of the baby boomers. Then we will have no choice but to sing with the accompaniment of musical instruments.