If you've been around NewPointe much at all, you know that it's not unusual for our band to cover a secular tune from time to time. For instance, recently they've done songs from U2, Los Lonely Boys, and Guns-N-Roses.
Occasionally, but not often, someone will question why we would bring "secular" music into a "sacred" environment. Sometimes the question is, "How am I supposed to worship to music like that?: Here are my thoughts on the subject:
We occasionally play secular music because we are trying to reach both non-Christians as well as Christians in the same service, and playing a secular, popular song up front in the service helps put people who are far from God at ease.
At NewPointe, we think that "Christian people" should be the ones who are the most uncomfortable in church--not the non-Christians. In other words, at NewPointe, we'd rather offend the Christians before offending non-Christians.
Our music selections are not pointless and random. We go to great lengths to make sure everything we do has purpose and relevance. I love the idea of "redeeming" a Guns N' Roses song--using it to ease the tension for someone and help make a connection. I'm sure Guns N' Roses never imagined that their music could pave the way for someone to connect with God...but it sure is cool what God can use to reach people.
Now, I'm not trying to over-spiritualize all this. I know you're not going to be able to "worship" to some of the music we play. But "worship" is not always our intent with every song. We want to make a connection, put people at ease, help them open their minds and their hearts, and let the Holy Spirit do His work.
7 comments:
great explanation, John. I've been asked this question before and I certainly never explained it as good as you did in this post. Sometimes people, often Christians, think we are "selling out" or conforming or just trying to be "cool", but it's all for a purpose. I say use whatever tool is in front of us to lead people to a place to recieve the life changing message of Jesus Christ and take what was often purposeless or what was meant for bad and see it work for good. There are souls at stake here. I think it's at the core of why NewPointe is effective in reaching people. Keep rockin'
T
The music, along with other things, helped me become more comfortable with the church. I had been away for so long and now I get so excited towards the end of the work week knowing that Sunday is right around the corner and I KNOW it will be an amazing service...Thank you for bringing me closer to Jesus Christ.
Well said! Great post, John!
Cool. What was the song? Welcome To The Jungle?
Hey. Where's that OT passage about the tattoo? I know it doesn't say "tattoo" but you used it in a sermon a few years back. Someone just asked me about it? Can you send me that verse? I would appreciate it. Rock On!
Hey Scott...the song was Knockin' On Heaven's Door. And I think we're going to dial it up again next Sunday (April 27).
As for the tattoos, the reference is Lev. 19:28. It's OT law...there's debate on what's appropriate for Christians who are under the New Covenant. Here's a website that shares at least one opinion: http://www.gotquestions.org/tattoos-sin.html
And here's another great website worth checking out in regards to tattoos: http://www.sacredink.net/main.html
I agree with you 100%. Secular music, along with movies and television, is the language of our culture and can be a bridge to connecting people with God, if used wisely by the church. Earlier this month, a new book was published on this topic entitled "Pop Goes the Church: Should the Church Engage Pop Culture?" by Tim Stevens. You should check it out. Tim is a pastor at Granger Community Church (GCC) in Indiana. I would call GCC a sister church of NewPointe. By the way, I don't think secular music can "work" in a church setting unless it is played with excellence...and the musicians at NewPointe are lights out! Keep up the great work guys. There are rewards waiting for you in heaven!
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