Church Singing & Theology
“Show me a church’s songs and I’ll show you their theology.”
Justin Buzzard’s Books
Date Your Wife
Most men don’t know how to date their wives. They did it before, but they’ve forgotten how, or they’re trying but it just doesn’t seem to be working. Justin Buzzard helps men re-learn this all-important (and often forgotten) skill from a position of security in the gospel.
All types of marriages—good ones, mediocre ones, and bad ones—will experience a jumpstart as a result of hearing, believing, and living the message of Date Your Wife.
Hebrews: Consider Jesus
Jesus Christ - it's a name that still has unique pulling power, even in today's secular society. Jesus is used as a comforting idea in times of trouble, an inspiration for those seeking spirituality, and even as a figurehead for counter-cultural enthusiasts. But the real Jesus is so much greater than this.
oooooo great quote and very true!
buzz, one of our biggest challenges is finding good music – would love if you took the time to point us in the right direction. we either use old hymns or my worship guy writes stuff. last week i led the singing and i did a few half-songs, because many of them have good parts and then terrible, theologically bankrupt, lovey-dovey choruses… frustrating!
This is a fantastic and super true quote. Songs are mini sermons set to music!
ps- I’ve got some good ones from the Brits….
Check out some Stuart Townend stuff. Theological rich and some pretty cool music too. One of my favorite’s of his is “Across the Lands” sung by Joanne Hog (you can buy it or preview it on iTunes.)
As much as I would like to say I think the quote is true, I am not sure I can. I can think of some churches that preach different theology to what they sing. There’s definitely a contention there and that churches generally believe more of what they sing than what they hear from the pulpit.
Personally I am fed up with the man centered songs we have that sing about how wonderful is OUR praise. Wow Jesus! You must be so amazing because You deserve all of MY praise. Fancy that!
Or that it’s all about us, Salvation is all about me, not the church. Ok, time to stop I’m ranting. ;-)
Steve, you’re one of the most gospel-centered worship leaders I’ve ever encountered, so if you need help must all need help. I remeber that at Zeke’s wedding he said that you were his favorite worship leader.
So, I highly, HIGHLY recommend anything coming out of Sovereign Grace Ministries, especially all the music that Bob Kauflin writes for them. Go onto the Sov. Grace website store and look for their CD’s/music and especially track down their “Worship Songbook.” This comes in 2 volumes and it’s a collection of tons of gospel-centered songs, along with sheet music, by Bob Kauflin, Mark Altrogge, and Steve & Viki Cook.
Never heard of Stuart Townend. Have you heard of Keith Green? He is one of my favorites. The song “Because of you” and “You” are pretty cool tracks.
Iggy
Hey guys,
Check this out…maybe you can put music to it. It is chanted every morning in the Coptic church:
O True Light who gives light to every man that comes into the world,
You came into the world through Your love for man, and all the creation rejoiced at your coming.
You have saved Adam from seduction, and delivered Eve from the pangs of death.
You gave unto us the Spirit of Sonship. We praise and bless You with Your angels.
When the morning comes upon us O Christ our God, who are the True Light,
Let the thoughts of light shine within us, and do not let the darkness of pain overwhelm us,
That we may praise You with understanding, proclaiming with David and saying,
“My eyes have reach the morning watch that I might meditate upon all Your words.”
Hear our voices according to Your great mercy. Save us O Lord our God according to Your compassion.
O caring God, the Maker of all good things, who governs the lives of His chosen ones,
The strong governor for those who take refuge in Him, who longs for the salvation and deliverance of everyone,
Through Your goodness You provided for us the night; grant us to pass this day without sin,
That we may be worthy to lift up our hands before You without anger or evil thoughts.
At this dawn, straighten our coming in and our going out, in the joy of Your protection.
That we may proclaim Your righteousness daily, and praise Your power with David the prophet,
Saying, “In Your peace, O Christ our Savior, we slept and arose, for we have hoped in You.”