“Nothing endures but change,” – Heraclitus (540 BC)
The new taste of Coke, changing work schedules, evolving friendships, complex relationships, facebook formats, and the revert back to small neck ties knots are just a few examples of changes that I have adapted to. I can handle change.
The best way to get a church all riled up is to change something. I have worked for and attended enough churches to know that doing something as practical as adding a wheelchair ramp or as simple as changing the way the bulletins are folded is enough to cause major problems within the congregation. But…when you start to change the worship service…hold on…it could get rough.
I have opinions. I have beliefs. I have preferences. I do not expect others to have the same opinions, beliefs, and preferences as I do. Yet…in this time of change I am expected to conform to the beliefs of others. Why? Because I’m young? Because I am a “musician?” Because I am a Christian? In the past few weeks I have heard things like, “God wants us to worship like this,” and “Every new tradition started as a radical change.” Worship, in my opinion, is an expression of a very personal relationship with God. I really don’t care how you worship. Just don’t tell me what type of song God expects me to sing.
Youth is not a good enough reason to accept this change. Being a Christian does not mean I am required to like it. But most importantly, I would like to mention that it is not the musician in me that is not in agreement. The musician in me hasn’t been to church in a long time.
I haven’t really said what I’ve wanted to say. Maybe I don’t really know what it is that I am trying to say. I guess it all comes down to this:
I am allowed to not like this change, and that is no reflection on the individuals involved with the change.
2 comments:
I have no idea what you are talking about (ever ;) but I'm glad that we have been able to change with the seasons and endure.
As for church, throw your hat and walk out, just for fun :)
Oh my goodness, I know what you're talking about. We talked for WEEKS about it in church music class as well...but having been a pianist/organist, I have seen these things happen firsthand. However, I have often taken my "Accompanist" position literally, and let everyone else do the bickering. I just play what's handed to me.
However, I know you're in a leadership position, and it must be hard, seeing as everyone wants to know what you think about it all. I believe that you just eloquently described your stance, and you should use it if you come under attack.
:-)
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