Some thoughts on worship

Last night I was talking with my friend about the songwriting philosophy of the Hillsong church worship team. I told him that while some worship writers tend to progressively grow deeper as their walk progresses, like Matt Redman or Tim Hughes, Hillsong has managed to stay within the confines of "Introductory Christianity." Beginners in the faith will love this music, with simple themes like, "Jesus You are my best friend," "Everyday it's You I live for" "I give You my heart ... Lord have Your way in me." Even their new songs are still based on the baby steps of the walk: "One way, Jesus ... You're the only one that I could live for." "I love You, all of my hope is in You. Jesus Christ, take my life, take all of me."

But eventually, as you go deeper in the walk, you'll find yourself longing for songs with deeper messages. Songs that actually represent the state of walk that you're in.

Contrast that with songs that go, "I've had questions without answers ... When hope is lost, I'll call You Savior." (Tim Hughes) or "Though there's pain in the offering, blessed be Your name" (Matt Redman) "Lord, I'm tired, so tired from walking ... This is all that I can say right now" (David Crowder), "What restores our faith in God ... Mighty awesome wonderful is the Holy cross" (Chris Tomlin), "Your grace has found me just as I am, empty handed but alive in your hands" (Martin Smith). These songs aren't naive and idealistic. They come from songwriters who are living their lives and know what the walk entails. They have suffered, felt heartache and persevered, but not without scars. It just goes to show that the Christian walk isn't rainbows and roses and metallic fish logos; it isn't perfect, but it is the only way to go. Psalm 13 goes "How long, oh Lord, will You forget me? ... but I will trust in Your unfailing love"

Inspiration for those songs doesn't come from textbooks, but from living life. I know this well enough. A few years ago, during a season of intense questioning, I wrote a song that went, "More than I feel, more than all the lies whispered in my ear ... only a God of love could reach me" more because I needed a song like that.

I have always admired and respected the Hillsong worship team. I have seen their heart and their passion for worship. My challenge to them, I guess, is that they become dissatisfied with their own "slump" and challenge themselves to write songs that really reflect who we really are: messed up, broken, inconsistent people depending on a Holy God for everything.