Back in the Spring, we posted on this page a group of 10 Questions … to which we received numerous responses. Sorting out your feelings on the individual questions proved more of a chore than we thought, even though we earlier presented a cross section of the answers received addressing a couple of the questions. Now … we offer the views of three listeners who provided more than Yes or No or two-word replies to several of the questions . . .
Amanda from Georgia writes, stating that she has some “reflections” on some of the ten questions:
Habakkuk 3:17-18 is my favorite verse. It reminds me to always praise God no matter what storm I am in.
“Though the fig tree may not blossom,
Nor fruit be on the vines;
Though the labor of the olive may fail,
And the fields yield no food;
Though the flock may be cut off from the fold,
And there be no herd in the stalls—
Yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in the God of my salvation.”I am a firm believer in the King James Version of the Bible. No other translation will do. I have read scripture from other versions and so many times they do not say the same thing as the KJV. Some of our new translations are even missing verses.
When it comes to music and songs, the most important thing is the message in the song. It does not matter who is singing. What matters is how the Holy Spirit is using that song at that moment to touch your life.
I feel that a lot of our churches have moved away from focusing on what is important. I see a lot of churches who are centers of entertainment and money instead of truly worshipping Christ. It is a shame that so many feel that the Word and the Spirit is not enough to draw those in need to Church.
And, lastly, I want to comment on Question #10. The role of women in today`s church is a very touchy subject for some. However, the Bible is very clear. Women are not to be leaders in the church. The scripture speaks very plainly of pastors, deacons, and elders being men and men only. Women have a role in the Church but that role is not found behind the pulpit or in a position of decision making. More people need to get out their Bibles, open it to Timothy, and read what the Word says.
And these direct responses to individual questions are from Darla from Osawatomie, Kansas:
Question #3: The someone who says enLighten doesn`t play “good stuff,” needs another encounter with Christ. The “good stuff” has spoken to my heart and soul so many times – thank you so much for playing the “good stuff.” That is what`s wrong with the churches today … we need the meat.
Question #4: Yes, the message of the song is the most important … without it, the song does nothing for you. It’s not important who sung by.
Question #6: Yes, I believe prayer is very important and it does change things (God`s power) when I cannot.
Question #8: Yes … our churches have moved away from prayer, worship and acts of charity … churches are now into pleasing the people and not telling them what God`s Word tells us.
Finally, Nelson from California comments on Questions #1 through #3:
The *message* shouldn`t change. The message of Southern Gospel has always been about keeping things Biblical. That shouldn`t change; without it, the power is sapped and won`t come back.
But the *musical style* should be more than willing to incorporate other styles. That doesn`t mean turning it into pop or fusion, per se. But just as, for example, the Gaither Vocal Band has constantly evolved to take in new use of instruments, technology, etc. I think that`s the direction that Southern Gospel can generally go . . .
As part of that, Southern Gospel shouldn`t restrict it to “southern tradition.” For example, it is restriction on creativity that will cause it to die. The South, and America, in general, is a very different place demographically than it was 50 years ago. Without compromising the message, I tend to think more incorporation of some contemporary Christian elements (and I will say, as an aside, that CCM is itself under a threat of not being “contemporary” any more, but stuck in a formula mode as well) and Black gospel (which I think Jason Crabb has done very well despite not being Black), in addition to the incorporation of other cultural elements sparingly — e.g., Latin and Asian instruments and musical styles — can keep the music alive and relevant.
Do you agree with these three listeners or with any one of them? Does your church have an emphasis on prayer? What roles do women play in your church? Re-read the 10 Questions and let us hear from you.
