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Many of us were raised in smaller churches with no air conditioning. Because of this, our windows were wide open and the singing would go through the neighborhood. The neighbors, though most were unbelievers, would always sit on their front porches in awe of the singing. Most of it was from the old red backed hymnal and no one had formal musical training, but all we heard was that there was something special about the music.I remember the sadness and even anger from neighbors when the church put in air conditioning and the windows were finally closed.Here is the question.Would people be as touched by our music today if the AC went out and we again sang with the windows open? I look at church today and I see people who are highly trained and talented leading music in many churches and meetings, but I see very few people in the congregation singing as churches used to.So if your church opened the windows and sang again, would the people be as moved as they used to be

but what matters is, IS HIS PRESENCE HERE?I wrote this some time back as a part of a vision for worship. It is what I try to practice as a pastor and inculcate to my Worship Pastor, Worship Team and congregation.Everything we do then when we meet together is or should be an act of worship. Whether praying, singing, giving our tithes & offerings (free-will), the preaching of the Word, singing solos or special songs. We need to judge everything as to whether it is worship and how does it usher us into His presence. Is God pleased by this worship? If not, then get rid of it. Styles are personal matters. Country Gospel, fast up-tempo contemporary, praise choruses, hymns, camp meeting numbers, slow worship, cantatas, on & on. The music team members and worship leaders are not entertainers, if they are they have no place ministering at the altar of the Lord (for He resists the proud). The worship team should usher us into His presence not hinder His presence, not over shadow it either. The Pastor needs to be led by the Spirit sensitive to the voice of the Spirit who says this is the way, turn this way, and yield to my prompting. The congregation must be sensitive to the prompting of the Spirit as well. Not resisting but all flowing in one accord, to reach one place, the very throne room of Grace, the Holy of Holies! The prevailing thought must be one of: “Is this bringing the Presence of God into our midst?” Is it bringing the church into an attitude of communion & fellowship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit? Is it being directed by the Holy Spirit or by man? These are matters we need to address. The problem is, what brings you into the presence of God may not affect others in the same way. Therefore, a variety of styles can be utilized to accomplish the same goals and tolerance of others appreciated styles is a hallmark of the mature Christian. This doesn’t mean you never get to hear your personal favorites. However our main concern should be whether or not God is blessing and His presence is allowed to rest and are we entering into His Glory. Is the Lord pleased? He is pleased with a broken contrite spirit. He is pleased when we offer ourselves as living sacrifices. Then the fire can come down and consume us so that what remains is only ashes of the flesh.

You said a lot off good things, but you didn't answer the questions that I posed.Has our singing lost something?If your church windows were opened wide, would people be as moved as they once were by the singing of God's people

no matter WHAT you're singing, as my points above mentioned, IF the Presence of God is in your house, people who hear it will be moved. I think some of the new stuff is just noise but some of it is awesome. I listened last night to the Acts 6:4

A lot of today's singing has something that the old time singing didn't have. Its called repetitious hype and showmanship.

Re: Has our singing "lost something?"

No, they wouldn't. They would probably go in the house and suffer the heat to keep from listening to it.

It's a poor excuse in my opinion. It's too loud and most of it makes no sense. It's entertainment for the young people.[/quote]You are 100 % right. Music is catered to the young people. The older saints are the faithful ones and will endure the loud music and entertainment as it is their church. The music directors are in such competition to the larger churches. LOUDNESS never means more anointing - it is usually just distraction. Their attire and gymnastics are distracting as well.

I don't see the young people singing any more than the old people.Now, more young people may stand with their hands raised - but not a lot of singing on most songs...except an Anthem like We Believe where most people DO sing.My take:1) Find more songs that people will sing - anthem type songs that state a truism folks want to say to God directly.2) Turn the speakers/music down or off(the opposite of what is done). If folks feel the sound is loud enough - their voice is not needed - and won't join in and sing. I watch this every week. Stop all the music and let it just be voices - and most folks WILL sing

The big difference that I see is that the music of this era can foster a 'stand and watch mentality' vs a 'participate' mentality within a congregation.We stand and watch singers sing. That's ok, it has it's place.Yet a lot of us did exist in an era where singing was a 'group' participation exercise in worship. Our singing sort of connected us together.You sing this line, I'll sing that line; I'll echo what you sing, you echo what I sing;I'll harmonize with you which in some odd way brings my attitude in harmony with you as we do this together.Many of us do know what it is like to gather around a family piano and harmonize, to sing along in the car, etc.The one thing I will say is this style brought people together and I fear wehave moved toward individual stars in our musical trends.I really enjoy this style, as long as it doesn't become a 'cheesy' performance. I know that at times and in segments of the culture it has.I also enjoy today's style. I love balance.