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Christianity Today, July, 2007 Christianity Today, Interviews, music |

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Pioneer Brian Doerksen on what's wrong with worship music.

Andree Farias | posted 7/16/2007 08:49AM

One of the founding fathers of modern worship music, Brian Doerksen has released his fourth solo album, Holy God (Integrity). While he's enthusiastic about his Lord, Doerksen isn't so excited about trends ...

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Ramona

Posted: July 24, 2007 9:01 PM

I have finally put my finger on what has bothered me about modern worship music, and it is this: So many of the lyrics are describing a specific emotion of the author or singer. We sing "Oh, I feel like dancing, it's foolishness I know," or "I could sing of your love forever (and ever and ever)". What happens if there is someone in the congregation that does NOT feel like dancing or singing forever? What if they are grieving deeply? What if they are questioning their faith? What if they are simply exhausted? Do we then require them to blithely sing these words that are, to them, patently false? On the other hand, to sing of God's character, His holiness and His might works, is something that anyone can do in any frame of mind. God never changes, unlike our moods and hearts. We should be singing about God, not ourselves.

t...	Posted: July 20, 2007 11:29 AM


God was obviously kind to Doerksen by giving him an experience of His Holiness. Now Doerksen wants to sell it commercially.

Anonymous

Posted: July 20, 2007 10:35 AM

Too often the musicians up front are keen to be popstars and know little about the deep things of God. Russell is right. But I say even Doerksen wants the limelight rather than bringing us God's own word. He says a lot about how deep his experience of God is but he still wants to be a commercial success. He still wants to be a merchant in the kingdom, selling for cash the things of God. What is going on in the Kingdom? Did the Apostles sell their letters? Did Jesus sell the sermon on the mount? Did the Apostle paul sell his prison story to the newspapers to get publicity and money? Well, here is a message: There will be no merchant in the Kingdom!

Russell

Posted: July 20, 2007 9:14 AM

I agree that the "worship" music of today is so man centered. At my local church our "praise team" doesn't seem to know when enough is enough. It is apparent to me that they are enjoying themselves up there in front of everyone and that they don't want to stop. It doesn't strike me as being particularly worshipful. Frankly I am glad when they finally quit and I feel that the worship service can begin. The great traditional hymns have become a bone thrown to older members. Music isn't a deal breaker for me and it's not the reason I go to worship. Perhaps my irritation is God trying to teach me something. I don't know but it is in my opinion entirely possible for church worship music to become an idol to those who perform it.

clems

Posted: July 18, 2007 9:08 AM

the only and fastest means to touch a soul is gosple music. the heart of man is susceptible to music, true worship song touches the heart that is hardened, the word of God is a double edged sword that cuts deep into the heart. i feel that a true christian music should portray the epitome of christianity which involves, the birth, the death, the crucifiction, the death and ascension of our lord and saviour jesus.and also Gods relationship with man.

Days of Elijah

Posted: July 18, 2007 8:06 AM

Shane is right. And the problems lies with how church services are run in modern churches. The Baptist church I attend has a light party atmosphere with jokes, lighthearted inserts and entertainment and upbeat music. And the main vehicle for bringing people "closer to God" is the music. Too much emphasis is put on the musician rather than systematic and reverential attention to scriptures and sacriments, done honestly without a simplistic focus. The liturgy in churches today is man-made and focussed on letting us be entertained, like the music. We need to re-examine the scriptures and pray for an anointing of prophecy such as that on Ezekiel and Moses so that we receive our services and its structure from God. Too often inexperienced and politically correct elites of the church who have wealth and influence and technical talents lead the services rather than men-of-God who have God's own anointing on them and these people will be known by their not being worldly, not wanting pay.

Dr Robert Elam

Posted: July 17, 2007 11:33 PM


I am a missionary that has spent 35 years teaching other cultures about Christ our Lord. When I return to the US I see churchces all over singings songs with no meaning and with no spirituallity at all. I believe that what Brian has said is completelu and totally on the mark. We need more people who will stand up and say exactly what it is all about.

Neita

Posted: July 17, 2007 11:09 PM

,I recently heard a song leader lead the same song he had led 15 years ago. The first time I thought he was shallow; this time I felt that his heart and soul were in the song and in the object of his worship. I rejoice in his maturity, but am I worshiping God or usurping the seat of judgment? I believe God was glorified through his leading and through the songs selected. I can grow in that atmosphere, but only if my own heart is receptive. If I recognize immaturity in the song, the writer, or the one who chooses the song, should I not pray for, rather than criticize, those responsible? The article and the discussion have been enlightening. Thank you.

Shane

Posted: July 17, 2007 1:19 PM

As a christian songwriter, I would have to agree with concern over "the shallowness, the man-centeredness, the banality" that may characterize some comtemporary worship music. However, I think the bigger "problem", if you will, is that some contemporary christian music is being used out of context. Not all christian music is written to be used in worship and, unfortunately, some of it is. This does nothing to devalue the music itself. The world is hungry for truth and hope and that can effectively be offered through christian music. As we minister to people we have many tools available to us. We have scripture, devotions, personal experiences, and music to name a few. There are times when ministry is done most effectively by laying out the truth (citing scripture) and other times, for example, people need a more comprehendable foothold on the truth. We witness to God's greatness, mercy and love and sometimes that comes in a practical (to the one being ministered to) medium.

Don Horban

Posted: July 17, 2007 10:38 AM

I appreciate Brian Doerksen's encounter with God and the realization that it's all about God and bringing glory and worship to His name. There is a problem of singers focusing on themselves and drawing attention to themselves more than to God like many secular musicians do. Also some of the so-called Christian music is very shallow without a lot of theology. I give this article a four star rating.

Darlene

Posted: July 17, 2007 9:05 AM

Worship....is not just about music...right? However, it is a mighty inviting way into the presence of the Lord! For me...God gives me six days to listen and to sing his praises...not just in a worship service. Sunday worship...worship with the body...is for me ( who has prepared myself for worship... all week long ) to give presedence to those who need the worship according to the direction of our worship leader...who by the way...has sought the Lord in prayer and fasting...NOW...more important... I am there to help the worship leader lead those who have not prepared all week long to enter into the presence of the Lord...SO THAT...I AM BEARING MY NEIGHBOR'S BURDEN/S that he/she may enter into the presence of the Lord...and THE LORD WILL MEET HIM...RIGHT WHERE HE/SHE IS IN THEIR LIFE! God Bless our Worship at ALL TIMES...and may we NOT COMPLAIN (like children of Israel did...it caused them to wander in the desert for 40 YEARS!) Check your own selfish needs..okay? God Bless!

David

Posted: July 17, 2007 7:43 AM

Praise and Worship in the '80-90's helped me through tough personal and spiritual times. A lot of today's praise and worship is very shallow. You don't know if the singer is singing about the Lord, their pet dog, or their human love. I'm now listing to Country and Southern Gospel which seems to mention the Blood of Christ, Salvation, the Cross and more Biblical terms. Even some of the contemporary country music is more meaningful of some praise and worship.

Daniel

Posted: July 17, 2007 7:23 AM

I have always loved Brian's music for precisely the reason stated in this article - the author and the music get lost in the background while God emerges in the foreground. When I have my devotional times I almost always have Brian's music playing softly. Another, similarly focused, worship leader of like qualities is Paul Baloche. His style is different but like Brian the focus is where it ought to be. Keep going Brian. I'm looking forward to the next album.

Reji Jacob

Posted: July 17, 2007 6:33 AM


Music has a very improtanty part in worshipping God. But today's music and the worship style has taken many youths away from God instead of bringing them near.

Joseph McCall

Posted: July 16, 2007 11:19 PM

Doerksen has legitimate concerns. Indeed, our songs of worship should proclaim the nature of our God, but also should lead us towards God. Songs that speak of the nature of God are a true nessesity, since they teach of the being of the God we worship. Part of our faith includes a realinement of the Christian. When lines like "I love you Lord","I will praise You","I confess" or "I believe" are sung (and also spoken!) in the service, this allows for an opportunity for the Christian to proclaim and personalize the faith, and also a chance to teach correct action. Yes, our focus is God, but if we do see our faith as a time of meeting with God, the Christian should have the opportunity to be actively engaging in the service. If we focus merely on the profession of the nature of God, our God COULD become only and object. If we focus on the "we" or "I" too much, then we COULD lose focus on who we are worshiping in the first place- a holy God. Therefore, I see a place for both.

Mark	Posted: July 16, 2007 10:11 PM

I agree that too much of today's "worship" music deals with how I feel, or what I will do for God. Right now my family and I are at a very low point in our lives and I find it hard to concentrate on what I'm going to do for God--rather, I need to remember that I'm nothing without Him and that He is everything. Therefore, when I worship, I want to concentrate on His holiness, His greatness, not me. When I have that settled in my heart, my soul, then I can relax and do what God leads me to do. Worship for all of us should primarily be how great God is!

Kate	Posted: July 16, 2007 9:34 PM


Right on!! When I come to worship with the body, I am eager to praise God, not langish over my humanity.

Barry Fleming (Australia)

Posted: July 16, 2007 9:06 PM

Even though I concur with the article and the comments that follow, we may possibly need to appreciate that "man centred" music is more a symptom than it is a problem. For many who experienced the Charismatic renewal of the sixties through eighties they would have observerd the shift away from an emphasis of words that were directed "to the Lord" - slowly becoming "about the Lord". As with any decline in 'spirituality' our music will reflect our relationship with the Lord. Even some of the mightly classical hymns reflect what may be deemed as merely an awareness of the Lord and not so much expressing a close relationship with Him. I attend a large church and even here our music (worship?) though it is technicaly very good, tends to lack that aspect of close relationship. Contrary to what many may think, changing the presentation, style or tempo of their worship will not spark a spiritual awakening - worship is a reflection of what is already in the heart.

Dale Fincher

Posted: July 16, 2007 7:43 PM

Finally, some refreshing words about modern 'worship' music... Doerksen has modeled humility which is invites us all to join in song. Thank you. On the post above by Wilkens, it is interesting he mentions Redman for illustration as it's Redman's song, "heart of worship" that always seem so self-conscious to me. I can hardly sing it. The words say it's all about God but then the rest of the message is about himself and some sort of musical repentance. How many people have come to worship worship? I'd think mostly who've made a career out of it. Doerksen offers a fresh perspective.

James

Posted: July 16, 2007 2:59 PM

I applaud Mr Doerksen's much needed focus on God's Holiness. If we forget that God is Holy, Christ and the cease to make sense. If God is not Holy, Christ died for nothing -- the cross, the law and God's grace and mercy are all meaningless. God would simply be a more powerful, more intelligent and older being than ourselves. Worse yet, He would not be trustworthy. How could we believe the eternal promises of an unholy god? What if God was all-powerful, but not all good?! That's a terrifying thought. And why would we be condemned by the law He doesn't keep Himself, why would we need to be reconciled to Him through a perfect sacrifice of His Son on a cross, and why would we need His mercy? But God is Holy -- Angles surround His throne and day and night cry "Holy Holy Holy!" and Christ is the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. If we forget that, we loose everything and our faith becomes little more than yet another competing self-improvement program. Thank you, Brian

sb	Posted: July 16, 2007 2:13 PM

I agree with much of Doerksen's critique of the modern me-centered worship service. But he doesn't go far enough. Rom 12:1 says: "Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." (NASB) Note that this definition of a worship service says nothing about singing--me-centered or not. While I think worship can involve song, that's only a very small part of me presenting my body as a living sacrifice. While I often fail at this, I'm closest to God (what most of us want when we worship) when I'm out there in the world where he is, with people who don't even know what the inside of a church looks like, making an attempt to present myself to him. When this happens, worship is great! On the other hand, if I spend most of my time in disengaged complacency, is it any wonder that a couple songs on Sunday are less than terrifically satisfying?

Anonymous

Posted: July 16, 2007 1:11 PM

I have a song. A modern Christian song and goes like this: I am salesman selling my song. I am merchant in the kingdom selling my song. Contraband, contraband I take the kingdom's riches and sell it on the streets. Then in the interviews I tell about deep I am and how good I am and how God has blessed me and then I sell you my song! For money I sell you my contraband. I have entered heaven and plundered it so that I can bring back merchandise to sell. Sell, sell, sell!

Suheil

Posted: July 16, 2007 12:45 PM


I quite agree with Brian Doerksen, and wish his critical view on modern trends goes on a "high-profile tour". Such voices should go out loud and clear as otherwise the trend characterized by shallowness, man-centeredness, the banality will continue to prevail and go to farther extremes.

Peter B

Posted: July 16, 2007 12:39 PM

I applaud Mr. Doerksen for his contribution to modern worship, and for exhorting a focus on God's attributes rather than the worshiper's. In my opinion, the adolescent angst and over-autobiographical nature of much worship often achieves the opposite of its admirable goal, namely, deeper intimacy. Contrast this to the fathoms deep "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." However, while I might agree with his observations of the banality, shallowness and man-centredness of much of 'modern' worship music, I'm a bit uneasy that he doesn't acknowledge what I believe to be his own not-so-insignificant - albeit unwitting - contribution to the phenomenon. I and many others have wrestled with his oeuvre over preponderant man-centredness, though not the shallowness or banality, that he readily implies of others. But that's no note to end on. Mr. Doerksen, your passion and accomplishments deserve support and respect. God bless you and your ministry.

Catricia

Posted: July 16, 2007 12:25 PM

I love my Lord. I want to worship Him. I want to hear Him speak to me when I worship. I really do try to make worship about Him, and "be in the right place" so to speak. I also realiize worship and music are languages. I am sad to say today's worship language is a foreign language to me, one that I don't speak and I don't understand. At the same time I know it speaks to some people. Sometimes I observe other worshipers in the congregation. I wish worship leaders would pay attention to them. I am not alone in not speaking this "new language" though I want to, very much, and sincerely try. For one thing, the trend to words only leaves many of us out in the cold. When we are already missing out on the language, we are further "disenfranchised" by having only words to read and follow. Without notes, we cannot tell if the next music note is going to go up - or down. If the music is to be held for a long time - or a short time. I no longer sense God in worship. I simply struggle.

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