Bob's Blog

A few years back, I attended Talbot Seminary in pursuit of a graduate degree. It lasted all of three semesters but it did get me a life time subscription to Biola's magazine. I rarely know anyone the magazine writes about but I do come across an article that grabs my attention, and this past Fall issue was just one of those articles. The lead story covered the topic of modern worship in our churches (Weightier Worship; Fall '10). I think for some Christians the subject of worship can be a divider but as a Boomer generation grows older and music styles between Gen X, Millenials and Boomers merge as one, the worship "wars" have seemed to lessen and the conversations seem to center more on worship itself and not so much on musical styles.

The article was written by Brett McCraken, Biola's managing editor and author of the recent book Hipster Christianity, a book that I recommend for anyone who ministers to university and college students. The article has a distinct regional viewpoint (most of the worship leaders who were interviewed are from the Southern California/Biola area). It still touches the core of what all worship leaders are trying to do and that is to lead fellow believers into a true posture of worship. There are some great extras in the article (online sources) and should stimulate thoughtful conversation on whether Christian worship is "articulating what we believe" or simply programming an attractive music style to draw people into our morning service. If you would like to receive the article you can contact Biola Magazine at www.biola.edu/biolamag.