5/15/2023 0 Comments Undistracted praise lyrics![]() This emphasis was largely due to the influence of John Wimber and the Vineyard movement of the late 1970’s and 1980’s. First, a premium was placed on intimacy with Jesus in congregational singing. Several important aspects of this theology of congregational song are worth highlighting. God was uniquely encountered, by the Spirit, in congregational singing. Specifically, the singing of praise and worship songs was understood sacramentally. This connection forged a musical style that was rooted in a particular understanding of the Spirit in worship. Many forget (or don’t know) that “contemporary” worship was inextricably linked to the Charismatic Movement of the 1960’s and 70’s. The ease with which these students seemed to turn “on” and “off” their engagement did get me thinking about another change in contemporary worship. And it’s not that I expect the people near me to act like no one is around them during worship. For certain, nearly every congregation struggles with full participation in the service at times. Then the music starts up again, they end their conversation, close their eyes, and throw their hands up in the air again. In front of me two of the girls who had their hands raised a few seconds earlier are having a conversation about their afternoon plans. The students drop their hands open their eyes. It’s a powerful moment in the worship service. The lights are dim, candles are lit, the music swells as the lead vocalist goes up an octave for the climactic end of the song, and throughout the room dozens of college students raise their hands as they sing with abandon. Watch a video and download the group discussion guide on the history of contemporary worship music.
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