I'm pushing back against the naysayers. Yes, you heard me. Those that might denigrate
the music I do, Contemporary Praise and Worship. First of all, I have every right and may I say responsibility to be a musical snob, a Bachelors Degree in Music and a Masters Degree in Music Education from The University of Georgia, 30 years experience as a music educator, 5 years experience as a Music rep with a large school music dealer, Performance experiences ranging from Symphony Orchestras to Jazz Bands and everywhere in between, and 35 years in Ministry, from evangelism to Youth Pastor to Choir Director, to Worship Leader.
That being said
The greatest satisfaction I get is from making music with my Healing Flow band, and leading worship at Walk on Water Church. There is more energy, more creativity, more influence in what we do than anything this world has to offer. I'm not saying it's everyone's cup of tea, and if you love your hymn book more than life itself, or insist on legit music at your place of worship, have at it. But don't put down what we do as uber repetitive, lower class, or "devil music".
What is the purpose of Worship, anyway? To point us to Him, right? I know some of the music that Christian bands put out don't always choose the best styles or lyrics, but I do hope they have the best of intentions. But after all, doesn't it beat some of the junk that is out there on secular radio?
I know it seems funny to some that at my age I prefer Jesus Culture to Gaithers but it is because hearing Anointed Contemporary Christian music changed my life back in 1978 and I hope in some way I can help someone else someday.
In the flow,
Jack
