Photos 4:  Portable Keyboards/Hymn Singing

WE GIVE THANKS FOR ORGAN MUSIC

MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH YOU,

THE ORGANIST

Those who peruse this website after a while may say to themselves that the generous space they find devoted to explaining and understanding what it means to follow God in this life, to rightly divide His Word, to be saved by grace through faith in Christ and His cross, and to offer Him praise and thanks for what He's done for us ... that all of this detours organists away from the subject at hand, that it's none of their affair, and it really does not much concern organ playing.

Oh. yes. it. does.

IT'S THE ORGANIST'S JOB

TO TELL IT IN MUSIC

My organist and musician friends, listen to me:  until you've been given a trustworthy glimpse of what's been placed and awaits us in the realm above the clouds, until you've played it, and until you've actually experienced for yourself its unimaginable workings, power, and glory, it's not possible to even begin to fathom the critical role its sound plays in the halls of heaven and how truly blessed we are to have been given the gift of interest in organ playing on this earth, in the here and now.  Once we've waded into this entire ocean of learning it's inevitable that, at some point, we find ourselves beginning to sense this communion between theology and performing, that it all fits together, and to do more than simply admire the craftsmanship and workings of our chosen instrument, how it's built, how it works, and the beauty and majesty of the music written for it, but also crediting it for reflecting the Light of an Eternal Mind.

We find ourselves standing in awe of it ... as

THE God Instrument.  

Once any of us have sung in a choir, played in a band or orchestra, played the piano or in any instrumental ensemble, or felt what it was like to sit at a large pipe organ, draw its stops, and play spread chords with double pedal to experience THAT amount of power, we're never the same again.  Our ears, our eyes, our hearts, ALL are opened up in ways not possible by any other means.  Being involved in the production of music feeds us, nourishes us, and brings us great joy.  Being able to connect with audiences in this way is always a plus.  At some churches however the situation is not a simple one for the organist/choir director:

THESE ARE FACTS OF THE MATTER:  The major denominational churches today may, in rare situations, still have organs in working condition, but most do not have an organist.  More often than not, they rely upon a pianist.  As for the listeners, a fair number of them really do not prefer the "pop concert" swing-and-sway atmosphere which now pervades the church music scene.  High-tech assisted worship, for them, is unnecessarily complicated.  They want it simple, not so communication glutted, easy to figure out, and easy to follow, something that doesn't get them lost.  We're talking about a simple hymn book with music lines, a single song-leader, and a plain [organ or keyboard] accompaniment as opposed to the advanced sights and sounds of this modern age of instant communication.  To hear THEM talk, the well-meaning rock band performing all kinds of special "music" of their own during worship is, frankly, wasted on them.  They agree that there is room for technical invention joined with excellence and talent in accompaniment, but they also admit that it shouldn't be in competition with the congregation.  They want to hear ALL of God's people united in praise, including harmony, not observing  some individuals on the fringes being forced to either stumble through or silently listen to unfamiliar music and words they have trouble following while gazing at unknown, foreign lines flashing across a Jumbotron screen.  They want to KNOW the music so they can sing from their hearts.  Even those who don't care to share their opinions and never open their mouths at all, not even to join in saying "Amen," see it this way.

This is a modern trend that has pushed many an organist, whether deliberately or not, out of the picture right along with the traditional hymn book.  The current so-called "shortage of organists" has been coming on for some time and can likely be attributed in large part to this "concert atmosphere" that's developed and the fact that, for a number of reasons all explainable, church offerings have been dwindling.  Consequently fewer young people are undertaking the study of an instrument which consumes a great deal of their time and energy to develop and maintain the several skill sets involved but doesn't provide commensurate financial return on their investment.  There are some organists out there, of course, who make a full-time living from their music with a pay scale which provides for all of their needs, health coverage, and other considerations, but it's reasonable to venture that they would not be in the majority.  The best case scenario for the majority seems to be relying on doing something else for their primary income which will allow them to pursue their music ministry with a mind free of undue concern.  It is perhaps more accurate to say that there is an acute shortage of churches willing and able to pay their organists as trained and qualified tradespeople and which haven't abandoned their organs to fall into disrepair and disuse.  In those churches which have decided that organ music was discouraging people from attending because it was too "old-fashioned," the need for the traditional organist at those locations has been eliminated altogether.  More recently the churches seem to be discovering that the reasons why congregants haven't been filling the pews lately include such things as debilitating personal health and safety issues, being too worn out from working, family responsibilities, perhaps some negative past experience or another, and less than vibrant unity and inclusivity within the congregation, among other things.  The very misguided disuse of the hymnal and organ in worship has been far more of a hindrance than a help in this respect.  There are probably many among these same people who don't really care whether they're singing with an organ, but it's as if hymnals and organs have become the scapegoats for the decline in attendance.  The resulting fallout in education has involved young people interested in a serious study of the organ -- these would-be students are struggling more and more to find the right kind of teacher [this website has been created as a tool to help fill part of this instructional need for what must be studied away from the instrument] AND, in the event they have no practice instrument at home, somewhere where they can practice.  Among denominations where organ music and accompaniments ARE embraced we find that there are fewer local churches open than ever before, fewer ministers, fewer congregants, smaller choirs (where there is a choir), greater costs for upkeep of the building and the functioning of worship, and more legislation on security, youth, insurance, etc.  Judging by their increased publicity for scholarships which have increased significantly in recent years, school faculties also seem to be more challenged than ever before to recruit organ students.  BOTTOM LINE:  While the mindset of ministers and worship teams as well as a fair number of church-goers is no longer what it was half a century ago, the "rock and rap" style of worship will not bring anyone closer to the God of the Bible than traditional congregational singing out of the hymn book. 

It would therefore serve local churches well, wherever their hymnals are sitting in boxes or stacked in hallways, to consider the relevance and important place singing the so-called "old-fashioned hymns" occupies in worship, especially when supported by live organ accompaniment [See Blog/Archive, Hymns, Parts I-XII].

Hymns are theological statements set to music.

• Hymns serve as a means to teach and reinforce the foundational beliefs of the Christian faith.  Many contemporary songs simply lack the depth and theological richness that hymns provide.  Hymns can help educate and spiritually nourish congregations of all sizes.
• Hymns have connected generations of believers throughout history.  The singing of just one hymn at an appropriate moment, something approved of and encouraged by Jesus Himself (Matt. 26:30, Mark 14:26), can serve as a bridge between the church's past and its present, reminding all participants they are part of a much larger, timeless group which shares unity and continuity in worshiping God.
• Hymns are easy to remember.  Their melodies and lyrics stay with people for a lifetime.  Congregants can carry the messages and lessons contained in hymns throughout their lives, reinforcing their faith.
• Hymns can be a unifying force among a diverse congregation.  They transcend cultural and language barriers and provide an opportunity for people of different backgrounds to worship together.  They are a beautiful expression of unity in Christ among various sundry peoples that gives them a real sense of identity and belonging.
• Hymns can offer a broader musical palette and a sense of balance in worship.  They are flexible, arrangeable, and can accomodate a wide multiplicity of musical tastes and preferences.
• Hymns often carry deep emotional resonance.  Their melodies and lyrics can evoke strong feelings of reverence, joy, comfort, and pleasant memories of departed loved-ones.  They reach deeply into the soul, beckon the unsaved, and provide a safe space for people to express their emotions, a place where they can find solace and healing.
• Hymns can be powerful teaching tools.  They can be and are very often used to instruct and encourage, especially in conjunction with the preaching of sermons.  Many hymns are directly tied to biblical passages and stories, making them valuable teaching aids.
• Hymns preserve a sacred legacy for future generations.  These timeless songs of the church are a way that children and grandchildren have the opportunity to experience the same spiritual heritage that has been passed down to the present generation.    

   While it would be narrow-minded to think that hymn singing out of the hymnal is incapable of joining in praise with other kinds of worship music when congregations gather to offer praise to God, it does provide a great deal of spiritual depth, theological richness, timeless connection, memorability, inclusivity, variety and balance, and emotional resonance while serving as a powerful teaching tool with a living legacy.

There's something else to consider:  just holding a hymnal during worship is important.  Practically speaking, hymn books cannot break down in the middle of a liturgy like technology can.  Musically, they teach -- looking at notes on a page as opposed to just lyrics helps people learn the basics of melodic direction and rhythmic value, giving them the first steps in learning to read music.  Theologically, congregants don't just see what the worship leader has selected but are instead exposed to the full repertoire.  They can turn the page and encounter hymns in other languages, reminding them of the church's diversity.  Seeing old hymns next to newer ones unites them with all believers throughout history.  Hymnals are also symbols of consistency.  Unlike a screen that fades or a paper bulletin which is discarded, they demonstrate that what is being sung is worth keeping around as well as reminding everyone that prayer is continuous and can't be turned off or discarded.  Hymnals are something that can and should be held proudly in the hands.

The fact that congregants have a voice and the organist has an organ which can lead them remains a very dynamic way to enrich the spiritual lives of congregations by maintaining connection with the church's roots, providing a robust theological foundation, reminding people of God's love and grace, and fostering unity and inclusivity while helping to stir souls and draw them closer to God.

NOTE:  By the same token it's also important to admit to the truth that in a faith service where praise songs, hymns, anthems, unaccompanied choir music, or vocal solos are performed in any combination, the Holy Spirit is still present, so, in that sense, under these circumstances, it isn't for man to judge which species of music is "better" than another.  There is value in having a variety of reverent and venerating music available for worship, God is still anointing composers and song writers, and we know that all of our time-honored hymns found in our hymnals were at one time new songs.

That being said, it can be surprising if not alarming to learn of the behind-the-back if not open griping that can sometimes emerge from some of the older members of a congregation against the newer praise music, folks who are claiming in so many words that it is "not liturgical or honorable enough" for "church."

This makes it all the more important for organists/choir directors, worship leaders, and music directors to keep in mind the following:

a) Worship is not a concert but a corporate expression of one's love for the Lord.

b) God loves wondrous variety, He's been inspiring great worship music literally for centuries, and that by confining the music to one style we may be excluding from active participation certain people who are being drawn by the Holy Spirit to be there.

c) New songs and hymns, like all change, are best introduced gradually and carefully, such as by doing one new one a month, then maybe revisiting it every 3-4 months for a year.

d) The text of each song, new or old, always should be examined for biblical and theological truth, not merely emotional impact.

e) Worship doesn't take place just in the church building.

Emails might be sent every week with YouTube videos attached of the songs to be used at the next upcoming gathering of the faithful to those who have access to a computer along with the invitation to use them to prepare for that time together as well as for private and family worship.  Sending it out in advance to the congregation for study, inspiration, and reflection is likely to help produce the kind of results that keeps everyone happy.

As for an instrument, contemplating a serious run at playing for worship services where no working organ may be available will do well to look into obtaining a well built, sophisticated, versatile, portable, and relatively new digital electronic keyboard with authentic organ voices on board ... not a loaner mini-board but something substantial upon which to practice at home, transport when needed to lead congregational singing, accompany a small choir or solo vocalist, set the proper mood, and lift the spirits of listeners [See blog, The Fraternal Organist, Parts I-XIV].