Embracing Change: Moving Forward from the Nostalgia of Church Choirs
Now that I am a teacher, I’ve realized that not many people are as keen on hearing my thoughts about church music, especially regarding church choirs. Nevertheless, as I browse through my social media feeds, I can’t help but notice a recurring theme: fond memories and longing for the days when church choirs were the cornerstone of congregational worship. Don’t get me wrong — I cherish many of those memories, too, and some of my most significant experiences are tied to the harmonious melodies of church choirs. However, amidst this nostalgia, I can’t help but wonder why so many Christians seem fixated on the past, yearning for days gone by instead of embracing the present and looking ahead to the future. As a father of three, this question weighs heavily on my heart. As faithful individuals, shouldn’t we focus on moving forward with hope and anticipation rather than dwelling in the shadows of yesteryears? After all, if God intended for us to fixate on what’s behind us, wouldn’t He have placed our heads in the opposite direction?
While I do not believe the Bible explicitly mentions “choirs” in the modern sense, it does talk about groups of singers and musicians coming together to worship and praise God. Although I know people coming together and singing happens weekly in our places of worship. Undoubtedly, something changed within our congregations, prompting shifts in the dynamics of worship, including the role of church choirs.
So, why would a church decide to do away with its choir? This question has a complex answer, as it involves many factors unique to each congregation. However, based on my observations, I’ve noticed a common thread: the survival and relevance of choirs hinge on their ability to adapt and evolve, and churches that continue to cherish and uphold the tradition of choral music in their worship services while embracing change and innovation tend to thrive. If your choir struggles, it’s time to incorporate something — new.
The traditional image of choirs hidden behind a closed curtain, clad in matching robes or colors, perched in lofty lofts, belting out anthems sung by the same voices for decades is fading. Today, there’s a growing desire for authenticity and substance in worship. Many believers, myself included, have grown weary of theatrical performances and crave a more genuine expression of faith. Less lights, less fog, less (you fill in the blank.) More Jesus. This sentiment extends not only to choirs but also to contemporary Christian music (CCM). As congregations strive for more profound spiritual connections, choirs should be open to abandoning excessive spectacle and embracing a more modern (or simplified) approach. Not every church choir song requires twelve fundamental alterations from the version heard on the radio, complete with obligatory soprano obligato. (FYI — I am not suggesting that choirs inherently lack authenticity. Authenticity in worship entails the choir’s capacity to involve the congregation rather than distancing them with unfamiliar rhythms, inflexible melodies, or adjustments to familiar tunes.)
I understand you’re eagerly awaiting the perfect solution, but consider this: what thrives in my small Anglican congregation might not suit your expansive Baptist community. Instead, I propose embracing more enjoyment, genuine sincerity, fewer clichés, and enhanced relatability. Cultivate an atmosphere of inventiveness and forward-thinking within your congregation. Revitalize worship practices that speak to modern perspectives while honoring your religious heritage. View the choir as a resource rather than a routine obligation. Engage with them transparently and instill optimism, guiding them to welcome change as an avenue for progress and rejuvenation.
Lastly, be diligent in teaching your people to lead inclusive, vibrant worship filled with the spirit of God. Our faith is not rooted in what once was but the promise of what is yet to be.
