For The Institute of Contemporary and Emerging Worship Studies, St. Stephen’s University, Essentials Blue Online Worship Theology Course with Dan Wilt.
One of the images N. T. Wright uses to describe the church is “the single great river formed from tens of thousands of scattered tributaries.” [1] As I read this, I thought of the gifts of worship I have received through some of these “scattered tributaries” I’ve had the privilege of experiencing.
I grew up with a worship style that would be challenging for many in the Vineyard movement of which I am now a part: that is, a cappella or non-instrumental worship. While I am thankful for the opportunity to use my musicianship and lead worship from my guitar, I am also exceedingly grateful for the gift of growing up with a cappella worship.
Worshiping with voices as the only instruments has provided me with some practical and spiritual understanding that I’m not sure I would otherwise have.
One benefit of a cappella worship was the ear for tune I developed from an early age. As a result, I can easily find harmonies and love blending my voice with others. Singing together in different harmonies and registers, with different parts and timbres is incredibly unifying. The human voice is the only instrument that is unique to each of us, and I have learned to celebrate the beauty of joining these myriad instruments together in song.
Because of my upbringing in non-instrumental worship, I can also confidently worship anywhere, with or without a guitar or a piano. I have fond memories of being at camp, walking arm in arm with my friends and just singing to the Lord. We were free to lift up the song in our hearts, and we were not dependent on a band to set the key or timing. One of us could start any song of praise, and the rest of us could freely and easily join together in spontaneous worship.
I do believe instruments are important add another layer to worship, and I know that instrumental worship is accessible in our culture. I also know that having a guitar or piano allows many voices to sing with strength and confidence.
As far as my personal preference goes, I cannot say at this point that I prefer one of these worship styles over the other. I think both are valid, and I see unique strengths in each. I would love to incorporate more a cappella worship into my present tradition, especially for the spontaneity it affords. I miss the freedom of being able to begin a song at the Spirit’s leading in a situation where a guitar might not be available (in a prayer meeting, for example). I do hope I can bring some of my foundation into my current community—gifts from “scattered tributary” to another.
1. N.T. Wright, “Simply Christian” (New York: HarperCollins, 2006), p. 201.
I am incredibly blessed by your depth of faith and the insights you share. I am thankful that you have embraced the blessings of the many tributaries that flow to create the river that is the community of faith.