This post recently appeared on a church discussion board. It compares the 5th stanza of the classic hymn “Crown Him with Many Crowns” to the chorus of “Gardens to Graves” by Brandon Lake and Hillsong. And the discussion that followed was full of judgment and division.

First, this post is from the Babylon Bee, a Christian satire site. And it clearly accomplished its mission to stir up controversy.

The post isn’t even a good comparision. The 5th stanza? The one most likely to be cut from congregational singing and one that’s not even printed in some hymnals. The chorus only? This song tells the powerful story of resurrection and restoration, both in scripture and the worshipper’s life.

To prove my point, here’s a post going the “other way” with a simple hymn refrain and theologically deep worship verse.

It’s a comparison of the “How Great Thou Art” refrain, that you would sing 8 times if you sang all the verses in my hymnal and one of the verses of “Gardens to Graves.” Both posts are equally ridiculous!

As I mentioned, the original post accomplished its mission of string up conflict and getting people to take sides in favor of “classic hymns” over “modern worship.” This post and the comments that followed grieve my heart as a Christian, a musician, a pastor!

I would lovingly challenge anyone who gets caught up in the judgment, division, and conflict to consider the following:

Why would anyone want to limit God and how He moves? We see a variety of worship styles in scripture. We know that throughout history Christian communities have worshipped in different ways. We know that one day every tribe and every nation will be gathered around the throne, singing an unending praise chorus. God can use “classic hymns” and “modern worship” to transform hearts, just as He did the Psalms and chants and Handel’s Messiah. And how He does with Blue Grass and Cowboy Church and global worship styles.

Can we all admit that though some criticism is valid, there is value in a variety of worship music? Critics of “classic hymns” say they melodically repetitive, sometimes difficult to sing due to the range, and have lots of ‘churchy’ words. Some hymns even use the same tune. And fewer people read music these days. BUT – the “classic hymns” are ones that many church goers grew up with. There is a level of comfort and nostalgia there. Many hymns are rich in theology telling the whole story from sin to heaven. Critics of “modern worship” say they are repetitive, loud, and theologically shallow (as the original post insinuated by only showing a portion of a very powerful song.) BUT – “modern worship” is expressive with wider instrumentation and musicality that appeals to those who didn’t grow up with hymns. The sometimes intentional focus on a single point of theology allows worshippers to dwell on that specific truth, really allowing the lyrics to transform their perspective and heart.

Are you willing to exclude people from your fellowship because they experience God through different music? There is a lost and broken world that needs the love of God, the redemption of Jesus Christ, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The kind of music that speaks to them should not determine whether or not you would welcome them in fellowship. Everybody needs Jesus. He’s in all kinds of music!

Are you going to church to worship your preferences or God? Worship isn’t about us. It’s about giving glory to God and inviting Him to work our lives. That can be accomplished in so many different ways. As I plan worship, it’s not the style of music that I consider, but the truth I have been convicted to share. When preaching on prayer, God will lay “Sweet Hour of Prayer,” “Be Thou My Vision,” Jaci Valasquez’s “On My Knees,” and Phil Wickham’s “Battle Belongs” on my heart. Each one can inspire people to a deeper prayer life!

As a Christian, a musician, and a pastor, I’m grateful that we can worship God in a variety of ways. I love that “modern worship” leaves room for the Spirit to speak to me in the midst of the song. I love that “classic hymns” walk me through the Wesleyan way to salvation. I love the meditative songs that allow the peace of God to restore me. I love that upbeat rhythms fill me with the joy of the Lord.

Let us praise God together!