At this time of year it seems particularly appropriate to recall the impact of worship on the Newfrontiers family as we prepare to celebrate Christmas! But since I have been focussing on the 80s so far in this series, I will recall the worship only at the Downs Bible Week.
Black and white to colour
When I was baptised in the Spirit in 1972 worship took on a new meaning; it was like going from black and white to colour! I came to understand that the whole of life should be worship to Jesus. But I also recognised that worship through music and singing had a particularly special place, both individually and corporately.
Golden oldies
Through the 70s many new hymns and songs were being written, many being scripture set to modern music. We were privileged to have writers such as David Fellingham and Phil Rogers in our midst at that time. As I have been looking back over the songs we were singing at Downs I was reminded of some classic ‘golden oldies’, such as:-
‘O Lamb of God’
‘We are your People’
‘Terrible as an Army with Banners’
Orchestra
Downs Bible Week pre-dated the widespread use of electronic instruments, synthesisers etc and we rejoiced in having a multi-piece orchestra, as maybe seen here. With Phil Rogers on the grand piano and Dave Fellingham on the platform, sometimes with trumpet, they were able to lead us into places of worship that were special. This may have been partly due to the newness, and as a result rarity, of such worship, but for me the ‘natural’ sound of stringed, brass and wind instruments accompanied by percussion (who could forget Pam Haworth on cymbals?!) provided the vehicle for encounters with God that were very special.
Why is worship so important?
In an interview at the Bible Week Dave Fellingham was asked this question. View his answer here.
Performance or participation?
Without wishing to be nostalgic, worship in the Downs era was substantially through songs with good theological content – the song-writers studied theology seriously for this purpose. The melodies were very memorable. As a result, these songs not only focussed our attention on God but also deepened our theological understanding. Sadly, something seems to have changed. Many songs nowadays are very ‘me’ centred and have unmemorable melodies. Often, they focus on performance rather than participation. Let’s not lose the awe, wonder and privilege of entering into the presence of God!
So, enjoy worshipping God this Christmas. There is much to worship him for and it will do your soul good to be lifted out of the mire of covid.
Happy Christmas. See you next year!