Why Johnny Can't Sing Hymns

I wish I could buy this book for every pastor in Ashland.  Since I can't, I'll do the next best thing and suggest they all listen to Dr. Gordon's free audio presentation on Why Johnny Can't Sing Hymns.  (see below to play)

You can listen too, of course.  I highly recommend it because he hits so many vital chords (pun intended) when it comes to understanding modern worship practices.

Dr. Gordon, who also wrote Why Johnny Can't Preach: The Media Have Shaped the Messengers, contends that most are illiterate when it comes to good church music.  One reason for this lies in our constant exposure to poor/pop music.  Music, he says, comes from a Greek word having to do with the divine.  Yet hardly would we qualify much of what passes as music today as 'divine,' particularly given the fact that we put it in the background to whatever we do rather than give it our full attenion.

Perhaps the best part of the lecture comes at the end.  While there were many solid points thoughout, the best is his discussion of how form must fit content when it comes to church music.  This is a must listen for all worship leaders (and pastors of course), as few seem to be informed on this subject.