2 ) We are going to need to expand what we ’ re willing to recognize as prophetic .
As we saw in the first two parts of this series , “ prophecy ” is not just Christian fortune-telling . We can be more like Jesus , and embrace the truth where we find it rather than needing it to fit in our boxes first . Listen to some classic Bob Dylan from the 60 ’ s . Some Stevie Wonder from the 70 ’ s . Some U2 from the 80 ’ s . Some Radiohead from the 90 ’ s and 00 ’ s . God ’ s Spirit is being poured out on all flesh , and there are many such examples which make that evident . It ’ s happening everywhere , and God is singing through artists all over creation , whether our churches want to be a part of it or not .
3 ) We are going to need more evocative meditation in our sacred spaces , and more challenging poetry .
The images and word pictures we use could be more colorful , more dense , and less safe . We could move away from such a strong reliance on simile , and lean towards the bolder use of metaphor , including newer metaphors from our own time . We could aim for lyrics that need to be chewed on , and don ’ t simply satisfy a quota of interchangeable Christian phrases .
4 ) We are going to need a more creative use of scripture .
That means a growing grasp of context — both that of scripture , and that of our own . Examining how what we have to say relates to the new covenant , and not simply if we ’ re able to find it in scripture itself . We cannot miss the overall forest for the trees . There ’ s a greater dialog and scope of conversation than many recognize in scripture , and it ’ s easy to lose sight of it when
we treat The Bible as a flat and static thing , instead of the dynamic , layered and nuanced volume of books that it represents .
5 ) We are going to need to spend more time with the prophets , and more time with Jesus .
This is such a simple suggestion that it ’ s easy to overlook . A lot of worship music borrows from biblical stories , the Psalms , or didactic passages like the Epistles . We need to make sure we ’ re also drawing from what we see in the prophets , and in the gospels especially . Not just referencing stories , but mining the scandal of them . The resistance the prophets expressed and defined . The revolution Jesus presented to his context with his every word and action . We need to pursue better theology — a more comprehensive grasp of the world which provided a soil from which the Bible grew . The things we write are every bit as influential as the things a pastor preaches . People will remember songs years after a sermon fades . We have to take that seriously .
6 ) We are going to need to value repentance as something we do collectively , and not merely as individuals .
When you read a biblical passage that speaks to a “ you ,” that “ you ” is plural the vast majority of the time . Whether in Hebrew , Aramaic or Greek , it ’ s better understood to be “ all of you ” ( or even “ y ’ all ”) in English . Due to our hyperindividualistic culture , most of these biblical challenges are wielded in church as though they were made to individuals , but the Bible itself is typically speaking to groups . To the collective community . Not to you or me , but to us . We need to shoulder these prophetic exhortations together , and recognize our shared story . We
can have our perspective radically changed together ( that ’ s what repentance is ), break together , heal together , and do better together . And our lyrics can reflect that too .
Which brings me to the simplest prescription of all : We need more songs from “ we ” and “ us ,” because the majority of what we see out there is written from “ I ” and “ me .”
These things are just part of the overflow we will need to see . I have a feeling there is much more to add to this list . And I ’ m sure we ’ ll be returning to these ideas from time to time in the future as well . In the meantime , I ’ ve provided some links to challenge and inspire below . Much of the work of John Mark McMillan and Derek Webb has been important to me in this regard . I highly recommend exploring those catalogs for powerful thematic and lyrical gems .
As you consider the things we ’ ve discussed in this series , I hope they challenge , stimulate and galvanize a new move within you . As a person and as a songwriter . May the resulting overflow be something special . And in this Christmas season , there is plenty of scandal to be found in that story which so defines us . Perhaps start there . Start by looking at Christmas from the perspective of the commentary it provides from God — a commentary on what was expected , and how God defied those expectations . What it had to say to people 2,000 years ago , and what it has to say to us now .
Merry Christmas to all .
Kevin MacDougall Worship leader , published and recorded songwriter , musician and podcast producer . macdougall . k @ gmail . com
“ Instead of a Show ” by Jon Foreman “ This Too Shall Be Made Right ” by Derek Webb “ Borderland ” by John Mark McMillan