Posts tagged ‘language’
Worship Leaders Jay and Joy Kim
© 2011, Peter Park. All rights reserved.
God’s too big…
Sarah LightSovereignty
God’s too big to be worshiped through one language.
© 2011, Peter Park. All rights reserved.
Why are we singing in the Shona language?
Recently, one of my worship team members asked me why we were singing songs in the Shona language, which is from Zimbabwe. I thought it was a good question because we don’t have anyone in the congregation who is a native speaker. And, as far as we know, there’s isn’t a neighborhood connection.
So, why are we singing in the Shona language?
I’ll tell you my reasons…
1. The lyrics resonate with me. I’m always on the lookout for accessible cultural songs that the congregation can sing. For me, that means looking for simple lyrics. This will also make it easier when we sing it another language. I want to be able to stretch the congregation, but not so much so that they disengage.
2. Everyone’s learning. When we don’t have a song style or language that is represented in the congregation, then everyone’s learning together. There’s something about being on the same page like that, which can be comforting to a degree.
3. Global church. This is probably the most important reason for me. Singing the songs that we have in the Shona language reminds me of our brothers and sisters in Zimbabwe. Just because we may not have a direct connection with a person or organization it doesn’t mean we cannot honor them.
We are still part of the Body of Christ with them and we should be reminded to pray for them as well.
4. Reflecting the gospel message. I believe a big part of the gospel message is reconciliation. That reconciliation is between us and God, but also with one another. The worship/music ministry can play a part in reflecting that message. This is the foundation of our faith and our beliefs…we cannot neglect it.
Questions to think about
1. Do you sing in a language that’s not represented in your Church or neighborhood?
2. What are your reasons for doing this?
3. Any Scriptures that are personally convicting for you in this matter?
Check out this blog post
Why sing in a different language?
Blog post by Peter Kihyun Park
© 2011, Peter Park. All rights reserved.