Personally, I don’t think it’s wrong at all to be drawn to the more artistic, heartfelt songs. The song I worship most to is U2′s ‘The First Time’, and I can’t stand ‘Everlasting God.’ But ‘The First Time’ comes from a very specific time in the artist’s life, that is difficult for the general church demographic to relate on a whole…so without the benefit of the artist’s context and within the context of church, the theology is confusing. The theology of ‘Everlasting God’ is not confusing in a congregational context. Therefore, even though I can worship more personally to the former, the overall ability of the congregation to worship will be increased with the latter. And as that is my goal, I’ll choose Everlasting God the vast majority of the time.

I think what it comes down to is, are we up on stage to be artists, or to be servants? I don’t think either one is better or worse, or even mutually exclusive. But I know for me personally, I feel that I am there to serve them. And if my artistry can ‘help’ to that end, then that is what I will use it for.

And then of course, I make sure I have multiple side projects that allow me to use the fullness of whatever artistry I have, even if it’s playing originals to the zero people at the open mic coffee shop once a month. haha And then also having personal worship experiences with me, my guitar, and God, playing The First Time and pouring my heart out.

Having these things in place, I think helps us to be able to serve more selflessly when we are put in a congregational setting and charged with the lifting up of a corporate voice and heart to God.

Just my humble opinion.

Must be a personal problem that I’m drawn to songs that supposedly aren’t great for corporate worship — you can’t do a set of all “specials.” Funny thing is, of those in church who are paying any attention to contemporary Christian music, I suspect many of them are also drawn to songs that some don’t consider quite right for church.

Plenty of new music out there — I get links like this one in a regular email: http://www.worshiptogether.com/index.aspx

He went on to say “That’s why most hymns are safe—they were written during times when the communication of sound doctrine was non-negotiable, and when poetry bowed to truth and never the reverse. Our times have changed, and not for the better. There are many great and sincere Christian songwriters and worship leaders nowadays, but if their message is debatable, then it’s also confusing, regardless of their sincere and worshipfully artistic intent. In the end, the merit of any song meant to inspire people to worship is clear, obvious truth—and we can’t afford any distractions from that…” But when I did a somewhat rockin version of I Walk By Faith, he said “do more like that.” So now I’m confused — not so confused I’m going to start doing lots of hymns though.