Praise and Worship vs. Hymns

What is the real difference between a Praise and Worship song and a Hymn. Well here it is. The best analogy I can think of is the difference between fast food and a slow cooked meal. Praise and Worship songs are quick and easy songs designed to engage the worshiper. Praise and Worship songs are not meant to be complete works but rather a collection of simple versus and musical hooks with lyrics speaking directly to or about God. Hymns are complete musical works that often follow a pattern. The language of Hymns tend to walk you through this life and introduce you to life eternal. Hymns are a slow cooked meal. They don't always grab you or engage you right away. Hymns written in the earlier periods often require some understanding of the language before an appreciation can be developed. While Praise and Worship songs are designed to engage the worshiper right away, Hymns  are designed to grow and develop the worshiper. Praise and Worship sets the atmosphere while Hymns tend to preach the sermon.

It's important to have both in the lifestyle of the believer.  They both serve a greater purpose. I pity congregations who exalt one style over the other. It's not the style of Christian music that is the most effective but rather the attitude behind the music being offered up in worship. Many Pastors and Praise and Worship leaders have replaced Hymns with  Praise and Worship songs because the hymns were being presented poorly and  Praise and Worship songs do not require as much energy and time to learn, sing and produce. In other words,  fast food music was preferred over music which is rich in information about the One we worship. Many do not realize that the phrase "Praise and Worship Music" encompasses all Christian music. It's ignorant to say that one song is Praise and Worship and one is not when both glorify God in one way or another.  It bothers me to see that many of our churches, who only do Praise and Worship music, have relegated hymn singing to funerals and special occasions. Isn't it ironic that when a funeral happens we, all of a sudden, want to hear "Amazing Grace" or "Precious Lord". It also bothers me to see churches who refuse to embrace Praise and Worship out of fear that it may somehow replace the Hymn experience in worship.  When you understand the role of both then the intimidation will go away. Praise and Worship is no longer a phenomenon, it is here to stay and churches who refuse to embrace are also doing themselves a musical and spiritual disservice.

The slow cooked meal is always a necessary meal to eat although sometimes you need to eat a little fast food first as an appetizer for a boost. Praise and Worship music, as we know it today, serves as a spiritual boost to any dead situation. It also helps to have an anointed song leader who understands how to lead the congregation in singing Praise and Worship songs. Some of our greatest songs written to date have been Praise and Worship songs. Its important for every church to have a healthy musical diet. It keeps our spirits in a posture of expectation.

 Praise and Worship (Fast Food) can get the job done but Praise and Worship alone can also lead to spiritual and musical immaturity.  Hymns(slow cooked meal) have served a vital role in our lives as Christians but God has given us new songs to sing along with the Hymns that take us threw new experiences with Him. The most powerful services I have ever been in are the ones where the leaders and congregants understand, accept and apply both well in the worship experience.


Peace,
Phillip Carter