Wired Jesus Podcast

One part of my wired wanderings that I have come to appreciate are the people who take the time to explore wired jesus to learn more about the postmodern journey of faith and my take on it. This includes some saavy call committees who have come here to get a better idea about who I am and how Wired Jesus reflects one aspect of my understanding of ministry.

One item that tends to come up is my preaching style. Aside from one odd congregation that fixed on equating having a manuscript handy with an inability to preach (the congregations I have served and the seminary I have taught preaching at would disagree), most ask about how I approach connecting real life with Scripture.

One recent call committee read my last post and found that their worship and music director has similar sensibilities of using pop music in worship. While the term pop music sounds kind of crass, I agree with Martin Luther when he said, “Why let the devil have all the best music?”

I contend that many of the best poets who write on the human condition and the search for faith are found on the radio and Itunes and I have made liberal use of both songs and music videos in worship when it made sense with the theme for the day. So, since some have asked and its just fun for discussion, here are some songs/videos I have used in worship before.

Bat Out of Hell II by Meatloaf (Lyrics by Jim Steinman – He rocks!)
“I’d Do Anything For Love But I Won’t Do That”
“It Just Won’t Quit”
“Objects in the Rear View Mirrior May Appear Closer Than They Really Are”

“What If God Were One of Us” by Joan Osbourne

“The Power of Love” by Frankie Goes To Hollywood
The song is incredible but the video is perfect for Christmas Eve.

“Only Love Remains” by Griffin House

“Nothing Else Matters” by Metallica

“Human Touch” by Bruce Springsteen – The video works great to talk about healing, community or incarnation.

“Hurt” by Johnny Cash – One of the best videos ever! It screams Ash Wednesday or Maundy Thursday.

“If Everyone Cared” by Nickelback

Some that I still want to use

Dig by Incubus – The video and song together would make a perfect Lent/repentence theme link.

The better video is here – This video is all animation and would be the preferred version. However, Sony has disabled embedding via You Tube, so you have to go there on your own. Bummer.

“Lost Highway” by Bon Jovi – ’nuff said

“New Soul” by Nael Yaim – Okay, its been overplayed but it would be a good song for the start of the school year.

“Samson” by Regina Spektor – If you ever preach on Samson, its an interesting take. Would work best if you had a soloist who could do it in house with an inhouse set images rather than the video.

The thing about using video that I have told my preaching classes is that just like the sermon itself, the video is not the point. Every element of worship serves as an experiential door to encounter the living Christ. As soon as its “cool” factor outweighs the experience of the worshipper and the presence of God, you have slipped into gimmickry. I have usually found that balance over the years. The issue for me is not pop or “christian” but how the words speak to our spiritual yearnings and our ultimate connections to God through Jesus, adding to a worship experience.

Now if I can just figure out how to use The Jedi Drinking Song…