Church Folk + Secular Music Examples = Doing Da Most

Warning: If you usually respond to church "controversies" with "That Is Why I Don't...", LEAVE NOW!!! Never in the mood for those attitudes.

Ok, so there are a couple of video snippets making the rounds of some teenagers dancing to the album version of "The Story of OJ" by Jay Z & "Break Every Chain" by Tasha Cobb. At first I only saw the Jay Z dance. I was horrified & perplexed. Then I saw both snippets(The link is HERE) and I was less horrified, yet still perplexed. Here are my feelings via FaceBook.

But it also brought up another issue I have with secular music or music references being in churches. Why we, church folks have to be extra when presenting it.

I've walked in while visiting a church and people shouting & praising God to "Love Train" by The O'Jay. Once I realized what being sung, I shrugged it off. I've also visited a church were SWV's "Rain" was sung like a worship song. The person I was visiting with just pat my hand & said, "Yeah, I know". I guess they didn't know the song was about orgasmic release.

I guess it takes me back to growing up in Foundation church. There are examples, but one is very clear. We had a guest minister once that pretty much shaped this post.

He said, "You have to make the Bible interesting. If not they'll be Knocking Boots instead of studying the word". My friends & I were cracking up. He also referenced, R. Kelly & Levert in the sermon. It was the early to mid 90s, so it got interesting. Once at home, my grandfather asked me what did that "Knocking Boots" mean. I quickly said what it meant.

And since Youth Ministers were not trusted to not be overly-trendy. I made Pau-Pau a safe slang folder(Oh, he thought the term was some gang initiation.). I wasn't going to have that conversation again. Seemly that wasn't the only time a secular music reference that went awry a with a guest youth minister at Foundation. My childhood church friend, Georgette(Blog Name) mentioned to me a minister rapping UGK. I don't remember that but I don't doubt it & am not shocked about it.

And I know we love to make things creative. But in us being creative the message can get lost in the presentation. Sorry, but less can be more.

Maybe, just maybe had those little ones

were taught to K.I.S.S. stuff, some of us wouldn't be confused about their choice of dance music. I need somebody from this church (other than the messy butt drummer) to speak. My nosy self wants to know about this program. LoL

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms