This weekend, an unexpected melody wove its way into our worship service: Time After Time. Yes, the iconic song, penned by Cyndi Lauper and Rob Hyman, resonated deeply during a moment of prayer for healing, both physical and emotional.
It was a truly special moment. As prayers were offered, we spontaneously began to sing the poignant lines, “If you’re lost and you look then you will find me, time after time; if you fall I will catch you, I’ll be waiting, time after time.” These words, layered over the familiar I/IV progression of my own song, Healing In Your Wings, created an atmosphere of gentle reassurance and divine presence.
The band softly accompanied, and the room was filled with the earnest prayers of people seeking God’s healing touch for one another. While I deeply value the gravitas and liturgical depth in worship music, I also recognize the power of spontaneous expression. There are moments when a familiar song, seemingly secular, can become a prophetic utterance, shifting the atmosphere and opening hearts to faith in profound ways.
In this instance, Time After Time, a popular song from the 80s, became the unexpected key that unlocked a deeper emotional and spiritual connection. Years prior, at a conference in Canada, I experienced a similar moment. During prayer ministry, I felt led to sing the chorus of another well-known pop song for an extended period. The impact was undeniable. For one individual, it marked a significant breakthrough in their spiritual journey, and many others were deeply moved as we collectively reframed the lyrics as a testament to God’s unwavering pursuit of us.
It’s crucial to understand that such integrations are not always appropriate. I, too, have witnessed instances where incorporating popular music felt forced or trivialized. You likely have as well. However, if we preemptively shut the door to such possibilities for fear of missteps, we risk missing powerful expressions of God’s presence through the music of our time.
I believe we must remain open to integrating great art, regardless of its origin – be it popular, classical, or from unexpected sources. Yes, I consider Time After Time a small masterpiece. In its emotional resonance and impact, it can stand alongside compositions like Fields Of Gold, a Bach Sonata, or a Rembrandt painting, even if its cultural lifespan and scope might differ.
Without pushing the boundaries unnecessarily, I joyfully embrace a “Creational” category that bridges the traditional divide between Sacred and Secular, a dichotomy many contemporary Christians adhere to rigidly. Truly “secular” music, intentionally designed to lead us away from God, is, in my experience, rare. Perhaps some extreme metal or aggressively atheist bands fit this description, but such music rarely crosses my path.
Instead, much of what is often categorized as “secular” is, in my view, “Creational.” Music exploring love, friendship, emotions, and the human experience can be seen as human-centered, yet all art can be perceived through different lenses. “Creational” art, in this context, is born from beautiful, yet flawed, humans made in God’s image, expressing their experiences without explicit religious intent. One doesn’t need to be a Christian to create art that resonates with profound truths and beauty.
Therefore, for me, this vast landscape of “Creational” art is fair game, provided it’s thoughtfully integrated within a rich, Christ-centered worship context. It’s crucial to note: I am not advocating for the wholesale adoption of popular songs in worship. Rather, I am suggesting we allow ourselves to be open to these possibilities, an area often approached with undue apprehension.
This “Creational” perspective allows me to seamlessly blend sonically rich hymns into casual neighborhood gatherings, even wine nights (a common occurrence in Nashville, where I live). My friend, David Ruis, has beautifully incorporated classical pieces into contemporary worship settings. I myself have led contemporary worship songs in historic chapels. Inspiration for songwriting and worship leadership comes from diverse sources and styles. Great art is, indeed, ubiquitous.
My personal playlist reflects this expansive view, moving effortlessly from Sigur Ros to Jon Foreman, Mumford & Sons, Brian Eno, Sun Lux, Phil Wickham, Death Cab For Cutie, Gungor, and even the dramatic orchestral scores of Two Steps From Hell. It all flows together, as it should. However, discernment is paramount. Popular art often reflects human-centric worldviews and a focus on desires (as Jamie Smith aptly points out).
We are, in essence, what we consume. Therefore, filters of discernment are essential. To my younger, college-aged friends, heed this advice: music is not morally neutral; it infuses worldviews into the soul.
Furthermore, songs possess varying intentions and levels of suitability for worship. Some songs become staples, while others serve as occasional “seasoning.” Still others are rarely used, but in moments of inspiration, become valuable tools in our artistic palette. Crucially, I never lose sight of the congregation I am leading, their sensitivities and spiritual foundations.
This is simply responsible pastoral leadership. Worship leadership is community leadership; we are there for those we serve. Like in any family, sacrificing personal preferences for the collective good is natural.
Please understand: not all art created outside of a worship context is automatically appropriate for it. However, when thoughtfully chosen and skillfully integrated, less conventional art forms can enrich a worship moment. Just as in teaching or visual communication, the art of our age, and any age, can be a valuable liturgical tool in the hands of a discerning leader.
This is why Time After Time found its place in my worship set.
