Edited by Azizi Powell
This is Part III of a three part series on African American Church of Christ music traditions.
Part III provides information about beatboxing and excerpts from a 2014 reddit.com discussion about the subject of beatboxing in Church of Christ worship services. (No indication was made in that discussion about the race of the people attending the churches mentioned.) That discussion also referred to two videos of religious beatboxing. Those two videos are also included in this post.
This post also showcases two examples of beatboxing (b-boxing) during African American and during Anglo-American Church of Christ praise singing. Selected discussion thread comments about handclapping during the worship service and religious beatboxing are also included in this post.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2016/02/seven-examples-of-african-american.html for Part II showcases several YouTube examples of African American Church of Christ a capella singing, song leader, and praise team singing. Selected comments from some of the discussion threads of these videos are also included in that post. This post doesn't include song lyrics.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2016/02/african-american-church-of-christ.html for Part I of this series. Part I features an excerpt from Lamont Ali Francies' 2013 University of San Francisco, School of Education's doctoral dissertation entitled "An Exploration of Worship Practices at an African American Church of Christ." This excerpt focuses on church traditions and possibly changing attitudes regarding hand clapping, foot patting, and the display of emotions in African American Church of Christ congregations. This excerpt also addresses attitudes regarding the a cappella singing, praise and worship teams, and song leaders in African American Churches of Christ.
Additional examples of Church of Christ singing will be showcased in other pancocojams posts. Click the "Church of Christ" tag below for those posts.
Note: The designation "Church of Christ" (CoC) isn't the same as the designation "Church of God In Christ" (COGIC).
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The content of this post is presented for cultural, religious, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to the composers of these songs and thanks to all those who are featured in the videos that are embedded in this post. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
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INFORMATION ABOUT BEAT BOXING (B-BOXING)
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beatboxing
"Beatboxing (also beat boxing or b-boxing) is a form of vocal percussion primarily involving the art of mimicking drum beats using one's mouth, lips, tongue, and voice. It may also involve vocal imitation of turntablism, and other musical instruments. Beatboxing today is connected with hip-hop culture, often referred to as "the fifth element" of hip-hop, although it is not limited to hip-hop music.[1][2] The term "beatboxing" is sometimes used to refer to vocal percussion in general...
History
...Techniques similar to beatboxing have been present in many American musical genres since the 19th century, such as early rural music, both black and white, religious songs, blues, ragtime, vaudeville, and hokum. Few examples are the Appalachian technique of eefing and the blues song Bye bye bird written and performed by the harmonica player Alex or Aleck Miller aka Sonny Boy Williamson II...
Origins in hip hop
The term "beatboxing" is derived from the mimicry of the first generation of drum machines, then known as beatboxes. "Human beatboxing" in hip-hop originated in 1980s. Its early pioneers include Doug E. Fresh, the self-proclaimed first "human beatbox"...
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EXCERPT FROM REDDIT.COM DISCUSSION THREAD (including two video examples)
From https://www.reddit.com/r/Christianity/comments/2rzedq/church_of_christ_goers_where_instruments_are/ Church of Christ goers where instruments are forbidden, would beat boxing be allowed? submitted, 2014 by kutNpaste
"There was a thread here recently where a few CoC people were talking about how strict their Church's views on baptism and instruments in the church are and how those views sometimes drive younger people away. While it may seem tasteless, or in bad form, is there anything Biblically forbidding beat boxing in the church? Could beatboxing replace the instrumentals in traditional hymns?
Example: http://youtu.be/agkuT7a_IdY"
-snip-
Here’s that video:
Hannah and Curtis- "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus" Beatbox Style
wingsofwaxonhannah, Uploaded on Nov 10, 2009
Bryn Athyn College Chapel with a new twist on music. Classic Hymn meets Beat Box style (and check out our Charity in Action Shirts!) in praise and worship.
[anonymous represented by a hypen], 2014
"So, this answer is cross-denominational and not really specific to CoC:
Depending on the church, music's style can sometimes work against its intended function. For example, in some worship services, the content is special or unusual in various ways, and that characteristic helps underscore the sense that church is sacred, that it is separate from the everyday.
... you're likely to encounter two objections to beatboxing in many churches, not just CoC: (1) it falls outside of the usual characteristics of what they would consider appropriate music for church, and (2) it means a whole set of other things that don't fit into their view of church, either."
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ThunderCrab, 2014
"I spent the first 18 years of my life in the church of Christ and going to a church of Christ high school, so here's what I have experienced. Because each church is self governing, it will really depend on which church you are at. For example, my grandparents go to a very traditional CoC, and because they have been singing the same hymns for the last 50 years, so they would see beatboxing as an attempt to bring the secular world into the church, and may even see it as immature. My school and church at home, on the other hand, tend to lean towards the "non-denominational" churches of Christ (meaning they tend to use newer worship songs over the old hymns, and are less strict on the instrument rules"), and used beat boxing. For example, at my school, we had a "varsity" choir who used beat boxing at many events.
Personally, I'm not a fan of beatboxing. I say if you are going to imitate the sounds of instruments, I say just bring in the instruments because it will always sound better, and I'm quite biased cause I grew up loving loving the old hymns and I am not a fan of some of the new "pop" worship songs."
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[anonymous represented by a hyphen], 2014
..."Beatboxing at the churches I grew up would have gotten you side eyed during service and probably admonished afterwards."
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Mozen, 2014
"How is your voice not an instrument already? And how do you deal with versus like Psalm 150:5 "praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals." or other versus talking about using instruments to praise God?"
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ThunderCrab, 2014
"To answer that you have to go back to the beliefs that the Church of Christ and other churches that emerged from American Restoration movement were founded on. Basically, the founders of the Church of Christ looked around and came to the belief that all these different creeds that all these different churches had were unbiblical and did nothing but distorted Christ's vision of the church. So they decided the only way to restore the early church was to only look at what is described in the New Testament. There is no mention of the use of instruments in the New Testament, therefore to use them is unbiblical."
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havearemotecontrol, 2014
"Technically, yes. I grew up in very strict Churches of Christ, and this was generally acceptable at youth rallies that featured acapella music groups. However, in my experience, it was something that there were just unspoken rules about (clapping also fell into this category). These were things that were totally cool in youth-oriented events and perhaps in special, non-Sunday worship events, but no one ever seemed to even consider in normal church services. I never heard anyone talk about the principles behind this. It was just the way things were.
More than anything, though, you NEED to see this wonderful gem from the 80s/early 90s.
It has beatboxing.
It has mullets.
It has baggy pants with elastic waistbands.
-snip-
Here’s that video:
AVB - A Song In My Soul
The Acappella Company, Uploaded on Jan 24, 2009
Wes McKenzie - Bass Jarel Jay Smith - Baritone and Vocal Percussion Danny Elliot - 2nd Tenor Bret Testerman - Baritone Terry Cheatman - 1st Tenor In this place where Acappella sings Well On My Way.
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Church of ChristHUmarWhitill, 2014
"I a youth minister in a CofC. Typically beatboxing is "ok" but not really done at any of the churches I've been at. Like no one will complain if it was done at a youth thing but would not be a fan of it happening all the time or in Sunday morning service. As mentioned by u/a_p_carter_year_b there isnt a desire for it on a typical sunday worship because it doesn't "fit" in most older members characteristics of church songs. While I personally have no problem with instruments our "traditional hymns" don't have anything that really needs replaced with beatboxing especailly since most CofC only have one person leading and no one mic'd to hear if they were beatboxing."
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Church of ChristLucasWG, 2014
"Just like a lot of others have mentioned, it's most likely going to depend on which church you are at. I know for example a lot of CoC don't typically clap during worship services, but at mine we have always clapped after a baptism. I think most members of my church believe, at least in part, that instruments could be distracting from the meaning of the hymns. If beatboxing could be seen as having that same effect, then there would most likely be at least a few people that wouldn't feel comfortable with it. I think it'd be interesting to hear, but I don't know that I would personally want to listen to it a lot anyways, especially during worship service haha." ...
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FEATURED VIDEOS OF AFRICAN AMERICAN CHURCH OF CHRIST PRAISE TEAMS
Example #1: Chris Turner - Let The Spirit of The Lord
humbleisdaway Uploaded on Dec 18, 2011
must see tv. chris performing let it rise at the newark church of christ during the easternaires annual end of the year concert.
-snip-
Selected comments from this video's discussion thread. These comments are given in relative chronological order based on the year that they were published with the oldest dated comment by year given first. However, these comments may not be in consecutive order. I've assigned numbers for referencing purposes only.
2013
1. alibjohn
"saaang Bro.!!!"
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2. msdonna2008
"It was mentioned in a comment that someone remembered him from St. Augustine COGIC. Being a COC member myself, this is definitely COC singing. I wonder if the person meant COC and not COGIC."
-snip-
COC= Church Of Christ; COGIC= Church Of God In Christ
-snip-
Chris Turner is a Church Of Christ song leader.
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2014
3. patientz430
"I'm just curious, but did the Lord authorize clapping in his church?"
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Reply
4. Clark Raulerson
"yes."
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Reply
5. Ayanna Ayeni
"+patientz430 Psalms 47!!"
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Reply
6. ShaMyiah Langston
"+Ayanna Ayeni Dont get me wrong, its a beautiful song, but thats an old testament scripture. Hebrews 8:8;13 and 9:15-18"
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Reply
7. Ayanna Ayeni
"+ShaMyiah Langston I still love the song and the clapping is not a sin!"
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8. edthorn24
"I can't believe people are still arguing whether or not you can clap or not. Please grow up spiritually. Too much Jesus to be preached. Too many souls to be saved to be that concerned by an expression of excitement. I laugh at people these days."
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Reply
9. TheEmanram
"Why laugh??? Many people feel strongly about that situation of clapping or beat boxing in the worship. Its not the place to do things like that. Sing from the heart and give HIM praise, honor, and the glory that he deserves."
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Reply
10. TheEmanram
"Honestly what do you get out of clapping and beatbox??? This is such a beautiful song that is sung to praise him. Voice is being drowned out with all the other stuff going on. The saints gather to sing and hear his word. We praise him everyday by being obedient to his word and his teachings. When we gather, we should give HIM the upmost respect. That's praise."
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Reply
11. Quentin Scott
"So what you are saying is clapping our hands is not praising or respecting God? That doesn't really make much sense."
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Reply
12. Chela Carter
"I know this one thing! Although this is something felt strongly about, I don't believe it's worth arguing about. If you don't believe in clapping, then don't clap. If you believe in clapping and you go somewhere where they don't, then I think common sense tells you not to clap as not to offend your brother in Christ. Let the Lord be the judge in the end. Until then, back to the worshipping!"
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Reply
13. Paul Woodard [2016]
"+Chela Carter Said it perfect"
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14. Calvin Bowe
"psalms 47:1,98:8,O clap your hands, All ye people;Shout unto GOD with the voice of Triumph.Let the floods clap their hands;let the hills be Joyful together.Are clear exhortation to Clap and Sing,But those pious people thought it was a sin.And whenever GOD gave a comand not tod o something,There is judgement behind it.There is not judgement behind what David did,Only the mention of him bringing music into the temple,Never did GOD condeem David for that.Example of judgement,eli's two sons were burning strange incense in the twmple and GOD consummed them,Uzziah touched the ark of the convent and was killed right then,But no where does GOD condeem music,It was their heart read Amos from chp 1til you get to the vs.they love to quote as GOD condeming music in Worship Be Bless by the way GOD speaks and what He speak about"
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Reply
15. Ayanna Ayeni
"+Calvin Bowe Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! love how u back that up with scriptures!! I was wondering what is all this talk about clapping hands? I will clap, jump, run, dance, sing for my loud and Praise his name!!"
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Reply
16. Calvin Bowe
"Ayanna,Thanks for that they always have hit me over my head formsaying this lol,the believers whom i worship with don't even think to clap.All this is from wrong teachings.European stiffedneck people,who were scared of everything.Don't Quench my SPIRIT! or JOY! Because you don't know where i'm come from,just the past week,let alone years SO PRAISE HIM PRAISE in the morning PRAISE HIM in the Noon time PRAISE HIM in the Night Time PRAISE YE THE LORD!"
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17. antwaniesha daniels
"Sing it brother"
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2015
18. 6153calme
"too much boom boom...would like to hear it as in the church...that is a capella... he sounds way to good...come on church of Christ, let's not bring secular beat boxing in the church...it neither teaches or admonishes...it is an addition to the song...Let Chris sing he sounds so beautiful!!!"
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Reply
19. Clifford Dotson
"+6153calme its all voice,, nothing wrong with that,, its still acapella and nothing secular about that,,, dont be against everything."
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Reply
20. 6153calme
"+Clifford Dotson +Clifford Dotson it is not still a capella because a capella means, "as in the church." The bible says when we sing we are to speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, TEACHING and ADMONISHING one another...the melody is supposed to come from the HEART...We are supposed to sing with the UNDERSTANDING....neither of which can be accomplished by bringing street performances into the house of God....it's time we give God what HE desires not what feels good and entertains us....want entertainment get it at home"
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21. Clark Raulerson
"Please LET the Spirit rise among us and not argue over petty matters, Ephesians 5 is about being filled with the Holy Spirit not exclusively meeting in a "church setting service."
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Reply
22. pumpsumiron
"Yes, have the freedom to sing about the Spirit of God rise among us, clap your hands and let your voices rise!
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24. Justin
"Sang church!!!"
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25. LuJack Martinez
"Oh, oh, oh, oh, LET IT RISE!!! "Stand if you will???" How can you NOT STAND, SHOUT, CLAP, PRAISE, etc. when this brother leads a song??? "I don't mind, I don't mind, I don't mind!!!" YOU GO, CHRIS TURNER!!! We're gonna do this at our Global Leadership Conference this August!!! LJM "
-snip-
Here are two other comments from this video - No1191. Let it Rise- Chris Turner-song leader [2011]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwE02xx_b
Greg Allmon, 2012
"Love the song, but hate the B-Boxing.."
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Reply
jean19171, 2013
"+Greg Allmon Its their voice thats making the sound, didnt God say everything with breath praise him?anything livin its not a dead instrument its their voice, i love it i use to disagree til i had a deep thought thinking session with myself"
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Example #2: Frank Melton III "Let The Spirit of the Lord Rise" @ [at] West Oak Grove C.O.C.
TheArchieB, Uploaded on Jan 24, 2011
Sunday Morning Going down in Mississippi!!!! This is how it goes down in the sipp!!!!! This is at West Oak Grove Church Of Christ!!!! Frank doing it!!!!!!
-snip-
Selected comments from this video's discussion thread:
2014
1. Arthur Howell BE A POET
"they are jamming in the house of the lord! did you hear those boys. they dont need any drums."
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2. Adrianne Gibbs
"Praising the Lord COC style Go Frank III.....sang!!!"
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3. LuJack Martinez
Psalm 47:1
http://www.biblestudytools.com/psalms/47-1.html
"1 Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy"
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2015
4. Stanley Adams
"Pentecostal church of Christ looks like it to me with their rhythm of machine, etc."
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Reply
5. TheArchieB
"+Stanley Adams I love this you don't like it?"
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Reply
6. Stanley Adams
"Hey Archie, these are great singers, and I am a member of the cofc. The issue is why must some of our black churches insist on making drum noises? Is this not the same as a drum?? That is my point, all it does is excite the spirit to the point of almost being a Pentecostal religion."
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Reply
7. TheArchieB
"which came first the drum or the voice? and does it make it wrong because you don't like it? AS far as some our BLACK Churches insist on making???? Some of our WHITE Churches has went to instrument.... you do know that the culture is different from yours right?"
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This concludes this pancocojams series.
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
Showing posts with label Church of Christ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Church of Christ. Show all posts
Monday, February 29, 2016
Sunday, February 28, 2016
Seven Examples Of African American Church Of Christ Singing (videos & comments)
Edited by Azizi Powell
This is Part II of a three part series on African American Church of Christ music traditions.
Part II showcases several YouTube examples of African American Church of Christ a capella singing, song leader, and praise team singing. Selected comments from some of the discussion threads of these videos are also included in that post. This post doesn't include song lyrics.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2016/02/african-american-church-of-christ.html for Part I of this series. Part I features an excerpt from Lamont Ali Francies' 2013 University of San Francisco, School of Education's doctoral dissertation entitled "An Exploration of Worship Practices at an African American Church of Christ." This excerpt focuses on church traditions and possibly changing attitudes regarding hand clapping, foot patting, and the display of emotions in African American Church of Christ congregations. This excerpt also addresses attitudes regarding the a cappella singing, praise and worship teams, and song leaders in African American Churches of Christ.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2016/02/handclapping-beatboxing-in-church-of.html for Part III of this series. Part III provides an excerpt from a reddit.com discussion of beatboxing and handclapping in Church of Christ congregations. That discussion also referenced two videos which are included in this pancocojams post. Part III also showcases two videos of African American Church of Christ praise singing which includes beatboxing. Selected comments about handclapping and beatboxing from those discussion threads are also included in that post.
Additional examples of Church of Christ singing will be showcased in other pancocojams posts. Click the "Church of Christ" tag below for those posts.
Note: The designations "Church of Christ" ("CoC" or "CofC") isn't the same as the designation "Church of God In Christ" (COGIC).
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The content of this post is presented for cultural, religious, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to the composers of these songs and thanks to all those who are featured in the videos that are embedded in this post. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
****
FEATURED VIDEOS
Example #1: 77. Harold Robinson - Sing Hallelujah
.
pkteemaxUploaded on Sep 29, 2008
Harold Robinson-leading Sing Hallelujah
@ Harlem CoC [Church of Christ]
-snip-
I think the numbers in front of the song leader's name for most of these featured examples indicates the number that this song is found in the hymnal.
-snip-
Selected comments from this video's discussion thread:
DonnellBolton, 2009
"keep on singing brother :-)"
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joe pit, 2013
"could some one share the words to this song with me please. its a sweet song it set my joy bells ringing"
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Example #2: Paul Williams -I Am Resolved
pkteemax, Uploaded on Oct 2, 2008
Paul Williams leading COC singing at Northeastern Lectureship in Harlem Wednesday nite.
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Example #3: 507. Oh I Want to See Him-Central coC and Curtis Williamson
pkteemax, Uploaded on May 10, 2009
Gospel Explosion weekend in Rochester, NY. Song leader is from Indianapolis, Indiana
-snip-
Selected comments from this video's discussion thread:
2009
Marcus Carter*
"i have a slight problem with this...while the coc does not believe in instruments (as they interpret the Pauline scripture)...I don't think Paul had in mind that we sound like instruments...one guy sounded like a bass guitar! It's like the 7th Day Adventists who don't eat pork or some who are vegetarians will buy that fake pork or meat product...that 'tastes like' what they believe they should not eat? Harmony is one thing...but replicating instruments is another...just my thoughts...no harm."
-snip-
*Replies to this comment suggest that Marcus Carte also used the name “The Methodist Preacher”
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Reply
Phillip Simmons*
"To the "Methodist Preacher". That's what you call bass and a nice sound system with good acoustics.......The vocal chord is the original instrument. All instruments that came after are replicating sounds that man's vocal chords can produce.....just without being limited by breath. Do you not agree?"
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Reply
quietnesswisdom [2011]
"The Methodist Preacher pointed out a valid problem. The man that "sounds like a bass guitar" is not singing. The Bible teaches that we should be "teaching and admonishing in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs." Each Christian is to obey that command. The man that "sounds like a bass guitar" is violating that scripture because no one is being taught or admonished by his bass sound. Lets keep looking at scripture and making sure that we are being obedient and not just following traditions."
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cpink19 [2011]
"+quietnesswisdom @quietnesswisdom He may SOUND like a bass guitar, but I bet he's not trying to! He is using his voice, just in a deep pitch! And just a note for bass singers: most of the time, the man that's singing bass(at the time) is usually SINGING the words, just at a tad different speed, to keep the speed of the song! Point is COC members don't use instruments. It just so happens that the voice God gave us, gives us the creativity to SING and SING like the possible sound of an instrument!"
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Reply
mrslowens1 [2011]
"@MethodistPreacher The Church of Christ does not having instruments during worship service because you (or anyone else) can not find New Testament scripture that charges the church to use them. the Church of christ follows New Testament scripture only.....Mr Preacher as you know (or should) the Mosaic law was killed when Jesus came to die for our sins. You can't pick and choose what you see fit to follow."
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Reply
a1xluv [2011]
"I do AGREE with the MethodistPreacher on that...We should sing melody and make music in our hearts to the Lord. Edifying with our words...And sounding like an instrument is not edification. We should sing our hearts out to the Lord! BTW David NEVER came into the temple with his harp...He always played outside in the courts...And if you study you would understand that we were commanded in the New Testament to "sing" not Play musical instruments. Man "added" and brought that in on their own accord"
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2011
TJ Braggs
"The bible says that we should sing with melody from our hearts. That is why we do not use instruments. We don't need them look how great they sound. God Bless!"
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2013
LeAndra Dozier
"Can't we put our differences aside and enjoy the song. It's so beautiful. Nothing else should matter."
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2014
LaurinlaRoux
"Rebecca Jean. In the new testament, which we are to live by says, we are to sing and make melodies in our hearts. They never included having instruments in that scripture. ephesians 5:19.
Hope I helped!"
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Reply
phil mcmaken
"well they didn't have microphones and amps and overhead lights in the original Jersualem church either but we use them because it sounds and looks better.
coc is just being traditionalistic and afraid of "new things" Would you drive a car
with no A.C. just because Henry Ford didn't originally put it in his cars?"
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Example #4: 723. I Know I've Been Changed- Earl Washington, song leader
pkteemax, Uploaded on Oct 19, 2009
Third Sunday singing at Harlem church of Christ
-snip-
Selected comments from this video's discussion thread:
2010
Luiz henrique Campos
"Wonderful Negro Spiritual Style !!!!"
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Kenneth Morgan
"this song is not scriptural. i haven't read where the angels sign names. this is The Church Of Christ and we must watch what we say or sing".
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Reply
roziejo [2011]
"+Kenneth Morgan @kennethamorgan
though the words may not be directly scriptural, they are still good and true and worthy, because they are sung from the spirits and souls of god's people. who are you to judge and dampen their voices, the beautiful voices of your brothers and sisters in christ? let satan not turn us against one another, but let the saved and the saints sing together with love for each other and love for our lord... amen."
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Reply
PDemi [2012]
"+Kenneth Morgan Good point...we must be very careful! it's like me singing praises to my preacher for getting me to heaven...that's not scriptural at all. I'm not aware of angels adding to or taking away from the book of life! Song or not, this is during worship to God and should be 100% scriptural at all times! From another member of the Church of Christ"
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Reply
StoneCampbellforLife [2012]
"+Kenneth Morgan This is the spirit that has destroyed the CofC. Thankfully this kind of thinking and hermeneutic is fizzling out. It's called poetic license. C'mon, brother."
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2011
Shakia Johnson
"i really like Ear Washington singing. I'm a member of Gary COC under the leadership of Robert L. Holt. Good singing from the heart and soul, the angels in heaven are rejoicing"
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Example #5: Church of Christ regional singing 2010
tony cUploaded on Aug 20, 2010
SERSA regional singing 2010 preview video. Hosted by Sheldon Heights Church of Christ. Order your full DVD at 773-568-2929. The preview shows Sheldon Heights singing the theme song, "Give Me A Song" featuring Kamie Carter and Tony Carter and the Schrader Lane Acappella Chorus featuring Darwin Mason Sr. and Darwin Jr.
-snip-
Selected comments from this video's discussion thread:
Caramel6Cutie9, 2011
"Sing it sister!! It's such a blessing to see acapella music at its finest...#BellfortCofCHouTx"
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rachelmm05, 2012
"this is what i call Real singing! acapella singing leaves no wiggle room either you have the note or you dont! :) not hating on anyone who sings with music i do myself but this is jsut another level!"
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tony c, 2012
"Mark 14:26 (KJV)
"And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives."
I'm so glad many of you have been moved by this song. That's the sole purpose it was written and sung. Like Jesus chose to sing before facing His trial, persecution, and crucifixion, my prayer is that in your trial, you too will find comfort in a song. - Tony Carter"
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Cheryl Christian, 2013
"Who wrote "Give Me A Song"? It's beautiful!"
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Reply
tony c, 2013
"+Cheryl Christian Me, Tony Carter from Chicago, Il Thank you Cheryl!"
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strivingat40, 2015
"where is this commanded in God's word? how are we suppose to be different from denominational churches if this is going on?"
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Example #6: I'd Rather Have Jesus (Acapella Singing)
Wilsonrdcoc, Published on Jul 8, 2012
A few saints at Wilson Rd singing "Id rather have Jesus"
Church of Christ singing. There is no record of any Church of Christ in the New Testament scriptures that used instrumental music in their worship. In the Old testament God commanded David to ordain the Levites to use the instruments(1Chron15:16) (2Chron.29:30;30:21) (Neh.11:23) (Ezra.7:24-26). In God's word, God did not input Instruments in HIS CHURCH. If he would have wanted them HE WOULD HAVE PUT THEM, but Christ crucified the old law and ordinances to the cross. The Instrument that we use today is the Spirit and the Heart (Eph.5:19) (Col.3:16) (Heb.2:12) (James.5:13) (Matt.26:30) (Acts.16:25) (Rom.15:9) (1Cor.14:15) www.wilsonrdchurchofchrist.org Humble, tx
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Example #7: Acapella Singing at Suitland Road Church of Christ
Hamil Harris, Published on Apr 16, 2013
At the Suitland Road Church of Christ Melvin Shannon Jr leads "I'll be Somewhere," listening at church's 25th anniversary revival
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This concludes Part II of this series.
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
This is Part II of a three part series on African American Church of Christ music traditions.
Part II showcases several YouTube examples of African American Church of Christ a capella singing, song leader, and praise team singing. Selected comments from some of the discussion threads of these videos are also included in that post. This post doesn't include song lyrics.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2016/02/african-american-church-of-christ.html for Part I of this series. Part I features an excerpt from Lamont Ali Francies' 2013 University of San Francisco, School of Education's doctoral dissertation entitled "An Exploration of Worship Practices at an African American Church of Christ." This excerpt focuses on church traditions and possibly changing attitudes regarding hand clapping, foot patting, and the display of emotions in African American Church of Christ congregations. This excerpt also addresses attitudes regarding the a cappella singing, praise and worship teams, and song leaders in African American Churches of Christ.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2016/02/handclapping-beatboxing-in-church-of.html for Part III of this series. Part III provides an excerpt from a reddit.com discussion of beatboxing and handclapping in Church of Christ congregations. That discussion also referenced two videos which are included in this pancocojams post. Part III also showcases two videos of African American Church of Christ praise singing which includes beatboxing. Selected comments about handclapping and beatboxing from those discussion threads are also included in that post.
Additional examples of Church of Christ singing will be showcased in other pancocojams posts. Click the "Church of Christ" tag below for those posts.
Note: The designations "Church of Christ" ("CoC" or "CofC") isn't the same as the designation "Church of God In Christ" (COGIC).
****
The content of this post is presented for cultural, religious, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to the composers of these songs and thanks to all those who are featured in the videos that are embedded in this post. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
****
FEATURED VIDEOS
Example #1: 77. Harold Robinson - Sing Hallelujah
.
pkteemaxUploaded on Sep 29, 2008
Harold Robinson-leading Sing Hallelujah
@ Harlem CoC [Church of Christ]
-snip-
I think the numbers in front of the song leader's name for most of these featured examples indicates the number that this song is found in the hymnal.
-snip-
Selected comments from this video's discussion thread:
DonnellBolton, 2009
"keep on singing brother :-)"
**
joe pit, 2013
"could some one share the words to this song with me please. its a sweet song it set my joy bells ringing"
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Example #2: Paul Williams -I Am Resolved
pkteemax, Uploaded on Oct 2, 2008
Paul Williams leading COC singing at Northeastern Lectureship in Harlem Wednesday nite.
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Example #3: 507. Oh I Want to See Him-Central coC and Curtis Williamson
pkteemax, Uploaded on May 10, 2009
Gospel Explosion weekend in Rochester, NY. Song leader is from Indianapolis, Indiana
-snip-
Selected comments from this video's discussion thread:
2009
Marcus Carter*
"i have a slight problem with this...while the coc does not believe in instruments (as they interpret the Pauline scripture)...I don't think Paul had in mind that we sound like instruments...one guy sounded like a bass guitar! It's like the 7th Day Adventists who don't eat pork or some who are vegetarians will buy that fake pork or meat product...that 'tastes like' what they believe they should not eat? Harmony is one thing...but replicating instruments is another...just my thoughts...no harm."
-snip-
*Replies to this comment suggest that Marcus Carte also used the name “The Methodist Preacher”
**
Reply
Phillip Simmons*
"To the "Methodist Preacher". That's what you call bass and a nice sound system with good acoustics.......The vocal chord is the original instrument. All instruments that came after are replicating sounds that man's vocal chords can produce.....just without being limited by breath. Do you not agree?"
**
Reply
quietnesswisdom [2011]
"The Methodist Preacher pointed out a valid problem. The man that "sounds like a bass guitar" is not singing. The Bible teaches that we should be "teaching and admonishing in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs." Each Christian is to obey that command. The man that "sounds like a bass guitar" is violating that scripture because no one is being taught or admonished by his bass sound. Lets keep looking at scripture and making sure that we are being obedient and not just following traditions."
**
cpink19 [2011]
"+quietnesswisdom @quietnesswisdom He may SOUND like a bass guitar, but I bet he's not trying to! He is using his voice, just in a deep pitch! And just a note for bass singers: most of the time, the man that's singing bass(at the time) is usually SINGING the words, just at a tad different speed, to keep the speed of the song! Point is COC members don't use instruments. It just so happens that the voice God gave us, gives us the creativity to SING and SING like the possible sound of an instrument!"
**
Reply
mrslowens1 [2011]
"@MethodistPreacher The Church of Christ does not having instruments during worship service because you (or anyone else) can not find New Testament scripture that charges the church to use them. the Church of christ follows New Testament scripture only.....Mr Preacher as you know (or should) the Mosaic law was killed when Jesus came to die for our sins. You can't pick and choose what you see fit to follow."
**
Reply
a1xluv [2011]
"I do AGREE with the MethodistPreacher on that...We should sing melody and make music in our hearts to the Lord. Edifying with our words...And sounding like an instrument is not edification. We should sing our hearts out to the Lord! BTW David NEVER came into the temple with his harp...He always played outside in the courts...And if you study you would understand that we were commanded in the New Testament to "sing" not Play musical instruments. Man "added" and brought that in on their own accord"
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2011
TJ Braggs
"The bible says that we should sing with melody from our hearts. That is why we do not use instruments. We don't need them look how great they sound. God Bless!"
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2013
LeAndra Dozier
"Can't we put our differences aside and enjoy the song. It's so beautiful. Nothing else should matter."
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2014
LaurinlaRoux
"Rebecca Jean. In the new testament, which we are to live by says, we are to sing and make melodies in our hearts. They never included having instruments in that scripture. ephesians 5:19.
Hope I helped!"
**
Reply
phil mcmaken
"well they didn't have microphones and amps and overhead lights in the original Jersualem church either but we use them because it sounds and looks better.
coc is just being traditionalistic and afraid of "new things" Would you drive a car
with no A.C. just because Henry Ford didn't originally put it in his cars?"
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Example #4: 723. I Know I've Been Changed- Earl Washington, song leader
pkteemax, Uploaded on Oct 19, 2009
Third Sunday singing at Harlem church of Christ
-snip-
Selected comments from this video's discussion thread:
2010
Luiz henrique Campos
"Wonderful Negro Spiritual Style !!!!"
**
Kenneth Morgan
"this song is not scriptural. i haven't read where the angels sign names. this is The Church Of Christ and we must watch what we say or sing".
**
Reply
roziejo [2011]
"+Kenneth Morgan @kennethamorgan
though the words may not be directly scriptural, they are still good and true and worthy, because they are sung from the spirits and souls of god's people. who are you to judge and dampen their voices, the beautiful voices of your brothers and sisters in christ? let satan not turn us against one another, but let the saved and the saints sing together with love for each other and love for our lord... amen."
**
Reply
PDemi [2012]
"+Kenneth Morgan Good point...we must be very careful! it's like me singing praises to my preacher for getting me to heaven...that's not scriptural at all. I'm not aware of angels adding to or taking away from the book of life! Song or not, this is during worship to God and should be 100% scriptural at all times! From another member of the Church of Christ"
**
Reply
StoneCampbellforLife [2012]
"+Kenneth Morgan This is the spirit that has destroyed the CofC. Thankfully this kind of thinking and hermeneutic is fizzling out. It's called poetic license. C'mon, brother."
**
2011
Shakia Johnson
"i really like Ear Washington singing. I'm a member of Gary COC under the leadership of Robert L. Holt. Good singing from the heart and soul, the angels in heaven are rejoicing"
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Example #5: Church of Christ regional singing 2010
tony cUploaded on Aug 20, 2010
SERSA regional singing 2010 preview video. Hosted by Sheldon Heights Church of Christ. Order your full DVD at 773-568-2929. The preview shows Sheldon Heights singing the theme song, "Give Me A Song" featuring Kamie Carter and Tony Carter and the Schrader Lane Acappella Chorus featuring Darwin Mason Sr. and Darwin Jr.
-snip-
Selected comments from this video's discussion thread:
Caramel6Cutie9, 2011
"Sing it sister!! It's such a blessing to see acapella music at its finest...#BellfortCofCHouTx"
**
rachelmm05, 2012
"this is what i call Real singing! acapella singing leaves no wiggle room either you have the note or you dont! :) not hating on anyone who sings with music i do myself but this is jsut another level!"
**
tony c, 2012
"Mark 14:26 (KJV)
"And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives."
I'm so glad many of you have been moved by this song. That's the sole purpose it was written and sung. Like Jesus chose to sing before facing His trial, persecution, and crucifixion, my prayer is that in your trial, you too will find comfort in a song. - Tony Carter"
**
Cheryl Christian, 2013
"Who wrote "Give Me A Song"? It's beautiful!"
**
Reply
tony c, 2013
"+Cheryl Christian Me, Tony Carter from Chicago, Il Thank you Cheryl!"
**
strivingat40, 2015
"where is this commanded in God's word? how are we suppose to be different from denominational churches if this is going on?"
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Example #6: I'd Rather Have Jesus (Acapella Singing)
Wilsonrdcoc, Published on Jul 8, 2012
A few saints at Wilson Rd singing "Id rather have Jesus"
Church of Christ singing. There is no record of any Church of Christ in the New Testament scriptures that used instrumental music in their worship. In the Old testament God commanded David to ordain the Levites to use the instruments(1Chron15:16) (2Chron.29:30;30:21) (Neh.11:23) (Ezra.7:24-26). In God's word, God did not input Instruments in HIS CHURCH. If he would have wanted them HE WOULD HAVE PUT THEM, but Christ crucified the old law and ordinances to the cross. The Instrument that we use today is the Spirit and the Heart (Eph.5:19) (Col.3:16) (Heb.2:12) (James.5:13) (Matt.26:30) (Acts.16:25) (Rom.15:9) (1Cor.14:15) www.wilsonrdchurchofchrist.org Humble, tx
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Example #7: Acapella Singing at Suitland Road Church of Christ
Hamil Harris, Published on Apr 16, 2013
At the Suitland Road Church of Christ Melvin Shannon Jr leads "I'll be Somewhere," listening at church's 25th anniversary revival
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This concludes Part II of this series.
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
African American Church Of Christ Worship Practices (Excerpt From Lamont Ali Francies' 2013 doctoral dissertation)
Edited by Azizi Powell
This is Part I of a three part series on African American Church of Christ (CoC) music traditions.
Part I features an excerpt from Lamont Ali Francies' 2013 University of San Francisco, School of Education's doctoral dissertation entitled "An Exploration of Worship Practices at an African American Church of Christ." This excerpt focuses on church traditions and possibly changing attitudes regarding hand clapping, foot patting, and the display of emotions in African American Church of Christ congregations. This excerpt also addresses attitudes regarding the a cappella singing, praise and worship teams, and song leaders in African American Churches of Christ.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2016/02/seven-examples-of-african-american.html for Part II of this series. Part II showcases several YouTube examples of African American Church of Christ a capella singing, song leader, and praise team singing. Selected comments from some of the discussion threads of these videos are also included in that post.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2016/02/handclapping-beatboxing-in-church-of.html for Part III of this series. Part III provides an excerpt from a reddit.com discussion of beatboxing and handclapping in Church of Christ congregations. That discussion also referenced two videos which are included in this pancocojams post. Part III also showcases two videos of African American Church of Christ praise singing which includes beatboxing. Selected comments about handclapping and beatboxing from those discussion threads are also included in that post.
Additional examples of Church of Christ singing will be showcased in other pancocojams posts. Click the "Church of Christ" tag below for those posts.
****
The content of this post is presented for historical, sociocultural, and religious purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Lamont Ali Francies for his research on this subject. Also, thanks to all those who are quoted in this post.
Note: The designations "Church of Christ" ("CoC" or "CofC") isn't the same as the designation "Church of God In Christ" (COGIC).
****
BACKGROUND: INFORMATION ABOUT CHURCH OF CHRIST
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Churches_of_Christ
"Churches of Christ are autonomous Christian congregations associated with one another through common beliefs and practices. They seek to base doctrine and practice on the Bible alone in order to be the church described in Scripture. They believe that any individual (from the time Christ established the Church on the Day of Pentecost until now) can be added by the Lord to His church when they hear and believe the truth, repent of their sins, confess Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and are baptized for the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:36-47).
Churches of Christ in the United States have their roots in the American Restoration Movement. The movement began on the American frontier during the Second Great Awakening of the early 19th century under the leadership of Thomas and Alexander Campbell, Walter Scott, and Barton W. Stone. Those leaders had declared independence from their Presbyterian roots and the traditional creeds, seeking a fresh start to restore the New Testament church. They did not see themselves as establishing a new church, but rather sought "the unification of all Christians in a single body patterned after the church of the New Testament."[2]:54 The names "Church of Christ," "Christian Church," and "Disciples of Christ" were adopted by the movement because they believed these terms to be biblical, rather than denominational"...
A cappella worship
The Churches of Christ generally combine the lack of any historical evidence that the early church used musical instruments in worship[2]:47[16]:237–238[55]:415 and the belief that there is no scriptural support for using instruments in the church's worship service[6][16]:244–246 to decide that instruments should not be used today in worship. Churches of Christ have historically practiced a cappella music in worship services.[6][14]:240[15]:124
The use of musical instruments in worship was a divisive topic within the Stone-Campbell Movement from its earliest years, when some adherents opposed the practice on scriptural grounds, while others may have relied on a cappella simply because they lacked access to musical instruments. Alexander Campbell opposed the use of instruments in worship. As early as 1855, some Restoration Movement churches were using organs or pianos, ultimately leading the Churches of Christ to separate from the groups that condoned instrumental music.[68]...
There are congregations that permit hand-clapping and a few that use musical instruments in worship.[14]:240[55]:417[69] Some of the latter describe themselves as a "Church of Christ (Instrumental)".[54]"...
Members: 2,034,338 worldwide; 1,367,859 in the United States[1]"...
-snip-
Informal references are made online (including in the dissertation that is the focus of this post] to White American(or Caucasian American) Churches of Christ and to African American Churches of Christ. However, some American Churches of Christ are racially integrated.
Delta Bay Church Of Christ (Antioch, California) is the African American Church of Christ that is the focus of Lamont Ali Francies' doctoral dissertation. As per the videos that I've seen of that church's praise and worship team, it appears that the congregation's worship service includes hand clapping, but doesn't include musical instruments. That said, the praise and worship team utilizes finger snapping and/or beat-boxing.
****
INFORMATION ABOUT PRAISE AND WORSHIP SONGS
From http://christianmusic.about.com/od/praiseandworship/f/faqpw.htmWhat is Praise and Worship Music? by Kim Jones, Updated July 27, 2015.
"Question: What is Praise and Worship Music?
Answer: Praise and Worship could be any type of music that glorifies God regardless of the style. However, "Corporate Praise and Worship Music" is commonly found in contemporary churches of today. Lyrically, it features generally short and easy to sing (and remember) choruses that repeat several times. This is part of what makes the style perfect for corporate worship because even people who aren't familiar with a particular song can sing along with ease after hearing one or two repeats of the chorus."
****
FEATURED EXCERPT: "AN EXPLORATION OF WORSHIP PRACTICES AT AN AFRICAN AMERICAN CHURCH OF CHRIST"
From http://repository.usfca.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1087&context=diss
Lamont Ali Francies, Doctoral Dissertations, Paper 76 University of San Francisco
"Page 69
...handclapping is an issue with which some Black congregations still struggle. For a long time it was seen as a violation of the scriptural mandates for worship because it was thought clapping was another form of instrumental music. Clapping is also done in both secular and denominational settings which made it forbidden during the worship. Clapping is seen as done for entertainment purposes and showmanship, and those practices could not be done during the worship. Jen, who has been a member of Churches of Christ for over 60 years, stated that she was taught not to express herself emotionally ing worship.
Page 70
After coming to the Delta Bay Church of Christ, Jean felt liberated to express herself culturally. She was taught early in her upbringing that hand clapping was a sin. She no longer believes that, but her liberation was not without a cost. Many of her peers who have grown up in the Church of Christ over the years do not agree with this stance. She candidly stated
Jean admitted that she felt pressure from other Blacks in Church of Christ to leave the Delta Bay Church of Christ because of its violation of Church of Christ Norms. She was told that the Delta Bay Church of Christ was no really a Church of Christ because its atmosphere of emotionalism mirrored more the Baptist church. Jean knew, however, that the message was the same but the Delta Bay Church of Christ employed a worship methodology that would better engage the community....
Page 71
A new generation of African Americans believers are beginning to reject the Anglo-Saxon cultural norms of the 1940s in huge numbers...
[Dr. Jack] Evans, president of Southwestern University (the only historically Black college in the United States associated with the Church of Christ) cautioned members of this fellowship about excessive emotionalism (2002).
Evans, who since has been described as one of the most influential leaders of the African American Church of Christ, believed that clapping in the worship service is not wrong in itself when it emanates from an individual’s joy, but when orchestrated, with everyone will clap on cue, it becomes ritualistic and superficial….
Page 72
Evans (2002) admitted “When one tries to tell another how to express his joy, he is as guilty as the one who orchestrates the clapping ‘on cue’ of others who have made the clapping a proscribed ritual.” Worship should not be culturally regulated but too often it has been under the guise as scripture.
This practice of cultural regulation began as White brethren shaped their Black counterparts. Clear evidence exists of cultural regulation as Black Churches of Christ regulate each other using Eurocentric standards to measure faithfulness. African American congregations who worship “too Black” or demonstrate too much emotion are castigated in this fellowship as apostates…
Page 74
Praise Teams
A praise team in Churches of Christ consist of men (and sometimes women) who stand before the congregation to lead the congregation in song. The praise teams were not designated to serenade the congregation but to lead its section in its parts. For 3 years, the Delta Bay Church Of Christ has employed praise teams in its worship to enhance singing. The Delta Bay Praise Team consists of men and women (Black and White) singers in their teens, 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s. These individuals lead the congregation in weekly praise. Praise and worship at the Delta Bay congregation has been described by participants as moving and inspirational. Although, the congregation has chosen to remain a capella, the decision has not had a negative effect on members...
After the praise team was implemented, reaction from the congregation was mostly positive, however, reactions from other local African American Churches of Christ were mixed.. Other Black congregations opined that because praise teams are not specifically prescribed in scripture, the practice is sinful. Other congregants believed that praise teams were acceptable as long as they didn’t include women...
Page 75
As praise teams are not mentioned in scripture, neither are song leaders, which are used by the majority of African American Churches of Christ. If Churches of Christ uses the same argument that the silence of the scripture prohibits, then many of the most beloved practices and possessions in that fellowship would be outlawed. These practices include Sunday School, multiple communion cups, hymnals, and even church buildings, all of which aren’t mentioned in scripture."
-snip-
This excerpt is given "as is" with the exception of my inclusion of the title and name for Dr. Jack Evans that I placed in brackets.
****
This concludes Part I of this series.
Thanks for visiting pancocojams
Visitor comments are welcome.
This is Part I of a three part series on African American Church of Christ (CoC) music traditions.
Part I features an excerpt from Lamont Ali Francies' 2013 University of San Francisco, School of Education's doctoral dissertation entitled "An Exploration of Worship Practices at an African American Church of Christ." This excerpt focuses on church traditions and possibly changing attitudes regarding hand clapping, foot patting, and the display of emotions in African American Church of Christ congregations. This excerpt also addresses attitudes regarding the a cappella singing, praise and worship teams, and song leaders in African American Churches of Christ.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2016/02/seven-examples-of-african-american.html for Part II of this series. Part II showcases several YouTube examples of African American Church of Christ a capella singing, song leader, and praise team singing. Selected comments from some of the discussion threads of these videos are also included in that post.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2016/02/handclapping-beatboxing-in-church-of.html for Part III of this series. Part III provides an excerpt from a reddit.com discussion of beatboxing and handclapping in Church of Christ congregations. That discussion also referenced two videos which are included in this pancocojams post. Part III also showcases two videos of African American Church of Christ praise singing which includes beatboxing. Selected comments about handclapping and beatboxing from those discussion threads are also included in that post.
Additional examples of Church of Christ singing will be showcased in other pancocojams posts. Click the "Church of Christ" tag below for those posts.
****
The content of this post is presented for historical, sociocultural, and religious purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Lamont Ali Francies for his research on this subject. Also, thanks to all those who are quoted in this post.
Note: The designations "Church of Christ" ("CoC" or "CofC") isn't the same as the designation "Church of God In Christ" (COGIC).
****
BACKGROUND: INFORMATION ABOUT CHURCH OF CHRIST
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Churches_of_Christ
"Churches of Christ are autonomous Christian congregations associated with one another through common beliefs and practices. They seek to base doctrine and practice on the Bible alone in order to be the church described in Scripture. They believe that any individual (from the time Christ established the Church on the Day of Pentecost until now) can be added by the Lord to His church when they hear and believe the truth, repent of their sins, confess Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and are baptized for the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:36-47).
Churches of Christ in the United States have their roots in the American Restoration Movement. The movement began on the American frontier during the Second Great Awakening of the early 19th century under the leadership of Thomas and Alexander Campbell, Walter Scott, and Barton W. Stone. Those leaders had declared independence from their Presbyterian roots and the traditional creeds, seeking a fresh start to restore the New Testament church. They did not see themselves as establishing a new church, but rather sought "the unification of all Christians in a single body patterned after the church of the New Testament."[2]:54 The names "Church of Christ," "Christian Church," and "Disciples of Christ" were adopted by the movement because they believed these terms to be biblical, rather than denominational"...
A cappella worship
The Churches of Christ generally combine the lack of any historical evidence that the early church used musical instruments in worship[2]:47[16]:237–238[55]:415 and the belief that there is no scriptural support for using instruments in the church's worship service[6][16]:244–246 to decide that instruments should not be used today in worship. Churches of Christ have historically practiced a cappella music in worship services.[6][14]:240[15]:124
The use of musical instruments in worship was a divisive topic within the Stone-Campbell Movement from its earliest years, when some adherents opposed the practice on scriptural grounds, while others may have relied on a cappella simply because they lacked access to musical instruments. Alexander Campbell opposed the use of instruments in worship. As early as 1855, some Restoration Movement churches were using organs or pianos, ultimately leading the Churches of Christ to separate from the groups that condoned instrumental music.[68]...
There are congregations that permit hand-clapping and a few that use musical instruments in worship.[14]:240[55]:417[69] Some of the latter describe themselves as a "Church of Christ (Instrumental)".[54]"...
Members: 2,034,338 worldwide; 1,367,859 in the United States[1]"...
-snip-
Informal references are made online (including in the dissertation that is the focus of this post] to White American(or Caucasian American) Churches of Christ and to African American Churches of Christ. However, some American Churches of Christ are racially integrated.
Delta Bay Church Of Christ (Antioch, California) is the African American Church of Christ that is the focus of Lamont Ali Francies' doctoral dissertation. As per the videos that I've seen of that church's praise and worship team, it appears that the congregation's worship service includes hand clapping, but doesn't include musical instruments. That said, the praise and worship team utilizes finger snapping and/or beat-boxing.
****
INFORMATION ABOUT PRAISE AND WORSHIP SONGS
From http://christianmusic.about.com/od/praiseandworship/f/faqpw.htmWhat is Praise and Worship Music? by Kim Jones, Updated July 27, 2015.
"Question: What is Praise and Worship Music?
Answer: Praise and Worship could be any type of music that glorifies God regardless of the style. However, "Corporate Praise and Worship Music" is commonly found in contemporary churches of today. Lyrically, it features generally short and easy to sing (and remember) choruses that repeat several times. This is part of what makes the style perfect for corporate worship because even people who aren't familiar with a particular song can sing along with ease after hearing one or two repeats of the chorus."
****
FEATURED EXCERPT: "AN EXPLORATION OF WORSHIP PRACTICES AT AN AFRICAN AMERICAN CHURCH OF CHRIST"
From http://repository.usfca.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1087&context=diss
Lamont Ali Francies, Doctoral Dissertations, Paper 76 University of San Francisco
"Page 69
...handclapping is an issue with which some Black congregations still struggle. For a long time it was seen as a violation of the scriptural mandates for worship because it was thought clapping was another form of instrumental music. Clapping is also done in both secular and denominational settings which made it forbidden during the worship. Clapping is seen as done for entertainment purposes and showmanship, and those practices could not be done during the worship. Jen, who has been a member of Churches of Christ for over 60 years, stated that she was taught not to express herself emotionally ing worship.
Well, I get emotional because every Sunday I look around. I get very emotional at Delta Bay because I’m so happy that God’s presence is there, the spirit of God is with us, and I see it and feel that, okay. And I was taught not to.-that everything about the church is built on faith, and that’s true, too, but there are some feelings, and I express myself tearfully a lot because I feel happy that I am in the church, that I got up in the morning and got myself together and I’m sitting here praising God. Sometimes you may see my hands up. That’s what I’m happy about and I will shed tears about that.
Page 70
After coming to the Delta Bay Church of Christ, Jean felt liberated to express herself culturally. She was taught early in her upbringing that hand clapping was a sin. She no longer believes that, but her liberation was not without a cost. Many of her peers who have grown up in the Church of Christ over the years do not agree with this stance. She candidly stated
And when I share that information and clapping of hands and patting my feet, you know, you don’t pat your feet in the Church of Christ. And when I do that, I had a sister, my older sister, in fact, told me she was going to withdraw from me because I sound like a Baptist. And when I try to bring up- I have learned to enjoy gospel music and denominational churches like the Baptist Church and others would sing them. And I enjoy that. I see how that music has a lot to bring about freedom and help Black people to pull their culture together and I appreciate that. But when I talk to my family, it’s like we’ve gone Baptist. I mean, we’re not supposed to listen to that kind of music. And that’s how I grew up, you know, listening to the little school sounds, that the kids would tease us about when we were going to school, when we were all in school. But I have learned to appreciate African American music and not feel it’s the wrong thing to really do, to sing.
Jean admitted that she felt pressure from other Blacks in Church of Christ to leave the Delta Bay Church of Christ because of its violation of Church of Christ Norms. She was told that the Delta Bay Church of Christ was no really a Church of Christ because its atmosphere of emotionalism mirrored more the Baptist church. Jean knew, however, that the message was the same but the Delta Bay Church of Christ employed a worship methodology that would better engage the community....
Page 71
A new generation of African Americans believers are beginning to reject the Anglo-Saxon cultural norms of the 1940s in huge numbers...
[Dr. Jack] Evans, president of Southwestern University (the only historically Black college in the United States associated with the Church of Christ) cautioned members of this fellowship about excessive emotionalism (2002).
There are things we do in worship with members of our physical body that are not intrinsically such as “patting our feet in time to the tune” but are made .wrong when such emotionally expressions become a superficial rite orchestrated by time-repetitiveness t hat has been proscribed (and pre-planned) by the worship leaders. (p. 6)
Evans, who since has been described as one of the most influential leaders of the African American Church of Christ, believed that clapping in the worship service is not wrong in itself when it emanates from an individual’s joy, but when orchestrated, with everyone will clap on cue, it becomes ritualistic and superficial….
Page 72
Evans (2002) admitted “When one tries to tell another how to express his joy, he is as guilty as the one who orchestrates the clapping ‘on cue’ of others who have made the clapping a proscribed ritual.” Worship should not be culturally regulated but too often it has been under the guise as scripture.
This practice of cultural regulation began as White brethren shaped their Black counterparts. Clear evidence exists of cultural regulation as Black Churches of Christ regulate each other using Eurocentric standards to measure faithfulness. African American congregations who worship “too Black” or demonstrate too much emotion are castigated in this fellowship as apostates…
Page 74
Praise Teams
A praise team in Churches of Christ consist of men (and sometimes women) who stand before the congregation to lead the congregation in song. The praise teams were not designated to serenade the congregation but to lead its section in its parts. For 3 years, the Delta Bay Church Of Christ has employed praise teams in its worship to enhance singing. The Delta Bay Praise Team consists of men and women (Black and White) singers in their teens, 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s. These individuals lead the congregation in weekly praise. Praise and worship at the Delta Bay congregation has been described by participants as moving and inspirational. Although, the congregation has chosen to remain a capella, the decision has not had a negative effect on members...
After the praise team was implemented, reaction from the congregation was mostly positive, however, reactions from other local African American Churches of Christ were mixed.. Other Black congregations opined that because praise teams are not specifically prescribed in scripture, the practice is sinful. Other congregants believed that praise teams were acceptable as long as they didn’t include women...
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As praise teams are not mentioned in scripture, neither are song leaders, which are used by the majority of African American Churches of Christ. If Churches of Christ uses the same argument that the silence of the scripture prohibits, then many of the most beloved practices and possessions in that fellowship would be outlawed. These practices include Sunday School, multiple communion cups, hymnals, and even church buildings, all of which aren’t mentioned in scripture."
-snip-
This excerpt is given "as is" with the exception of my inclusion of the title and name for Dr. Jack Evans that I placed in brackets.
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This concludes Part I of this series.
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