Why All Age Worship? Session 2

Session 2: Fischy Music

tl;dr version:

•  Music should appeal to all ages, which means it can’t have too many complex words, but it should have integrity.
• Give people control over their worship songs – modify them to reflect the congregation – the more they own it the more engaged they are.
• Teach new songs always at the start of services
• Movement isn’t just for kids it’s another form of worship.

This session was predominantly singing and dancing, whilst discussing the importance of song and movement.  Much of Fischy Music is childlike praise with a couple of silly songs to help people relax, which is unsuprising as one of their main markets are schools.

Singing creates a sense of safety, belonging, fun and happiness to be there. The reason so many people dislike it is that at approximately age 10 they are told they can’t sing – usually by teachers or people they respect and it has a big knock on effect. It is similar for movement whilst singing as well – for so long it has been taboo to move around during hymns, on top of the fact that, like with singing, a lot of people feel like they can’t dance – people dislike doing it! But movement isn’t about being well choreographed, or looking silly – it’s about opening your whole body in worship and praise. For Fischy music the movements are based in British sign language so you are learning something potentially useful by joining in as well.

Whilst it is important to have songs that generated excited praise for the lord and fill the 'awe' and 'fun' parts of an AAW service, it is equally important to provide mystery and quietness as well – that helps with the wonder. Songs which fade out to quiet instrumental backing or even just having 2 mins of silence after a reflective song can really drive home a point. Fischy is focusing predominantly on these in newer compositions and suggested looking at music by Trevor Ranger.

Reflective song great for start of communion...how might you use it? #whyallageworship https://t.co/TamPXACosi

— BDBofE (@BDBofE) 25 February 2017

Songs for AAW are not about kids or adults, it’s about integrity and the message given. The song can have a jaunty tune, or a dance to it but it needs to have a clear and defined message that is God given within it. They won’t always be scripturally based either. If they have the integrity to them then most people will have no problem in singing them – it is the childlike vs childish idea again.

They've got it!! https://t.co/fKSgKYRqfJ

— BDBofE (@BDBofE) 25 February 2017

Feel free to modify songs – take the congregation into account. We sang about feelings called ‘This is how I’m feeling’ It basically went ‘this is how I’m feeling, I don’t know what to do, this is how I’m feeling so I’m giving it to you, this feeling deep inside of me I don’t know what to do, this is how I’m feeling I’m giving it to you.’ But for the feelings we showed we were asked to name 4 feelings beforehand, and they were then integrated into how the song was sung and acted. The more you empower the congregation and make it theirs the more involved and engaged they will be with everything in the service. The reason for the feelings song being used in a worship context was summed up by a quote from a 7-year-old ‘If you don’t share your feelings then no-one knows who you are!’

the singing has started https://t.co/UK7w7YRMW8

— BDBofE (@BDBofE) 25 February 2017

Finally he said the best time for learning new songs and actions is to do it all at the start of the service – then there are no interruptions for your worship.