I heard this song by Toby Keith (lyrics below) and it caused me to stop and think. Now, by posting the lyrics to this song, I want to be very clear: I am not suggesting that your new hangout should be in a bar. What I am trying to illustrate, is that the lyrics should reflect the church. Church can be a place where everyone is welcome, where everyone feels known & feels connected. A place where there is diversity and there is unity. I love this church!
We got winners, we got losers, chain smokers and boozers
And we got yuppies, we got bikers, we got thirsty hitchhikers
And the girls next door dress up like movie stars
Mmm-mm, I love this bar
We got cowboys, we got truckers, broken-hearted fools and suckers
We got hustlers, we got fighters, early-birds and all-nighters
And the Veterans talk about their battle scars
Mmm-mm, I love this bar
I love this bar, its my kind of place
Just walkin' through the front door
Puts a big smile on my face
It ain't too far, come as you are
Mmm-mm, I love this bar
I've seen short skirts, we got high-techs, blue collar boys and rednecks
We got lovers, lotsa lookers, I've even seen dancing girls & hookers
And we like to drink our beer from a mason jar
Mmm-mm, I love this bar
I like my truck, I like my girlfriend
I like to take her out to dinner
I like a movie now and then
But... I love this bar!
It's my kind of place
Just twirlin' around the dance floor
Puts a big smile on my face
No cover charge, come as you are
Mmm-mm, I love this bar
God has created us with a longing for community (instead of isolation), we long for a place to belong, a place to be known, a place of comfort, a place of acceptance, a place of diversity. This song is describing what Jesus wants His church (His bride) to be! I enjoy the tune & when I sing along in the car, I change the words from "I love this bar" to "I love this church".
If you were to write a song about church, what aspect(s) would you highlight?
1 comment:
At our recent VOA conference Bill Johnson said, "What do you want your church to look like in five years? Start writing songs about it now. Change begins with declaration."
That goal inspires me, and I've been trying to weave it into my songwriting.
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