From morning song to Mamma Mia: deep dive into the church and music at CRE 24

From morning song to Mamma Mia: deep dive into the church and music at CRE 24

Music in churches has always been a contentious issue – should it be a ‘one style must fit all’ or are there ways of incorporating multiple cultures and tastes?

Seasoned musical composer and worship leader Roger Jones will cover the vexed question at CRE 24, alongside colleague Devon Brown, in Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual songs (2.30pm, Wed 9 Oct).

‘We’ll look at biblical quotes and principles and illustrate it all in various styles, asking what essentials must be maintained or aimed at,’ said Roger. ‘People grow by what they sing, so how can we ensure they receive a healthy diet?’

He will also look at how different styles can be integrated into a typical Sunday morning service.

On Thursday (2pm), Roger and Devon will turn their attention from morning song to Mamma Mia – and the use of musicals in mission and evangelism.

‘Musicals with a biblical theme can be a major tool for reaching people with the Gospel, as well as an effective in-reach for the church community,’ said Roger, who has written 25 in his career, the latest on the story of Zacchaeus. He will look at what constitutes a classic musical and how the genre has developed over the years.

‘I’ll also cover what may be achieved through staging a musical and who can be involved, with a special reference to the final message,’ he said. ‘Should we leave the musical to speak for itself, make an appeal – or finish with a spoken message?’

Main photo: Mamma Mia: the musical

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