Wes McKinzie on the power of God and a 3 minute song
Acappella Monday, October 19th, 2009
Here’s a message from Acappella’s current bass singer, Wes McKinzie: “A couple of years ago, I had a good conversation with someone who questioned how much ministry “music ministries” could truly do. He contended that someone who was really struggling (for example, someone who was questioning God’s existence while bedridden in the hospital) needed more than a song. In those situations, he contended, souls were saved through personal attention and fellowship. Those are valid arguments. It’s the personal touch that often makes the difference in the long run.
But all non-Christians need someone or something to plant the seed. And all Christians need someone or something to comfort them, inspire them or simply make them think. Though music should never be the be-all/end-all, songs can definitely make a significant impact, even when it’s a one-shot deal at a worship service, on the radio or at a concert. That’s happened to me personally. My mom, youth minister and others helped me fight through some troubled teen years. But Acappella also helped me find my way as a young Christian. The music was so good, I listened and listened over and over again. Those Christian messages filled my mind and heart … and they helped me grow.
When my mom was battling the cancer that eventually took her life, songs like Michael W. Smith’s “Let It Rain,” Nicole Nordeman’s “Legacy” and Chris Rice’s “Untitled Hymn” simultaneously broke me down and lifted me up. They were powerful reminders of what my mom lived for and what I lived for. Those songs helped keep me strong.
I could go on and on about how music ministries have impacted me. And I’ve seen so many other examples of people’s lives being touched and ultimately changed through their exposure to music ministries. To God be the glory for working in both the big things and the small things … and for working through intimate relationships and through something as simple as a three-minute song!”
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I agree with Wes. I tend to associate certain songs with certain periods in my life; for instance I remember sitting alone in my church listening to Life (off of Acappella’s Rescue album) all alone in my church after some Bible Studies didn’t go well in the community. I blasted our small church speakers for all they were worth that day.
Some songs are timeless, though. Any time I hear Lead Me to Rest, I not only associate it with the time in which I first heard it, but it hits me on the “right now” as well.
Sometimes a 3 minute song can say things you only wish you could say. There’s a song by Casting Crowns called, “The Voice of Truth.” I was at a time in my marriage when my wife didn’t have much reason to believe anything I said based on past deceptions and behavior. I had gone through a mighty change and was converted. This time was truly different, but who was I to tell her that? However, she heard that song and realized it was Satan lying to her, not me. “The voice of truth told [her] a different story. The voice of truth said do not be afraid.”
Finally, a 3 minute song often gets where a 30 minute sermon never could. Our church had a service in the park once. I sang a song or two and then sat down to listen to the message. Afterward, the pastor said everyone around the campsite stopped to listen to the music, but they all left when the sermon started. It wasn’t that I was good and he was bad. It’s the power of the three minute song.
Thank you, Wes. And welcome back.
Wes,
You elude to a good point when you say the songs were so good you listened over and over again. We should strive for excellence for this very reason. Even non-believers will listen to a Christian song if it is good…and the song may be the very thing that breaks through to their hearts.
Another way music ministers to me is that songs are more likely to “get into” me and resurface when I need them, reminding me of God’s truths, promises and great love. I might be shopping at Mardel and hear their Christian Muzak, and I start thinking of the words to the music. I am blessed right then and there. I’m more likely to remember scripture if it is set to music, too.
I’m glad you have perfected your gift of music, Wes. You bless me.