Worship Music: How and Why I added Christian Music to my Playlist

I have always loved music. I have it on when I’m driving, cooking, cleaning… you name it! But when it came to worship music... adding Christian music to my playlist was not something that I had EVER done! I wouldn't have known where to start even if I WANTED to! I grew up going to a very traditional church (think organ and a choir in the loft behind the congregation!), so when I got older, started a family, and moved to a much larger city with much larger churches it was the music aspect of the services that I couldn't get used to. The fact that there were drummers, guitarists, and in some cases- lights and smoke... it just didn't feel like church to me. This was one of the many features of the larger, more modern churches that I had to overcome, but in hindsight- I am SO glad I did! And honestly, kind of sad that it took me so long!

When we first started attending a church with a worship band, I admit- I just stood there. I didn't know the songs and despite the words being on the screen (Even the fact that there was a SCREEN was weird to me) I couldn't connect. That all quickly changed. I volunteered at VBS that summer and my co-teacher mentioned that a few years before, the pastor had challenged the church to switch the music in their car to a Christian station for a week and to see what happened! My co-teacher said that her family made the switch for that week and never went back. The challenge seemed easy enough. Didn't think I would like it, but I was willing to try it.

I had just subscribed to SirisXM and I knew it had a feature where I could search for music genres. So that's what I did! I went to the Gospel/Worship category and landed on the channel called The Message. It felt a little weird at first. I'm not going to lie! I felt like an imposter. I will openly admit that I love my country music, let the kids listen to Kids Bop, and if I'm completely honest...dabble in 90s Rap from time to time. I told you I love music and I meant ALL music. But now... I was rocking out to Jesus music- WHO AM I?!

It was a transition and unlike my co-teacher, I did flip back to The Highway (country) or the Kids Bop station from time to time. But when I was in the car by myself, 90% of the time, I left it on The Message. I started listening at home, too! I would buzz around cleaning the house and eventually, I started to learn the songs they were playing. I would even sing along! As I mentioned before, I have always loved music and one of the reasons is because it almost timestamps events and feelings from the past. The way music can bring back memories and evoke feelings has always amazed me. Worship music started doing this for me! If I was having a bad day and one of my favorite worship songs came on, it was like an instant cure! These songs were calming, but at the same time uplifting and energizing!

It wasn't long that on Sundays at church, the songs that they were singing were songs that I KNEW! This made me feel included! I realize that it wasn't that I wasn't "included" before but I felt like I knew what was going on. I no longer felt like an imposter! I didn't have to read the screen to know the words. It also didn't take long before I had favorite songs! I even have favorite bands/artists from the genre! What in the world! I never in a million years thought this would be me, but I am so glad it is! I've made a playlist for you of some of my favorites! You can find that here!

So... if you aren't already a Christian/Worship music listener- I challenge you to make the switch for one week! Find out what channel is the christian station on your radio or give The Message on SirisXM a try! I'd be curious to hear how it goes! And if you DO listen to Christian Music... have you been to a concert?! I haven't but I would love to! Which group/artist is a must see in person?! Drop your thoughts in the comments!