I Don't Miss the Hymns

I don't miss the hymns.

And it is not the reason that you think.

They never left me.

As a former senior pastor, I can tell you that people complained to me a lot about the lack of hymns during the worship services. Honestly, it was tiring. It was wearing. It was annoying. I don't miss it at all.

I now attend a church that sings songs that are consistently more recent. I don't mind it at all. As many of you know, I have always been a "next generation" type of guy and I am always in favor in doing what attracts the unbelieving 20-something into the church.

Since music is consistently an attractive mechanism, I like hearing music that the 20-something connects with. It is not necessarily because I like the music (though more often than not, I do), but because I like watching young people worship God with everything they've got. To me, that is exciting!

Don't misunderstand me though. I love the hymns. I grew up with them. Some I like because they bring back memories of when my faith was new. Some I like because they are powerful communicators of truth.

But, I don't miss them. I still have them. And I sing them. A lot. They are a part of my personal worship every day. Every day! I sing them out loud and boldly. Ask Dondra. She will tell you. On any given morning, you might hear me belting A Mighty Fortress Is Our God or Holy! Holy! Holy! or Blessed Assurance.

I will always have them, because I have disciplined myself to memorize the words. As a result, they are saturating my soul. Interestingly, I find them more powerful than ever.

Remember, the church is not about you. It is about mission. In that sense, I think we should always be looking of how to effectively reach the next generation and not get stuck on how we used to do it, or even worse, on the way I like it.

I will offer one word of encouragement to pastors and worship leaders. Throw a hymn (or a Christmas Carol) in there once in a while. The reason why is not to appease us older folks, but because of the phenomena it creates. I have noticed that it brings the seasoned saints alive during the worship and they sing with gusto because it is something they recognize.

Literally, I have observed a spark that we older folks need from time to time. It is our testimony! And it is worth the younger folks hearing it. They may even discover why we love our old hymns. I believe that you will find it adds to the worship, not detract from it, and it will add to the participation of all involved.

Please feel free to respond!

Paul J. Decker


I love the old hymns.
Let the Spirit reveal the new song!
Don't be an old fogie.

Dear "Not My President" Protesters

Dear "Not My President" Protesters,

Welcome to the club. I understand what you are feeling. But as you come in to our organization, please note that I am resigning.

For your information, I have been saying the same thing about President Obama for the last 8 years as he has consistently pushed forward an agenda that did not represent all Americans. You are now discovering how the people of the United States handle this kind of situation. We call it voting.

Nevertheless, do note that I treat the office with respect and refer to our president as President Obama. I respect our country and our democratic process, even though it has tons of flaws.

For the protesters that are rioting...good luck with that. You should note that you show more about your own character than the person you are supposedly protesting. It is my hope that you will use your energy for something more useful and productive to make the country better. What you are doing now will accomplish very little and if you destroy property and hurt people, do note that jail cells are cold.

Sincerely,

Paul J. Decker

Not a rioter.
Not excited about President-Elect Trump.
Don't blame me. I wanted Ben Carson. It's not brain surgery.
Michael Pence for President!

My Vote Is for...

I have finally decided who to vote for in this election. It is just in time. We vote tomorrow as a nation.

I don't apologize for my political leanings. They make sense to me. I am a conservative, both socially and economically. Most of the time, I find myself falling in line with the Republican platform.

I don't believe in big government, and for the record, I don't trust big business  I trust big government even less.

I have toyed with the idea of not voting for either major candidate. I would go and vote, I just wouldn't vote for Clinton or Trump. It would be a vote of "no confidence" in this election.

I am not voting for HRC. I get as far as her abortion stance and I am done. Call me a one issue voter if you prefer, but it is such a fundamental issue. To call the result of conception anything less than a person defies science and common sense. Add to this, issues of integrity and an attitude of superiority that rivals Donald Trump, and there is just no way. If you think she is more qualified because of her experience, I laugh. Experience yes. Incompetence, a bigger yes.

I am not voting for any third party candidate. I've considered it. There is no candidate or platform that has caught my attention or interest.

So, now the reveal...

I am voting for Mike Pence. He is the only candidate that truly represents my values and has lived these same values. I recognize that Pence has some undesirable baggage. His connection to Trump is hugely unfortunate. You may mark my words. I believe Pence will be president if Trump is elected.

Trump is bound to implode. Though he has shown some discipline with his tongue lately, he will not be able to hold it together. His mouth will get him into trouble sooner or later, and he will not be able to talk his way out of it. It will be bad enough that impeachment proceedings will occur. Resignation will be inevitable.

You may think this is just hopeful thinking. I disagree. I believe the evidence points to it.

I don't look forward to the mess Trump will bring, but I do look forward to a president that will lead with integrity and courage.

Pence for President!