Alison Krauss describes Hazel Dickens as, “Cranked up to ten.” She doesn’t hold back vocally or when it comes to standing up for workers rights. As a girl she grew up singing in a primitive Baptist church in the mountains of West Virginia seeing the injustice done to coal mine workers. She later became and advocate for labor unions and workers rights.
As a worship leader, there is a lot to be learned from Hazel Dickens’ story. How can I/we encourage our congregations to address the social justice issues of our society today? How can I/we embrace what Christ proclaims in the Sermon on the Mount? Let us look for examples of Christians who had a heart for social justice and were willing to use the talents God blessed them with to love their neighbor and bring Christ’s Kingdom here on earth as it is in Heaven.
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July 13, 2009 at 6:21 pm
Kester
>>How can I/we encourage our congregations to address the social justice issues of our society today? How can I/we embrace what Christ proclaims in the Sermon on the Mount?
The Russians chant the Beatitudes almost every week in worship. I think all Christians should. Reminding ourselves of how low God descended in the Incarnation, of His love for “the least of these,” should help us all to attempt the same.
That, and reminding ourselves of the examples of those who have gone before; like St. Francis, St. Damien, Mother Theresa and such.
September 21, 2009 at 9:37 pm
dylanpicker
Thanks for the comment Kester.
I agree with you. Looking back into church history and borrowing worship practices from different streams of the church in order to enrich our own congregation’s connection through worship is a great way to encourage and address the social justice issues of today. I also believe if we take on the values that are embeded deep in roots music forms, instead of the values that are found in much of the modern music we utilize in worship, we could see real transformation in the worshiping church. I’m not saying we should all be playing bluegrass. I’m simply trying to redirect the values of worship music from marketability to community based artistry.