I remember growing up in a Presbyterian home in Brazil and going to church every Sunday, plus other nights during the week. My dad gave me a miniature hymnal, Salmos & Hinos (Psalms & Hymns). I would climb up an avocado tree in our back yard and spend a couple of hours up there singing. There were many precious hymns that I loved singing and I still do from time to time. Singing in church is a good thing. It is a time when we make our public and corporate confession of faith, so to speak. You sing what is in your heart, and your lips glorify the Lord Almighty with many different praises.

There has been a debate about what is old and new in Christian worship for many years. The majority of people tend to affirm that growing churches usually have more contemporary singing; and this is the reason why they grow. In part this is true, but in many cases, it does not make much of a difference. Worship is what is in the faith of the people and I have been in vibrant churches where contemporary worship is not even an option. The old classic hymns are there, with their pipe organs, and people sing with all their hearts. I want to suggest that we should explore the essence of worship in some cultures and sub-cultures in order to make a better assessment of the real motifs behind their reason for singing, dancing, and praising the Lord. The Apostle Paul mentions in two of his letters (to the Ephesians and to the Colossians) that there is a variety of praises in the Church. Some praise God with Hymns, others with Psalms (which are the most beautiful hymns in the Judeo-Christian heritage) and spiritual songs. Having said that, I think all these categories of worship songs have helped me to grow in my spiritual pilgrimage.

There are a number of Christian groups and individuals who have impressed me in Brazil with their music. One of them is the group Vencedores por Cristo (Conquerors through Christ). It is a long standing group from São Paulo, pretty much in the steps of Maranatha Singers. Other groups are back in my past in Brazil, and I don't want to embarrass myself by telling you how old I am... Don and Asaph, a duo from Southern Brazil are very influential in my spiritual growth for many years. They have a great spiritual message in their music and lyrics. Josué Rodrigues, a personal friend of mine, is a pastor who preaches wonderful messages with his singing. I know him for at least twenty years and his music is tremendously gratifying to anybody who wants to have a deeper relationship with the Lord. Expresso Luz is a group that has spiritually educated me in many ways. Through their music, mainly from my brother-in-law, Reny Helder Cruvinel, and a good friend, Carlinhos Veiga, I appreciate not only the regional flavor of their music, but also the simplicity of their lyrics. They speak of their Christian life in a most ordinary and natural way. I love it! There is a friend who grew up with me, although he is a little younger, who has become a great Christian song writer. Atilano Muradas is a unique guy, with a tremendous sensibility for the eternal truths of the Gospel. I love listening to his music as well. Another Brazilian composer that has been a good influence in my life is Rique Pantoja. He lives with his family in Southern California and has been instrumental in providing great music for several people there.

In the English side of the story, I have been blessed by some great Christian musicians. Among them, Keith Green, Michael Card, John Michael Talbot, and Amy Grant seem to be the more influential in my taste for music. Lately, I am listening to Third Day, mainly because they play good Rock and Roll... Michael W. Smith and Steve Green have also excellent music, so does Twila Paris.

The inspiration from the Christian music is something that you will experience and find that there is hope in Jesus Christ for those who trust in Him. It is more than just a religious mantra; it is, as I said before, a Confession of Faith. The wonderful thing about it is that we find good music in the Christian faith and it is empowering to see how worship and the various praise forms lead us to know Him in a personal way. I'd like to invite you to spend time listening to this genre and compare it with the many other options available in the world today. Maybe you will find what you've been looking for!