Mass appeal

A recent concert by one of the most well-known contemporary writers of hymns and liturgical music looked more like a worship service than a recital.

As a flute descant soared above piano and guitar accompaniment, Marty Haugen invited the audience to join in hymn refrains and responses. Before the evening ended, he led them in the three-part harmonies of a traditional South African hymn.

This is how church music should be experienced, he says. It's not about performance; it's about participation.

"Musicians know people remember songs long after they forget sermons," Haugen says with a smile. "We don't say that too loudly, but we know it."

For example, if you ask a Catholic to recite Psalm 91, you may get a blank look, Haugen says. But ask them to sing "On Eagle's Wings," a hymn based on the psalm, and many will be able to sing all three verses.

"The words we give our congregations will sink in, whether it's good theology or bad theology," Haugen says.

That sets a challenge for today's church leaders and musicians.

No musical plans

Haugen, who lives in Eagan, Minn., never planned to become a church musician, much less a popular composer. He graduated from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, with a degree in psychology.

But after graduation, the Lutheran who had years of piano and keyboard instruction landed his first job in a Roman Catholic parish.

The year was 1973 and the Roman Catholic Church was reeling from the effects of Vatican II, which, among other things, meant Mass would be celebrated in the vernacular language. As a church musician, Haugen found a need for English liturgy and contemporary hymns. His response was to write his own.

Six years later those works were published.

"I came at a fortuitous time," Haugen says. "The Catholic church needed music at that point. I happened to be writing some."

Today his Mass of Creation is likely the most widely used musical setting among English-speaking Roman Catholic parishes. Two other liturgical pieces, Feast and Celebration and Holden Evening Prayer, are more well-known among Protestant churches.

He also has published more than 300 titles, including "Gather Us In" and "Shepherd Me, O God," which was sung at Mother Teresa's funeral.

Like a successful advertising jingle, Haugen's melodies are simple yet unforgettable.

"It's hard to overestimate the influence Marty has had on a great number of people in the church," says Jay Beech, a composer and director of music at Trinity Lutheran in Moorhead. "He's the standard many of us composers use to measure our own work."

Since 1985 Haugen has led workshops in addition to writing music. He recently was in Moorhead to lead sessions at a workshop on contemporary worship.

Worship and culture

Church musicians and liturgical composers today are faced with the tension between traditional worship and the contemporary culture, Haugen and others say.

The challenge is to introduce fresh music that respects the traditions of the church.

Haugen doesn't advocate one musical style over another. Whether a congregation sings traditional hymns accompanied by an organ or newer ones led by a worship band isn't important, he says. He encourages a mixture.

"Worship is such a complex, diverse experience, that saying you only like one type of music is like saying you only want to watch ESPN," he says. "It's limiting."

What's important is the music calls the congregation into an active relationship with Jesus Christ. Singing during worship isn't for entertainment, Haugen says.

"It's about congregations participating in the texts," he says.

Song gives church members an opportunity to claim Scripture and prayers as their own. Music can share ideas that are so deep and powerful that the spoken word can't do it justice, he says.

It also connects worshippers to people in other times and places. When placed in context, songs from Africa or a 17th century hymn can bring the communion of saints closer to today.

"I think music is a language of the heart," Haugen says. "That sounds trite, but it is the voice of your spirit."

Readers can reach Forum reporter Erin Hemme Froslie at (701) 241-5534