In a genre that’s filled with teenagers penning songs of praise using rap, techno and pop-style music, Todd Agnew’s "Grace Like Rain" brings us back to a different time.
You could say it’s somewhat ancient-future worship music. It is music that sometimes melds rock, blues and soul with the gospel and classic Christianity — with definite homage to "Amazing Grace."
In a telephone interview Thursday from his home in Memphis, the 33-year-old Agnew said being true to the doctrines of classical Christianity is important, "which is why when people listen through this record — or the next record — you’ll not only find statements of doctrine, but you will also find hymns."
Agnew said hymns are not only a valuable part of the church’s heritage, but are also a means of teaching doctrine.
"And that’s one thing we’re starting to lose as (worship) music’s becoming popular," he said. "Because you find a lot of songs written by 20-year-olds, as opposed to hymns written by 60-year-old pastors. It’s not that they’re less honest or less genuine, but they’re just people who are not as far along in their walk."
Agnew says even at 33 years, he still feels he has a long way to go before writing a classic hymn, and is careful to pen songs that are true to the faith.
More Todd Agnew interviews with Buzz
"Reflection of Something": September 17, 2005
Buzz is a married father of two, managing editor for print/online at The (Maryville, TN) Daily Times and pastors Green Meadow United Methodist Church in Alcoa, TN. He is a 1981 graduate of East Tennessee State University, where he is a member of the Mass Communications Department Hall of Fame.
Inside you will find a collection of columns penned by Buzz on topics ranging from the death of Rich Mullins, to his battle with Hepatitis C, to asking the question, "Does God have a sense of humor."
Buzz talks with those who, as the late Larry Norman would say, "rock the flock." His interviews range from members of Audio Adrenaline, Newsboys, Jars of Clay and Third Day, to David Crowder and more.
Follow Buzz as he travels with Vine International on two different medical misison trips to Guatemala, as well as one with Volunteer Medical Mission. In 1999, he also went to Estonia with a Volunteers in Mission team.
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