When I was looking for a full-time worship leading gig 10 years ago I told myself I would only work in a church that had always been “contemporary.” I did not want to handle the craziness of a church in transition from “traditional” (meaning organ, choir, hymns) to “contemporary” (meaning drums & guitars, new worship choruses or hymns arranged for band.) I avoided a church with two types of services where there was always a tension between the two. I also avoided the “blended” service with both organ/choir and band, where half the people were happy half the time
Riverwood was the perfect fit. Contemporary since the beginning, wide age range but everyone, young and old, knew what the music was like and chose to make this their church home, either because of the music or in spite of the music. Some came for the preaching and tolerated the music. Others liked the music more than the preaching. Still others actually liked both. And we all got along.
Just when I thought I avoided the worship wars of the 70’s and 80’s when “Jesus music” was rising, now I’m wondering if that change is happening again. “Contemporary” has always been a moving target. As styles change in culture so does contemporary music in church. A song that was contemporary 20 years ago is almost traditional now. A style that was cutting edge 10 years ago is now “retro.” While some churches are still “traditional traditional” (or TT) with hymns, organs & choirs attended by mostly seniors, more are what I call “traditional contemporary” (TC) with newer songs played by 40+ year-old players/singers (like me!) appealing to a broader age range. Then there’s the “new contemporary,” (NC) with very edgy songs played by 20-somethings for other 20-30-somethings.
So now if you have a church of seniors & a few younger, do “TT.” If you want primarily 20-30’s, do “NC.” For the broader age range it seems you must have “TC.” Many churches solve this by offering several styles in different venues…an 8:30 TT, 10:00 TC and Saturday/Sunday night NC services. The congregation ends up segregated by style. Seems exactly where we were 20-30 years ago!
Here’s the question: is this TC style the new “blended” where half the people are happy half the time? Here’s why I ask…
I’ve always tried my best to pick songs with singable melodies, not-too-wide range and good theology. Many are heard on the radio so people who listen to Moody radio, The Fish or K-Love will be familiar with them. My goal is to pick songs that engage the hearts of the people and allow them to express the truths of the song to God. I also try to bridge the range of teen to senior citizen who attend the same service. But lately I hear comments from people about how they observe many people at my church not singing to the music that we’re doing. They should be participating by singing but they don’t. The seniors don’t seem to like the newer songs. The teens-20’s do. This Sunday we sang “Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing.” My pastor & I were talking today about how, whenever we do a hymn arrangement, people seem to sing out more. Is it because of familiarity? Because the older members engage more? Or are hymns still the language of the vast majority of church-goers, young and old?
Anyway, I’d like your thoughts. I’m not looking for a pat on the back & a “You’re doing great, Bill.” This isn’t fishing for affirmation. I’d genuinely like to hear your thoughts on the ever-changing landscape of worship music.
- What type of music helps you engage in worship?
- Is inter-generational worship valuable with a mix of styles?
- Or do you prefer your style with your own generation?
- Do you worship to newer songs? Give me your favorite.
- Is traditional contemporary the new blended, with all the pros/cons that go with it?
Thanks for helping me process all this.
Talk to me…
Bill