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
There is nothing like hearing a familiar old hymn. Hymn’s are like word of God – that as the the culture constanlty changes, God’s word and hymns never do. They are always relevant to anyone, anywhere, and at anytime. There are often stories about the lives of these saints that penned these hymns that speak of a faith we can all aspire to. They are timeless. I think there is a place for ‘contemporary’ music, but when I desire to come before my God in reverance, bring on the hymns! The Getty’s do a great job with modern hymns and so does Selah. I do listen to some contemporary music on the radio, but quickly tire with the repetative choruses sung 5-10 times over and over. You have done a great blending the wide range of styles and I don’t envy you that job. I pray the Lord continues to bless you with His passion for His people. Thank you for leading us in worship!!
Bill – I love our worship services. I come from a Baptist background and was raised with the traditional hymns, piano, organ, and choir. I’m so not at that place anymore. Even though I’ve moved, from my Baptist hymnal days, I do love and appreciate the way you weave in the traditional hymns – sometimes with an upbeat arrangement. There is nothing like the way a hymn incorporates scripture … and I do love the familiarity of the words I grew up with.
I also notice the older folks not siniging to some of the contemporary music, but it’s not for everyone … they still attend … they’re there and that’s what’s important. You’re not going to please everyone in song or word.
Thank you for your style of worship – it helps me in my worshipping my Lord and Saviour. I feel so close to God when praising him in song and music.
Thank you!
Have you heard BiFrost Arts and Welcome Wagon yet man? It’s kinda wild but I think they’re getting back to a more traditional vibe, and that seems to be cutting edge these days.
I like some traditional music but sometimes it drags. I am almost 50 but I find I like a lot of the same music my kids like. I guess I’m one of those people who has a blended appetite for music. I like a variety of music (traditional & contemporary) because it adds spice to the service. I especially like the songs with a real meaning that we can apply to our life today. Maria
Bill,
I consider myself to be one of the older group in the church and having left the Catholic church with all it’s serious hymns and organ music I was refreshed and lifted by the music and worship at Riverwood. NEVER in the Catholic church would I have felt comfortable raising my hands in praise. In my view hymns are very solemn and don’t really lend to actually praising God in an upbeat way but they do have their place and on occasion I am very moved by them. When I see the entire congregation clapping and singing and then afterwards, applause…..THAT is truly amazing. Praise God! There are some Sundays when I wish the music would go on forever and there are other Sundays (believe me not more than I could count of one hand) like last week, that the music just didn’t touch me. But, so what? Right? You simply can’t please all of the people all of the time and I understand that. It’s usually on those Sundays that Brian brings a particularly powerful message that fills me in maybe a way the music didn’t. That is God working IN me!! So cool! All in all if I leave the service uplifted from the music and or the sermon what a great way to start my day. So, if I had a vote, I would vote for more contemporary with a mix of traditional. I often sit with a woman that rarely sings to the traditional songs but belts it out for a hymn…..often I’m the opposite. But just because I don’t sing a song doesn’t mean I’m not enjoying it. Could be it’s not in a great key for my voice or sometimes I just close my eyes, listen and absorb it’s message. I vote for continuing to do what you’re doing!!
Dianna