We go to First Baptist in Montgomery. We are and forever will be considered a traditional congregation. We don't have a contemporary service as of yet. Worship music comes in many forms and just like other genre of music, some appeals to others while other styles don't. We had people leave the church when we went to using the screens with the words on it rather than singing from the hymnals. To each his own.

I used to be one who though if you didn't have a live piano or guitar playing for soloist, it wasn't good. I did not care for a track of music being played over the sound system while someone sang. I'm 180 degrees from that now. So, things and people can change.

It also took some getting used to seeing ladies singing in front of church wearing pants, jump suits or anything other than a dress or skirt. I'm cool with that now too.

We have begun to lean toward a mix of our traditional music but definitely incorporating the new music like you would hear on K-Love station and The Message on satellite radio. To grow and sustain growth in a church you need (among other things) a pastor that can give the message of God in a way that reaches people and brings them to salvation, a strong children's/youth ministry, and worship music that will touch people. My wife loves The Newsboys, Danny Gogi, Chris Tomlin, MercyMe, ect. I'm more into the traditional hymns but it works because both of us get fed at our church.

Something must be working because we have experienced steady and continued growth when historical downtown churches across the nation are experiencing a decline in membership. I think our forward thinking church leadership who understand how to reach people and keep them fed (including worship music) has a lot to do with it.

These 2 songs were played at my dad's funeral. Kinda spreads the message in different ways.

https://youtu.be/nz7SPlMQEEA

https://youtu.be/khhTpugsmHc


Dr. B

I agree, if practical. Some fairly small churches do this. It also gives options for service times. I like having a worship service followed by Sunday School followed by another style worship service.

I prefer a mix . Touchy subject but it's one that has been discussed extensively in my household in recent months. Poorcountrypreachers post earlier is the truth. It's hard for a church to change worship music once established

Well, to each his own. If it gets you there good- maybe after the praise band practice session is over you will listen to the message. I just got tired of seeing flip flop/t-shirt/cargo short guy , and I never saw him reach in his pocket and put anything i the plate either. But at least he was entertained. I have gone back to traditional Methodist Church service and enjoy it. I do think that people who say the leave any church or sunday school " because I didn't get anything out of it" are missing the reason for going anyway.

Just because you didn't see someone put anything in the plate doesn't mean they aren't giving. And their attire has nothing to do with it one way or another. That kind of attitude is a perfect example of the type of things that keep people from getting involved in church to begin with. Who gives a rip if the guy next to you is wearing a coat and tie or shorts and a tshirt? You can praise God equally in either outfit. And virtually any church in 2017 has multiple ways you can give, not just sticking cash or a check in a collection plate.

Gomer- my opinion is my opinion. Just move along until you find one you like- there will be plenty of options.

I.never get tired of seeing anyone show up for any service in any type of clothing they choose. Jesus didn't worry about what was on the outside but what was on the inside.

I'm also not sure why you'd be so concerned with someone that you'd watch them so close to see what they put in the offering plate. God will do fine without us policing the offering or dress code.

The church has plenty of legalism and not nearly enough of the grace and mercy that we claim as our salvation.

The short version of what happened at my church was that we had 2 services. A contemporary and a traditional. The contemporary was doing well on its own and growing. The traditional was stagnant. The older crowd of the church were displeased because they never see the young people in church anymore. We did the Christmas services all together and mixed traditional and contemporary music. Went OK and the church decided in a Sunday afternoon meeting that it would remain one service. Now the complaints have shifted to the music and I complain too. I love a traditional hymn as much as I love a contemporary song and I believe they should be played and sang with joy and passion, and that is not what we have because it is too excitable.

We just sing and make melody in our hearts.Since I never read about anything being played in NEW Testament worship so we don't do it.

I play in the worship band because it is what I can give to God. and in doing so am serving others so that they may worship with me.

It is hard to do repeatedly without feeling like I have worshipped because of the constant leash I am on.

Well put

Amen and amen.

I can't believe you would say that about anyone coming to church.
No wonder so many young people are leaving the church in general.

Can I ask why you left where you were to go back to traditional Methodist?

Why go to a church if you are not spiritually fed and becoming closer to God.
That's what I want to get out of church. Not just a Sunday checklist.

I go to Briarwood Presbyterian Church, PCA. We are a very traditional church but music is a mixture of traditional hymns, newer hymns, and modern contemporary praise music. The general consensus is there are centuries of music that can be offered to the Lord in praise, worship and reflection. Bill Gather used to be contemporary and modern. Many recent contemporary songs will become traditional eventually...In Christ Alone by the Gettys is an example.

I see the role of the church perhaps differently than some have expressed here. The role of the church should be this: Equipping Christians to grow in Christ individually IN ORDER TO share the gospel in your own family, your city, your state, your country, then the world. Concurrently, the church is a gathering of Christians for worship, prayer, fellowship and support along with ministries to meet needs. It isn't really about being pleasing to the community or becoming modern to be attractive. Christ alone is attractive.

A church will be effective and contagious if it is Christ centered, gospel driven and spirit filled. That's the right and primary focus. Traditional churches and contemporary churches can both be very effective for the kingdom, regardless of music if Christ is preached and the members are equipped and encouraged to share the gospel.

Sadly, this is the kind of crap that is killing churches and chasing off potential souls that need reached. So many churches are getting away from their true purpose and worrying about petty stuff. Not once in the Bible does it talk about contemporary or traditional worship styles. Not once does it talk about wearing suits and ties versus blue jeans or shorts. Not once does it say anything about whether or not a church is supposed to meet on Wednesday and Sunday nights as well as Sunday morning. Not once does it say whether or not it's okay to have a meal under the church roof. These are just a few items I've heard bickering and fighting over in the church and the list goes on and on. The problem isn't whether or not these items are right or wrong but rather the selfishness of people with the attitude of "this is how we've always done it and that's how I like it". I've heard it said that "Christians are the only army that shoots its wounded", and sadly, its true. The purpose of Christians is to glorify God, encourage each other in growth, and lead others to Christ. Period. There is absolutely nothing wrong with preferring one worship style over another but if a person/church isn't willing to change (as long as the change is still biblical) to reach the community then they need to evaluate their true intentions. If you think about it, many of the songs that are called traditional at one time was probably considered very contemporary.

As does Larkinsville Church of Christ, I'd say that's traditional.

As a former Church of Christ, I will say you've never read anything in the New Testament about using projectors with song words, microphones, etc...but you'll find those in nearly every Church of Christ building out there.

Worship is neither traditional nor is it contemporary. Worship is me simply communicating to Jesus that I love Him and that He is my God. I believe worship is not a corporate thing. I am responsible for my own worship. I attend a Pentecostal church but I don't "worship" like those around me in the service. I simply focus my thoughts on Christ and somehow get one on one with Him. If some raise their hands, shout, pray in tongues, or clap their hands it should not upset me or distract me from participating in my own worship of Him. Most of the time I stand and sing along with my eyes closed. I sing those words to Him and my closed eyes allow me to not be distracted. God actually reveals alot to me during this time. I often feel my negativity change, I literally have a change in attitude. I become encouraged about life. I also find that I rewind the past week's events and missed opportunities where I could have encouraged others or given a little more of myself and time to those who need to feel the love of Christ's "ambassadors" (II Cor. 5:18-20). Anyway, we simply "worship in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24)

Along with electricity, running water, and a book with the words printed on them.