Conflict over Musical Styles
Nowadays, there are various styles that are used during a worship service, including Liturgical, Traditional, Contemporary, Blended, and Emerging. All of these styles have their pros and cons, which many people often have conflict over. Some of the conflicts are due to the difference in generations, beliefs, and personal preferences. However, the biggest conflict is the way worship leaders/pastors are focusing on style. It is not the style per se that’s important, what is important is how they use it to glorify God.
Style is defined this way, “Style in worship is the way a certain faith community expresses the content of its worship (liturgy) as a result of its given context.” I love the way Constance M. Cherry puts it in her work The Worship Architect because it shouldn’t be the other way around in which the style is giving its context and then expressing faith. Moreover, it should be done authentically that is native and natural for that specific community.
The Liturgical worship consists of using symbols, paraments, intentional placement of furniture. Moreover, it is classical in the way that it uses hymns and anthems. It also focuses on the transcendence of God and highly uses the Christian Calendar. The tradition worship is hymn and choir based, primary instrumentation is organ and/or piano, tends to be more objective, and is rooted towards intergenerational worship. The contemporary worship is praise-chorus based, has modern instrumentation, focuses on the immanence of God, and is highly dependent on technology. The blended worship has a balance of hymns and choruses, has broader use of instrumentation (like organ, piano, guitar, drums, and acoustical instruments), and is led by praise teams and choirs. Lastly, the emerging worship consists of postmodern view of society, sensory in nature, communally led rather than hierarchy of leadership, appreciates ancient forms of worship interpreted in contemporary ways, and strives to engage people with Christ.
As you could see, these five different styles of worship had their own way of worshipping God. Some are heavily dependent on technology, others use choirs and different instruments, and another uses a mix of both. Like every style, they all come with their strengths and weaknesses. Some may be thinking, “well since there are many options, which one is the right style?” The real question is “How can I glorify God in a way that is also relevant to today’s society?” Although we should not follow the patterns of this world, as worship leaders/pastors we do need to be aware of the trends that are happening to make it relevant for our current audience. Moreover, I think it is beautiful that there are various styles and though I may not agree on some, I am learning to appreciate them.
1 Thessalonians 2:4 (ESV) says, “But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.” In other words, because God has approved those who he’s called his children to give charge of the gospel, so we talk not to please others, but to please God. Moreover, when we please Him he will test our hearts and our motives. In the same way, we as worship leaders/pastors should let God test our hearts not only when it comes to leading worship but most importantly, behind the scenes. Why? Because that is where God works the most by us being in the secret place with Him. He will guide us and be our director in how we manage our set lists, meetings, calls, and interactions with others.
To conclude, there are many routes one can take when it comes to choosing a style to follow. However, it is not necessarily the style that should be the main focus, but rather the way in which we are presenting it to the Lord.
