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Feb 20, 2024
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Church Council Case Study Assignment
Melodie Penland
BIBL 364: Acts
February 17, 2024
OVERVIEW
Incorporating Contemporary music in the worship service.
JW and Sarah have been married for 12 years and are in their mid-thirties. They have one son, who is eight years old. Sarah and JW have been members of First Baptist Church for most of their lives. They grew up in the youth group and were close friends until they started dating in high school. They continued dating in college and then got married. While they were newly married, JW and Sarah continued serving at the church. Both served in the youth ministry because it was a huge ministry to them growing up, and they were close to the youth pastor. JW also played in the worship band, and Sarah served on the Women's committee that put together events. Both couple’s parents also attend First Baptist Church. Both sets of parents are in their 60s and have been at First Baptist for 30 or more years. Both JW and Sarah come from loving Christian homes.
Sarah's dad is a prominent church member as he is a deacon and sings in the choir and praise team. Sarah's stepmom is on the personnel team and sings in the choir, and both are heavily involved in most aspects of the church. JW's mom serves in the nursery and helps lead the kid's choir. JW's dad sings in the choir and is a deacon.
First Baptist Church has been around for 125 years and is traditional in music and conservative. Around 30 years ago, First Baptist Church thrived, with 1500 actively attending. Also, 30 years ago, several groups from the church were sent out to start churches on opposite ends of the city. Those churches were established and decided to be more casual and contemporary in music. All those churches that First Baptist started thrive with several services and have a huge population of young families with children and youth. Their children and youth programs are top-notch and
inviting. When new people come to town, they are directed to these churches that welcome young people and have contemporary music.
Here is the issue. JW and Sarah grew up at the church, and most of their friends still live in town,
but they all attend one of these other churches. All of their friends have kids and prefer contemporary music and churches that are more casual in dress than the traditional downtown First Baptist Church.
JW and Sarah love First Baptist Church but also see a huge issue. There is a considerable age gap because anyone their age and younger than their parent's age is one of the only couples between 30-60. All of their parent's friends who have kids their age has moved to other churches.
JW and Sarah know that these other churches that do contemporary music attract young people, so they want First Baptist to start using contemporary worship. The older congregation, 75% of the church or more, does not want contemporary music. They only like the hymns and will not participate and may withhold their tithe if any other styles of music are played. The parents and other senior adults value the hymns and want to keep the worship service the same as it always has been. They believe that the highest attendance was when they only did traditional music. They do not see how there was a mass exodus in the late 1980s and 1990s when other churches started doing praise and worship music. First Baptist did not get on board with the change and, in
turn, has dwindled to 200 people.
JW and Sarah's point of view: In this scenario, the church is divided over whether contemporary music and worship styles should be embraced in church services alongside traditional hymns and
liturgical practices. Some argue for integrating contemporary elements to engage a younger audience and remain culturally relevant. In contrast, others advocate preserving traditional worship forms to honor the church's heritage and maintain reverence in worship. JW and Sarah
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realize that if First Baptist does not gain more young people, the church will be in a bad place in a few years. Even when the church gains new members, First Baptist is still losing more members because of deaths and other senior adults who have to move to assisted living places.
At First Baptist Church, there has been a debate for decades regarding contemporary music in the
worship service alongside traditional hymns.
JW and Sarah represent the younger generation, pushing for contemporary music, while the senior adults, including their parents, want to maintain church tradition and prefer the hymns. JW and Sarah passionately advocate for contemporary music in church worship services for the following reasons: 1. They believe that contemporary music connects with their generation in a way that traditional hymns may not. The beats, rhythms, and lyrics resonate with their contemporary experiences and
emotions, making worship more engaging and relatable. Many of these songs are currently played on the radio, making them accessible to seekers and new believers. Psalm 33:3 encourages new sons and implies that worship should adapt to the cultural context. 2. Contemporary worship music allows JW and Sarah to authenticate their faith. The songs speak
to their journey with God, fostering a deep connection and intimacy in their worship experience.
Psalm 149:1 highlights the importance of singing new songs to the Lord which indicates that worship should be a genuine expression of praise. 3. They view contemporary worship styles as an effective evangelistic tool, especially for reaching out to their peers who may not be familiar with traditional church music. The modern sound and style can attract newcomers and help them encounter the message of the Gospel in a
relevant and accessible way. 1 Corinthians 9:22 emphasizes the importance of bringing the Gospel message to different audiences. Contemporary worship styles can effectively reach the unchurched and invite them to encounter God.
The senior adults in our church community hold dear to traditional music and worship styles for the following reasons:
1. They appreciate the depth of theological content in traditional hymns. The hymns convey timeless truths about God's love, grace, and redemption, enriching their worship experience and deepening their faith. Colossians 3:16 emphasizes the importance of Jesus being communicated between hymns and psalms. 2. For the senior adults, traditional worship forms connect them to the broader historical church tradition. Singing hymns passed down through generations creates a sense of continuity with the worship practices of previous generations, anchoring them in the rich heritage of the faith. Deuteronomy 32:7 encourages believers to remember and honor the traditions from previous generations. 3. Traditional worship styles provide a sense of stability and comfort for senior adults. The familiar melodies and lyrics of hymns evoke cherished memories and create a sense of unity within the congregation, fostering a spirit of fellowship and belonging. 1 Corinthians 14:33 highlights the importance of peace in worship time.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
We write to you regarding a vital decision reached by the council of leaders within our church community. We have heard many opinions about worship styles in our Sunday service. We have heard from young and old about the benefits of both contemporary and traditional worship.
After much prayer and deliberation, it has been determined that our church will embrace a blended approach to worship, incorporating contemporary and traditional music and worship styles. It is important to honor God in worship while using different styles which will help foster a sense of true worship and closeness from within the congregation. While using both styles of worship, we will create a worship experience that is beneficial to all. This approach honors our congregation's diverse preferences and spiritual needs and fosters unity
and inclusivity within our church community.
We recognize that this decision may bring about various responses and emotions among our congregation. However, we urge you to approach this with an open heart and a spirit of unity as we continue to worship and serve together in the name of Christ.
May the Holy Spirit guide us as we seek to glorify God through our worship.
In Christ's love,
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