Part 1: Contemporary worship at its best (and worst) ~ Erin Dunn

First of all, what is contemporary worship?

According to Spectrums of Worship, “Contemporary worship endeavors to use modern instrumentation, contemporary musical styles, and freshly written or arranged songs, in the language of this generation to lead people into authentic expressions of worship and a genuine experience of the presence of God” (p.61).

Contemporary worship is the desire to use modern resources coupled with new heartfelt expressions of love for God. 

The worshipper must write songs that are scripturally based, full of truth. In Psalms, David was honest about his feelings, whether they were up or down. Therefore, using the Psalms as a biblical reference, we should not be afraid to express our gratitude towards God and the brokenness of our hearts, our need for God. God wants us to encounter Him wherever we are in our understanding of who He is.

Paul Baloche and Bob Kauflin are wonderful examples of leading the church in right worship through the contemporary style. Paul and Bob both, always write songs that point church members to remember the cross, to focus on the gospel as they sing unto the Lord. The songs that they write are full of praise and truth. Another great example of a contemporary worship leader is Matt Redman. Redman continually writes new songs that are full of the gospels truths.

Contemporary worship can be very detrimental if worship leaders stray from keeping the gospel the central theme in the service. 

About 7 years ago, I visited a church with a good friend. Their opening song was “You Are My Sunshine.” They continued to sing three more songs that gave the congregation a sense of “happiness”, but did not lift up the name of Jesus at all. The preacher’s sermon was very watered down, not convicting or leading to a call of repentance and obedience. The goal of this contemporary service was clearly not to lift up the name of Jesus, but to make people feel good in hopes they would return. I also sensed that the leadership wanted people to feel unified and friendly towards one another. There was a sense of community and love between one another, but it was not rooted and grounded in the person of Jesus Christ. I do not know what has become of that church, but I know that if anything challenging has blown their way over the last 7 years, their weak foundation was not able to withhold the strong winds.

If contemporary worship will keep the gospel the center of their entire worship service, than the church will be built up, rooted, and grounded in the love of Christ.