Using Contemporary Christian Music During Worship

There are many advantages and disadvantages surrounding the use of contemporary Christian music in church services. For Christians, many debates have taken place about using contemporary Christian music during worship services. Some people prefer using and hearing contemporary Christian music over traditional music simply because it is more lively, active, and easier to praise God with. However, there are arguments for both sides, but using contemporary Christian music definitely has its strong points and edge over the traditional music of some church settings.

The Music Versus the Message

Some people will argue that music does not matter during a church service simply because it is not the music that Christians should be going to church to hear anyway. One of the reasons that using contemporary Christian music is put down is because most people have stuck to the traditional values of church services. Church services have always used their traditional method of singing hymns of praise and most of them don't even consider allowing contemporary Christian music, the kind that you can clap and raise your hands to, in the church service at all. These people will argue that a person's motivation for going to church shouldn't be the music but instead should be the message of Jesus Christ. However, doesn't Jesus want us Christians to worship him with our whole minds, mouths, heart, soul, spirit, and body? If that's the case, contemporary Christian music definitely has an edge over traditional music anyway.

What Works Best?

It seems as though if Christian churches really want to rule out using contemporary Christian music in their church services, Christian leaders need to determine what works best for the congregation. Does coming to church, sitting in the same bench seat week after week mouthing and lightly singing really get people turned on to worship Jesus Christ? Or does using contemporary Christian music with guitars, drums, and other instruments help the congregation to praise Jesus with their whole body and spirit? This issue really needs to be looked at closely. Maybe Christian churches are just assuming that older folks may not like the contemporary Christian music that much, but what about the younger ones? While living in an era where kids and teenagers are listening to all kinds of music, it seems as though keeping the Christian community up to speed with the times is crucial to instilling a Christian faith in them.

Some Contemporary Christian Music Artists

Some of the more contemporary Christian music artists are now heard on K-Love, which is a radio station that can be heard all over the United States. Some examples of music that can be used in church services come from the music of Jeremy Camp, Third Day, Chris Tomlin, Big Daddy Weave, Toby Mac, and the David Crowder Band. These contemporary Christian musicians certainly need to be applauded for their work and their ministry. They can also be used in church services, however, and their music can be used to liven up the congregation.

There are plenty of pros and cons to using contemporary Christian music in church services. But one that should be clearly visible to Christian church leaders is the ability to have more people come to church every week and praise God with their whole bodies and spirits through the use of contemporary Christian music.