Worship Notes ~ Contemporary Worship

More than two decades have passed since a group of progressive, primarily independent churches sought to bring a more “spirited” style of worship to their members. As the idea spread, these churches experienced rapid growth, financial prosperity, and spiritual depth.

Through the years, these early beginnings of contemporary worship have evolved into a new musical form and worship style that has become known as the “praise and worship movement.” Today’s churches have embraced contemporary services that are a blend of musical styles, and allow for freedom of personal expression. They have learned that, in a well-tailored contemporary worship service, seniors, mid-adults, families, and teens can be brought into the presence of God, and all can open themselves to a life-changing experience in Jesus Christ.

Contemporary worship at St. Andrew’s started about 10 years ago, first in Fellowship Hall and then in Gospel Hall. The service was led by a handful of singers, a guitarist, and the pastors. As our contemporary service has evolved and grown through the years, more musicians have been added and the musical repertoire has expanded to include arrangements of traditional hymns like “Beneath the Cross of Jesus,” and “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name.” Praise songs like, “I Sing Praises,” “He Is Exalted,” and “Great is the Lord” are also an important part of the atmosphere of worship. The words for the songs are projected on a screen or wall, which allows the congregation more freedom of expression without being hampered by a hymnal or bulletin. Worshipers feel free to open themselves to God’s blessing by the lifting of hands and/or clapping to the rhythm of the music.

Worshipers at the contemporary service experience spirit-filled, upbeat music led by an inter-generational team, while hearing the same scripture lessons and sermons used in other services. It is authentic worship, faithful to tradition, evangelical by nature, and related to the contemporary world. 

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