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doulos said:
Is it worthwhile for a church to change their worship style to reflect the likes and dislikes of their younger members or is this a compromise to be avoided at any cost?

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Jonathan Edwards said:
What is wrong with everyone changing to a "biblcal worship" and not necessarily pleasing men (young or old), but God alone?

While I don't see certain contemporary styles of worship as being “un-biblical,” I do believe that no matter what, it should all be Christ centric and God honoring. I myself am drawn to a more reverent, historic, reformed, orthodox and traditional style of worship, but I am not adamant on demanding that the churches worship be a purely regulative style.

Now, with saying this, I know that this has been discussed here many times before. So I understand that there is a difference of opinion. All I’m saying is that, “yes,” I do agree with Jonathan Edwards, I firmly believe and am convicted by the Word of God that our worship must be conducted in a way that gives Him all the glory, in a way that honors Him and in a way that is purely focused on Him and His Word.

But I don’t see that a purely, historical, orthodox and traditional style of worship is the only God honoring style of worship. I enjoy new contemporary songs and I enjoy having instruments as a part of the worship. Again, as long as it is all done in a reverent way that honors God. I’m not talking about a huge praise production that glorifies us.

As with anything, I believe that there has to be a balance and that it has to be biblical. Your church shouldn’t change worship styles to “accommodate” anyone. Nothing should be done to please anyone except God. So to answer your Question Doulos, I don’t believe that your church leaders should make any decisions based on any pressure being put on them by what people want that pleases them. But…… if an argument is made that is scriptural about maybe “adjusting” your worship style a little that is not “un-biblical,” then I think that would be ok. I think worship should be calm reverent and serious, but it should also be joyful and triumphant and I think that adding an element of a more contemporary praise feel to a worship style isn’t bad.

With saying this, though, I’m a little afraid of the response that will come, but I’m going to put myself out here on this issue anyway. Because I enjoy both styles of worship as long as they are done correctly. So please be loving and patient with me. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Y.B.I.C,

Dave.

Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. - Galatians 2:16