Contemporary! Traditional! Divisive words–particularly when referring to methods of worship. Some churches commit themselves to one particular style while others divide themselves into distinct congregations with separate services to accommodate a mismatched membership with dissimilar preferences regarding music or dress. For some reason music always seems to be at the heart of the issue. Should the congregation find the words to hymns in hardback hymnals or the words to choruses projected on a screen? Should soloists sing to recorded music with microphone in hand or to organ accompaniment with arms passively at the side? Should the congregation applaud or whisper “amen” when blessed? Should drums and guitars be allowed in church? Should music styles reflect changing cultural models, or are some melodies and rhythms inherently inappropriate for worship? These are tough questions with answers that almost always fail to convince or change the other side.

Author  Michael P. V. Barrett, B.A., M.A., Ph.D., is the President of Geneva Reformed Seminary and the Associate Minister at Faith Free Presbyterian Church in Greenville, South Carolina. For nearly 30 years he was a professor of Ancient Languages and Old Testament Theology and Interpretation at Bob Jones University and Seminary.