What is your favorite style of church music? Traditional or Contemporary?

Question

Do you like that old organ and choir or would you rather have a band and singers?

Answer 1

definately traditional ... the old hymns.

Answer 2

I have worked in churches as a music director for over 15 years, and I grew up in a traditional church.



I like traditional music, but for the past couple of years, contemporary music has been speaking to my heart, and traditional music has left me cold.



I'm not talking about "Shout to the Lord" repititious drivel - but some of the music the church where I attend has done recently:



Solid Rock - Delirious

Stronger - Delirious

O Praise Him - David Crowder (not at all shallow lyrics, btw)

Amazing Grace - Chris Tomlin (Old standard with a twist)

You are God Alone - Joy Williams





And at the traditional church where I work, I just had a soloist sing "Every Season" by Nichole Nordeman. The poetry in that song is meaningful.



"O Sing a NEW song to the Lord, Sing, all the earth!"



I am experiencing a deeper call and walk with God through some of these new songs.



Blessings to you.

Answer 3

I think you have to change with the times, the organ and choir seems not to be as popular as it used to be, as a music minister I find that most of the congregation like the worship teams with singers and instruments of all kinds. But I also think to be a good balance you should use a couple new contemporary songs and gear it down with some of the older hymns from the book for the older crowd so they have as much chance to sing their favorite church songs.This way you can give everyone a chance to sing and make melody in their hearts and worship God and be involved as well as the newer songs out now are for the younger crowd and they can sing the songs they are used to listening to on the radio and CD's that are out. You can take an older hymn and give it a fresh new appproach and a different beat and have the whole congregation be in one accord and that is what music ministers are after, participation by all the people.

Answer 4

well I personally like contemporary music it seems more lively and I am able to relate to it better. I also found Psalm 150 3-6 interesting.



Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with the tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.



To me this Psalm describes more of the Contemporary worship!!!! I know some people think it's a little weird to raise your hands and praise God but I'm sure God thinks it's wonderful that you are able to put yourself out there and not be ashamed of your love for him.



I use to go to a Traditional service I found the music to be ok but now that I have been introduced to contemporary I would never go back!!!!!

Answer 5

I personally very much enjoy Traditional. Some of the new stuff may be trendy but it makes me think more of a concert situation than being in church. Now that said, some of the more softer Contemporary is also nice.

Answer 6

I like both for different reasons. I like traditional usually because the lyrics are deeper I like contemporary if the lyrics are good

I prefer a blend. It accommodates both old and young people and I think a good choice They can learn to appreciate the good in different styles of good music

Answer 7

I like traditional at church and contemporary in the car! i am really tired of just contemporary at church - it's more like "entertainment time" at the theater. We need to get back to basics at church!

Answer 8

I have never liked contemporary church music. I find it very disrespectful to throw the name of God around in a rock song that could just as easily be turned into a secular song by substituting a few words in the song. I think music that glorifies God and brings us closer to him should be tasteful, respectful and beautiful. Not loud guitars and drums just meant many times to draw in people but not really bring in the true spirit of worship to a meeting.

Answer 9

I like contemporary, although like ecclesteses 3 says there is a time for everything, and traditional is okay occasationally.

Answer 10

Traditional - However, my church doesn't have an organ. We have lots of talented musicians, piano, flutes, violins, guitars, horns and so forth. But we ONLY play the old time worship songs and are against contemporary worship songs.

Answer 11

As a lead guitarist, I choose contemporary with a band.

Answer 12

i'm with you. i love classic stuff, the older the more suitable ideal. a number of the more suitable present day ones have appallingly cloying melodies, like "What a buddy we've in Jesus". The congregation likes to sing those ones, yet i won't be able to face them. "For each and every of the Saints" is gorgeous. My commonplace is likely "This completely satisfied Eastertide" from the Lutheran hymnal. such an excellent song. The cutting-edge stuff I listen choirs sing is rather dreadful. As undesirable as many of the Christian rock I listen.

Answer 13

I usually lean toward the contemporary, although it really just depends on whatever gets me into the spirit at the time.

Answer 14

I enjoy contemporary music personally, but many traditional hymns are beautiful too.

Answer 15

When my mom forced me to go to church I experienced both.



Band and singers are better because I would fall asleep during the old organ music and my mom would get mad. =[

Answer 16

Today's contemporary is tomorrow's traditional...I personally like Gregorian and Ambrosian chant.

Answer 17

Contemporary. Our church has an amazing group who leads us during worship!

Answer 18

As a Christain, I prefer Contemporary. I find it easier to worship God in that manner, than by droning out "difficult to sing," ancient hymns.



Some exceptions to this is "Amazing Grace." That song never gets old. And if you find it easier to worship God by singing allong to an old hymn, rockin' to contemporary Christian songs, or by bobin' your head to Christian heavy metal, then that's fine. Or whether you prefer to worship alone or among many people... thats ok too.



Most people refer to a song or a hymn as worship... but if one's heart is not focussed upon God - it is nothing more than a nice(or bad) tune (not worship).





God knows the heart, your heart.







-Mr. Agappae

Answer 19

Count me on the contemporary / rock side.



Traditional is what I grew up with.

Answer 20

traditional, Old hymns

Answer 21

Both so long as the words in the song are theologically sound.

Answer 22

Hard rock music.

Answer 23

Both at different times..

Answer 24

I like both, just depends on my mood. Sometimes I like it slow and sweet and at other times, I want it upbeat and contemporary! : )



Thanks for Asking!!

Answer 25

i kinda like the modern singing stompin feet and singing loud music.!

Answer 26

I like the Church's song "Under the Milky Way" the best

Answer 27

contemporary, and gospel, also praise each has it's place

Answer 28

TRA-DITIONAL!!! I hate the "shout to the lord" crap! Bring me some "Amazing Grace" and "Ave Maria" any day!

Answer 29

I like the death metal style christian hard rock bands...

Answer 30

None, I find all religious and church music boring. I can't be inspired by boring music.

Answer 31

I'd have to say neither. If pressed, I'd say traditional... no, I'd still say neither.

Answer 32

Death metal.

Answer 33

Honky Tonk.