Modern music in churches today

[lily]

I love the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir type music, etc.
I notice in UPC churches today the Hillsong type music and performance is a norm and I truly detest it. It's a dealbreaker for me. I truly hope this music trend dies out.
The last church I regularly attended was a small PAW church for about 5 years. There was none of the stage stuff and screen with the shallow Hillsong style music, just good ol' worship music.
When I attended UPC churches several years ago it was mainly choir music, just good powerful Pentecostal worship music which I love. I'm sure everyone's seen Bro. Spell's services since he and his church have become infamous on the news. I like their music style, definitely no Hillsong stuff there.


I visited a church last Sunday and I basically had to sit and grit my teeth and bear the Hillsong music style I detest, which is always seemingly accompanied by that nauseatingly annoying sing songy "talk" the worship leader does, a la Hillsong style. It's basically like fingernails on a chalkboard for me. I had to repent and tell God sorry, but I just couldn't deal with it. Won't be back for sure.

What has happened to the music in UPC churches?? ��

[Michael The Disciple]

I havent seen Bro Spells services. Do you have a link?

[Michael The Disciple]

"Hillsong" music is a very broad term isnt it? For instance some equate Hillsong music with "Charismatic" music. Between the two of these there is a lot of really great music tho they are not actually the same thing.

At the same time there is far more "filler" music between the two than the great music. And yet thats the same in any kind of music.

And then there is a difference between the modern K LOVE type music and what you are calling "Hillsong" music. For the most part I cant listen long to K LOVE.

There is music that is "about" Jesus. Then there is music that is "to" Jesus. Both are very good but theres always songs that are MORE rich in quality than others.

There was none of the stage stuff and screen with the shallow Hillsong style music, just good ol' worship music.

Can you post a link or two of examples of what would be deep good old worship?

[Jito463]

Hillsongs has a few songs I like, but they're not usually my favorite. For me, in order for it to be called Christian music, the central focus of the song must be God. It can be about anything, but the focus must go where it belongs. The greatest contrasting example I ever encountered occurred many years back (late 90's/early 00's), when there were two very similar, but drastically different approaches to basically the same concept.

Phillips, Craig & Dean had a song titled "I want to be just like You". It was describing a father's relationship with his son, while focusing on how he (the father) wants to be like God, because his son wants to be like him. The song may have been about the father/son relationship, but the focus was on God.

Lord, I want to be just like You
'Cause he wants to be just like me
I want to be a holy example
For his innocent eyes to see
Help me be a living Bible, Lord
That my little boy can read
I want to be just like You
'Cause he wants to be like me

Around the same time, several of the "Christian" music stations were playing a song called "Butterfly kisses". The song was about a father/daughter relationship, so in many respects similar to the PCD song. However, that's about where the similarities end.

While the PCD song made God the central focus, this one was strictly about his daughter. In fact, the closest he came to even mentioning God, was in talking about "bedtime prayers" in the chorus, and at one point stating that he "thank(s) God above" for his daughter.

Frankly, if they'd replaced that line with "thank my lucky stars above", no one would have noticed. Similarly, they could have replaced "bedtime prayers" with any number of other activities, and it wouldn't have changed the song one iota. It literally didn't give any glory to God, at best it made passing reference to Him. I always hated when that song came on the radio.

It's not to say that there was anything inherently wrong about it, just that it didn't put the focus where it deserved to be, which is on God.

For as long as I can remember, I've been laser focused on the lyrics of songs, and whether they give glory to God or not. The music I can take or leave (even speaking as a drummer), but it's the lyrics that make or a break a song for me, to the point where I'll switch stations on the radio if I can't be certain of their intent. It's why my own songs have been carefully rechecked by me, to ensure that the focus is where it should be.

So far as I'm concerned, if the lyrics don't give glory where it's due, then it's not Christian music.

[Michael The Disciple]

Hillsongs has a few songs I like, but they're not usually my favorite. For me, in order for it to be called Christian music, the central focus of the song must be God.

Same here. IMO some of the greatest praise songs are by Hillsong. Then many others dont do much for me. Im not aware of any of their songs that are not focused on God.

[coksiw]

What I see is that the modern songs have a strong melo point to it, to call for a reflective or “deep emotional” worship in people.
It could be the influence of the charismatic movement.
You could see in the lyrics expressions like being close to God to hear his heartbeat. In other words, it is very emotional, sentimental, and melo.

The other issue I see is the lyrics and the complexity of their singing are made mainly to be listened to, not to worship in a congregation setting, so it makes it hard to follow by the congregation.

Last but not least, the complexity of the instruments part in modern composition itself makes it hard for people to worship unison. The excessively elaborated instrumental melodies are there to be listened to, and watch the great art of the performer and enjoy it, but it is distracting in a congregation setting.

I am not saying that those are problems in every single song, or even that they are necessarily wrong. I am simply pointing out trends that may be quite annoying to some. I honestly don’t like it either. I can’t wait for this fashion to go away.

[james34]

Something in the music has changed over the years. I remember when christian music wasnt popular in secular businesses. Now it is common to hear it played in convenient stores, dollar general etc. What changed? The lines that used to separate christianity from sin have become so blurred that people are not able to discern the body of Christ. Things that shouldnt be are counted as in the body. I remember a time when sinners didnt listen to gospel music. I always thought it very telling when the interest of sinners and saints are the same, and im not talking about repentant sinners.

[diakonos]

The only place I’ve heard Christian music played is in Chick-fil-A. And it was music- no lyrics.

[Michael The Disciple]

Something in the music has changed over the years. I remember when christian music wasnt popular in secular businesses. Now it is common to hear it played in convenient stores, dollar general etc. What changed? The lines that used to separate christianity from sin have become so blurred that people are not able to discern the body of Christ. Things that shouldnt be are counted as in the body. I remember a time when sinners didnt listen to gospel music. I always thought it very telling when the interest of sinners and saints are the same, and im not talking about repentant sinners.

Well 2 things could be in play.

More business owners are Christians? Therefore they play it in their stores as a witness to the customers and they know the believers would rather hear it. After all you very rarely see Christians witnessing to the public. It it were not for Christian music most sinners would never hear anything about God or Jesus.

Secular music has gotten so bad both musically and in lyrics that sinners are looking for something that sounds better?

Personally I never hear Hillsong/Charismatic music playing in a business. If at all it is K LOVE style.

[Steven Avery]

A couple of problems are missed.

Sing-songy carnival style backdrop music during an alter call. You can almost see the ferris wheel.

Carnal music.
Back-beat (ghetto) music with sort of Christian lyrics.If I hit it, I walk out, quickly.

And I don't know enough Hillsong and K Love, but there are many lyrics that exalt the singers .. "yes, I love you so much, Jesus, my (our) love is super-amazing"

repetitive, short ditty, choruses that go nowhere in terms of our relationship to Jesus.

Anything that exalts the dark-side name "yahweh". At Homestead Heritage they swapped away the majestic and sonorous name Jehovah, and put in the creepsta. This can pop up in any place that is not truly an Authorized Version (KJB) church. If your church has been moving that way, please consider carefully. You are inviting in a non-Christian entity.

Thanks!

[Michael The Disciple]

I wish all Christian music was this glorious!

Hillsong

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FS-AR8peTY

[Michael The Disciple]

And this!

Hillsong

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSOjaBf_rpU

[CC1]

I love the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir type music, etc.
I notice in UPC churches today the Hillsong type music and performance is a norm and I truly detest it. It's a dealbreaker for me. I truly hope this music trend dies out.
The last church I regularly attended was a small PAW church for about 5 years. There was none of the stage stuff and screen with the shallow Hillsong style music, just good ol' worship music.
When I attended UPC churches several years ago it was mainly choir music, just good powerful Pentecostal worship music which I love. I'm sure everyone's seen Bro. Spell's services since he and his church have become infamous on the news. I like their music style, definitely no Hillsong stuff there.


I visited a church last Sunday and I basically had to sit and grit my teeth and bear the Hillsong music style I detest, which is always seemingly accompanied by that nauseatingly annoying sing songy "talk" the worship leader does, a la Hillsong style. It's basically like fingernails on a chalkboard for me. I had to repent and tell God sorry, but I just couldn't deal with it. Won't be back for sure.

What has happened to the music in UPC churches?? ��

Have you ever considered that music style is generational and does not stay constant? It might do you a little good to not be so judgmental that a style of music would keep you from enjoying praise and worship and entering into the presence of God. I of course prefer some styles of music over otehrs but as much as I am NOT a Southern Gospel fan I can enjoy the presence of God and join in that style worship if I encounter it just as I can black gospel music, the murch maligned Hillsong style, etc, etc.

Your complaint reminds me of people who get upset if someone sits in "their pew".

[lily]

I havent seen Bro Spells services. Do you have a link?

On Central City News. I've seen the services via Facebook

[lily]

Have you ever considered that music style is generational and does not stay constant? It might do you a little good to not be so judgmental that a style of music would keep you from enjoying praise and worship and entering into the presence of God. I of course prefer some styles of music over otehrs but as much as I am NOT a Southern Gospel fan I can enjoy the presence of God and join in that style worship if I encounter it just as I can black gospel music, the murch maligned Hillsong style, etc, etc.

Your complaint reminds me of people who get upset if someone sits in "their pew".

Nope, it stinks . It's just baaaaddd. Musically it's bad, lyrically it's bad, soooooo uninspiring. I will post a link on the subject.

[lily]

This:

https://medium.com/@juuanb/the-problematic-aspects-of-hillsong-music-4252e1dbc0d3

[lily]

A couple of problems are missed.

Sing-songy carnival style backdrop music during an alter call. You can almost see the ferris wheel.

Carnal music.
Back-beat (ghetto) music with sort of Christian lyrics.If I hit it, I walk out, quickly.

And I don't know enough Hillsong and K Love, but there are many lyrics that exalt the singers .. "yes, I love you so much, Jesus, my (our) love is super-amazing"

repetitive, short ditty, choruses that go nowhere in terms of our relationship to Jesus.


Anything that exalts the dark-side name "yahweh". At Homestead Heritage they swapped away the majestic and sonorous name Jehovah, and put in the creepsta. This can pop up in any place that is not truly an Authorized Version (KJB) church. If your church has been moving that way, please consider carefully. You are inviting in a non-Christian entity.

Thanks!

Yes to everything you said, and please read the link I posted that is an interesting read. I love music, and when I got in church one of the things I loved was the music. I get the feeling it's the UPC that's been the most inundated with this Hillsong style trend as far as Apostolic churches go? It doesn't lend to a true deep worship, at least for me. I can't stand the music style, the actual technical music aspects of it are dismal. and the whole cookie cutter aspect of it, even down to that sing songy talking stuff the song leader does at the congregation, every. single. time., drives me bonkers. Like they handed out a manual or something. If one is into sociology, it would make a great thesis on how people just follow each other. It became popular and now everyone does it and copy cats, even if it's good or bad.

It's like instead of a full course meal, you get cotton candy fluff that really doesn't reach down in your soul and spirit. I can't put my finger on it, but there is something amiss imo.

When I was at the church I was visiting and having to endure it, instead of worshiping, I was asking God to forgive me the entire time because it was getting on my nerves so bad. It was that bad for me. If there's some things I can't stand it's follower mentality and mediocrity and the whole thing smacks of it. It's a fad and I hope it's one that goes away. I don't see how true musicians can actually stomach the mediocrity and lackluster music style? At any rate, I concur with the author of the link that I shared above.

[lily]

Something in the music has changed over the years. I remember when christian music wasnt popular in secular businesses. Now it is common to hear it played in convenient stores, dollar general etc. What changed? The lines that used to separate christianity from sin have become so blurred that people are not able to discern the body of Christ. Things that shouldnt be are counted as in the body. I remember a time when sinners didnt listen to gospel music. I always thought it very telling when the interest of sinners and saints are the same, and im not talking about repentant sinners.

I agree with your observation, and it's because of the watered down lackluster, lack of true anointing new music. Do you notice it all sounds alike? Much like what is considered modern "country music" of today, it all sounds the same. No true creativity. I do NOT listen to modern country music, it's as bad as Hillsong music. Give me the classic greats like Johnny Cash, etc, but this nauseating pop country is right up there as bad as the Hillsong style music.

[n david]

I love the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir type music, etc.
I notice in UPC churches today the Hillsong type music and performance is a norm and I truly detest it. It's a dealbreaker for me. I truly hope this music trend dies out.
The last church I regularly attended was a small PAW church for about 5 years. There was none of the stage stuff and screen with the shallow Hillsong style music, just good ol' worship music.
When I attended UPC churches several years ago it was mainly choir music, just good powerful Pentecostal worship music which I love. I'm sure everyone's seen Bro. Spell's services since he and his church have become infamous on the news. I like their music style, definitely no Hillsong stuff there.

I visited a church last Sunday and I basically had to sit and grit my teeth and bear the Hillsong music style I detest, which is always seemingly accompanied by that nauseatingly annoying sing songy "talk" the worship leader does, a la Hillsong style. It's basically like fingernails on a chalkboard for me. I had to repent and tell God sorry, but I just couldn't deal with it. Won't be back for sure.

What has happened to the music in UPC churches?? ��

First, you confuse your favorite genre of music with being more anointed than another. I hate worship genre wars, where people try to pit their favorite against others. Quite frankly it's stupid.

PAW is a black organization, Tony Spell's church music style utilizes mostly black Gospel music (location and audience). Side note: I watched a service in which Tony Spell sang a song by Andre Crouch. That dude HATED Apostolic Pentecostals. Back in the late 70s, my family and some friends went to a concert by Andre Crouch where he ranted several minutes against A/Ps. Yet every church I've visited or attended has sung at least one, if not more, songs written by Andre.

Personally, I like black Gospel music. I love Saints in Praise, the old Carlton Pearson, Walter Hawkins, Donnie McClurkin, Marvin Winans, and the list could go on and on.

I like the early 2000 Hillsong music. I like many of Clint Brown's songs.

Speaking as someone who has been a music director/worship leader in several churches in a couple of different states, the genre may change, but the anointing should not.

When I first began, at the church where I grew up, it was old school choruses and the Sing Unto the Lord hymnal, along with a couple of choir songs on Sunday nights.

My second church was in a small town surrounded by farms. It was still some old school choruses, with a little country gospel mixed in.

I moved to the southwest where it was Hillsong, Martha Munizzi, and Israel Houghton.

The second church here was predominately Hispanic. Welcome Marcos Witt and other latin artists.

My third church here was predominately black. I was actually called out by a sweet "church mother" who sang in the praise team because I wasn't using more black gospel and they liked black gospel music.

My current church is a small UPC church, mostly over the age of 60. They like old school choruses and country gospel.

In each one of these churches, it wasn't about the genre of music. The genre changed depending on the makeup of the congregation and their culture. But what didn't change was the worship.

Don't get so stuck on your personal preference and not worship because it's not your style. It's not about you or the style of music. It should always be about HIM.

[n david]

This:

https://medium.com/@juuanb/the-problematic-aspects-of-hillsong-music-4252e1dbc0d3

I read the article. Agree with most points, disagree with some.

While I'm not a fan of repetitive lyrics, there are a lot of old school choruses and black gospel songs that are repetitive, so you can't throw stones at Hillsong for repetitive lyrics when a lot of other genres have the same.

[Jito463]

Don't get so stuck on your personal preference and not worship because it's not your style. It's not about you or the style of music. It should always be about HIM.

:highfive

[Jito463]

I can't stand the music style, the actual technical music aspects of it are dismal. and the whole cookie cutter aspect of it, even down to that sing songy talking stuff the song leader does at the congregation, every. single. time., drives me bonkers. Like they handed out a manual or something. If one is into sociology, it would make a great thesis on how people just follow each other. It became popular and now everyone does it and copy cats, even if it's good or bad.

A LOT of the old songbook songs were so similar, you could practically take the lyrics from one and drop it right onto the music of another. They were still good songs, and I still enjoy them, but they all felt virtually like carbon copies of one another (I say this primarily from a musician's point of view).

Trends in music often lead to very similar sounding, almost "cookie cutter" songs being released. This is nothing new.

[mfblume]

It's all about one's personal preference. And anything that is self-styling should always be categorized in our spirits are something we can sacrifice.

[n david]

A LOT of the old songbook songs were so similar, you could practically take the lyrics from one and drop it right onto the music of another. They were still good songs, and I still enjoy them, but they all felt virtually like carbon copies of one another (I say this primarily from a musician's point of view).

Trends in music often lead to very similar sounding, almost "cookie cutter" songs being released. This is nothing new.

Yep. There are many old school choruses that we used to transition from one into another because the tempo and keys were the same.

I started playing the drums when I was 8 or 9 and I quickly grew to dislike a lot of them because it was "boring" as a drummer.

Now I'm older and those are some of my favorite choruses to sing.

[Esaias]

Y'all realise the secular world has the same complaints about its music these days, right?

[Michael The Disciple]

Y'all realise the secular world has the same complaints about its music these days, right?

Im so ready for a breakthrough in Christian music. Not much happening in the last 7 years or so with perhaps a few exceptions.

[Esaias]

A LOT of the old songbook songs were so similar, you could practically take the lyrics from one and drop it right onto the music of another. They were still good songs, and I still enjoy them, but they all felt virtually like carbon copies of one another (I say this primarily from a musician's point of view).

Trends in music often lead to very similar sounding, almost "cookie cutter" songs being released. This is nothing new.

Most of the "old songs" were from the 1890s up to the 1950s. During that time a lot of gospel songs were written and produced by holiness and pentecostal people who wrote simple songs, because the objective was NOT to make awesome technical-progressive music, but just to express what was in their hearts. Also, the American music industry put out lots of gospel music, and the industry has ALWAYS used a cookie cutter approach regardless of style.

Prior to that era, most hymns were metrical, employing common metrical phrasing. Most hymns originally were not written to particular melodies or tunes. Both church music and a lot of folk music each consisted of separate repertoirs of songs (lyrics), and tunes (melodies). So that a song could be sung to a variety of different tunes. Eventually, some songs became wedded to specific tunes and were ever after associated with each other. For example, Amazing Grace became associated with the tune New Britain, which is the familiar melody we all sing Amazing Grace to these days.

Cookie cutter music has ALWAYS been a part of music. Musicians and communities had repertoires of melodies, and repertoires of song-lyrics, and each generation copied from earlier generations, with slight variations and improvisations. The same is true of other arts as well, like sculpting, painting, and architecture. Otherwise, there would be no such thing as recognizable "styles" in music, art, etc.

The problem is when the templates for art become lowest-common-denominator, hyper simplistic, and based on ease of monetization and marketability rather than any actual artistic considerations. Which is what has happened to practically ALL "western" music since around WW2, both secular and religious.

Here, check this out, it demonstrates where modern music has fallen to:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FY8SwIvxj8o

[Esaias]

Im so ready for a breakthrough in Christian music. Not much happening in the last 7 years or so with perhaps a few exceptions.

For the last 100-plus years, all genuine "breakthroughs" in art have come from independent non professional artists, and only become widely known when the money grubbers realise they can make big bux off it and begin promoting it.

The problem today is most artists are influenced by pop culture, so it's all they know, so all they do is regurgitate what is popular. Very few are pushing the boundaries outside the corporate box. Most innovation right now is taking place in the underground electronic music scene, but the technology itself imposes certain boundaries that will be difficult to get away from.

[Esaias]

What I see is that the modern songs have a strong melo point to it, to call for a reflective or “deep emotional” worship in people.
It could be the influence of the charismatic movement.
You could see in the lyrics expressions like being close to God to hear his heartbeat. In other words, it is very emotional, sentimental, and melo.

The other issue I see is the lyrics and the complexity of their singing are made mainly to be listened to, not to worship in a congregation setting, so it makes it hard to follow by the congregation.

Last but not least, the complexity of the instruments part in modern composition itself makes it hard for people to worship unison. The excessively elaborated instrumental melodies are there to be listened to, and watch the great art of the performer and enjoy it, but it is distracting in a congregation setting.

I am not saying that those are problems in every single song, or even that they are necessarily wrong. I am simply pointing out trends that may be quite annoying to some. I honestly don’t like it either. I can’t wait for this fashion to go away.

All of this is by design, actually. The Christian worship music industry is just that: an INDUSTRY. And like all industries, there are people at the helm deciding which direction the industry shall go. Simple congregational music doesn't sell cds or pack concert arenas. The Christian version of a big pop concert does. People spend money on things they can't do themselves, by and large. Who wants to buy a cd of 100 average non-musicians singing simple hymns? No, people want to spend money on a bigger than reality experience. The Christian worship music industry realises that, and so they deliver larger than life presentations and spectacles, complex music, designed to be LISTENED TO and OBSERVED rather than participated in. Meanwhile, Sacred Harp singings aren't money makers, because it's something anybody can do, they aren't spectator sports like the rock concerts being passed off as worship services these days.

And the folks at the helm of the industry? They aren't even Christians.

[Esaias]

A couple of problems are missed.

Sing-songy carnival style backdrop music during an alter call. You can almost see the ferris wheel.

Personally I don't think there should be any music during an altar call except perhaps at an evangelistic rally, or during the latter part as it's winding down. I always used to wonder "When does the piano player and organist get to go to the altar?"

Carnal music.
Back-beat (ghetto) music with sort of Christian lyrics.If I hit it, I walk out, quickly.

I think the whole back beat issue is way overrated, along with the controversy over syncopation in rhythm. Just about all "good old gospel songs" from the Albert Brumley era ("I'll Fly Away", "Power In The Blood", etc etc) have a back beat and most pentecostals and holiness people have used use the back beat extensively (ESPECIALLY down here south of the Mason-Dixon Line) since about the 1930s if not earlier. Most secular rock, country, and by extension RnB, disco, and pop music have their origins in revival pentecostal, holiness, and Baptist church music from the 1920s-1960s. The inspirational flow in western music has generally been church --> secular for almost two millennia. At least until the mid-late 60s when the flow started getting reversed. Hip hop though definitely doesn't belong in a church service. :)

And I don't know enough Hillsong and K Love, but there are many lyrics that exalt the singers .. "yes, I love you so much, Jesus, my (our) love is super-amazing"

Most contemporary Christian music is me-centric and sappy effeminate garbage. Also by design.

repetitive, short ditty, choruses that go nowhere in terms of our relationship to Jesus.

Repetition isn't always a bad thing when used correctly (see Psalm 136 for a template of verse-response psalmody), but most of today's stuff is just... boring.

Anything that exalts the dark-side name "yahweh". At Homestead Heritage they swapped away the majestic and sonorous name Jehovah, and put in the creepsta. This can pop up in any place that is not truly an Authorized Version (KJB) church. If your church has been moving that way, please consider carefully. You are inviting in a non-Christian entity.

Thanks!

I think a lot of yahweh use is by ignorance. They genuinely think it is a more accurate version than Jehovah. I like Jehovah. Like most things KJV, it has a more powerful old-time make-sinners-uncomfortable and make-saints-rejoice-in-the-good-old-way vibe to it. :thumbsup

[lily]

First, you confuse your favorite genre of music with being more anointed than another. I hate worship genre wars, where people try to pit their favorite against others. Quite frankly it's stupid.

PAW is a black organization, Tony Spell's church music style utilizes mostly black Gospel music (location and audience). Side note: I watched a service in which Tony Spell sang a song by Andre Crouch. That dude HATED Apostolic Pentecostals. Back in the late 70s, my family and some friends went to a concert by Andre Crouch where he ranted several minutes against A/Ps. Yet every church I've visited or attended has sung at least one, if not more, songs written by Andre.

Personally, I like black Gospel music. I love Saints in Praise, the old Carlton Pearson, Walter Hawkins, Donnie McClurkin, Marvin Winans, and the list could go on and on.


I like the early 2000 Hillsong music. I like many of Clint Brown's songs.

Speaking as someone who has been a music director/worship leader in several churches in a couple of different states, the genre may change, but the anointing should not.

When I first began, at the church where I grew up, it was old school choruses and the Sing Unto the Lord hymnal, along with a couple of choir songs on Sunday nights.

My second church was in a small town surrounded by farms. It was still some old school choruses, with a little country gospel mixed in.

I moved to the southwest where it was Hillsong, Martha Munizzi, and Israel Houghton.

The second church here was predominately Hispanic. Welcome Marcos Witt and other latin artists.

My third church here was predominately black. I was actually called out by a sweet "church mother" who sang in the praise team because I wasn't using more black gospel and they liked black gospel music.

My current church is a small UPC church, mostly over the age of 60. They like old school choruses and country gospel.

In each one of these churches, it wasn't about the genre of music. The genre changed depending on the makeup of the congregation and their culture. But what didn't change was the worship.

Don't get so stuck on your personal preference and not worship because it's not your style. It's not about you or the style of music. It should always be about HIM.

Yes, you are correct, Tony Spell's church sings mostly black Gospel music, that is my Christian music style of choice. I most recently attended a PAW church, although it was a small church and there wasn't a choir. It was just good, heartfelt worship -- no Hillsong style music, no stagelights and dark church sanctuary, etc. We have visited a few churches (thank God we are finally able to go to church again with all this coronavirus restrictions!) and most definitely it's churches with predominantly African American congregation where I prefer the music.

For me, I'm a very musically minded person. I received the Holy Ghost while worshiping during a song service in a small UPC church back in the early 90's. It was just your typical Pentecostal church music prior to when the Hillsong craze took over. At any rate, music is a dealbreaker for me. I have to find a church that coincides with what uplifts my spirit and inspires me to get in that place of worship.

I am just saddened to see the weak, shallow, lukewarm, uninspiring Hillsong style music take over UPC churches from what I have seen so far.

I know it's about Him, but it really is so simple as to just find a church that goes along with my music taste. This modern Hillsong music style has lyrics so bad that it's just awkward. I just don't connect with it spiritually and I can't get in a zone of worship.
From the musical sense, it's like trying to force someone into new wave music to listen to and really heartfelt enjoy the terrible modern country music of today -- Just won't happen. What do you do if you're riding down the road and something comes on that you can't stand? -- You turn it off.
If I visit and see a church is utilizing a music style and fad I cannot gel with, I just check it off the list and move on to something else....

[diakonos]

I think a lot of yahweh use is by ignorance. They genuinely think it is a more accurate version than Jehovah. I like Jehovah. Like most things KJV, it has a more powerful old-time make-sinners-uncomfortable and make-saints-rejoice-in-the-good-old-way vibe to it.
I replace “Jehovah” with “Jesus” in songs. No need to go backward.

[KeptByTheWord]

Music is such a divisive thing.

I cannot stand the "Jesus is my boyfriend" kind of songs, songs where the lyrics make absolutely no sense, and the 7-11 kind of songs (songs with seven words with nonsensical lyrics... sung 11 times or more).

I think a good healthy mix of hymns and choruses for the congregational singing, and perhaps a special or two with the choir doing some traditional choir/chorale music is a great way to include the tastes of everyone in a service.

[lily]

Music is such a divisive thing.

I cannot stand the "Jesus is my boyfriend" kind of songs, songs where the lyrics make absolutely no sense, and the 7-11 kind of songs (songs with seven words with nonsensical lyrics... sung 11 times or more).

I think a good healthy mix of hymns and choruses for the congregational singing, and perhaps a special or two with the choir doing some traditional choir/chorale music is a great way to include the tastes of everyone in a service.

Yes, I agree