This document discusses the divide that can occur in congregational worship music between older and younger members with different music preferences. Research found that music preference predicts which worship style people prefer and that worship style can influence organizational identification with a church. However, the Bible teaches that musical diversity and unity in Christ are more important. The document suggests teaching on this, leading varied worship experiences, and challenging oneself and others to engage with different styles to focus on the gospel rather than stylistic divisions.

1. H E L P I N G Y O U T H T O
B E T T E R U N D E R S T A N D A N D
W O R K T O O V E R C O M E T H E C O N G R E G A T I O N A L
W O R S H I P M U S I C D I V I D E
WorshipYouth &

2. The Back Story of the Problem
“As long as we have had organized church and people with
personal preferences, there has been conflict.”
– Kenny Lamm
 As churches grow and adapt to the changing world, many
try to:
o Incorporate different styles of music in their worship
service to attract the younger, fresher crowd
 while at the same time
o Hold onto their older members.
o Conflict may arise from differing members’ music
preferences

3. Worship Traditions
Luther wrote hymns for congregational worship
o in the language of the common people
o putting hymn-like lyrics to traditional folk tunes to ensure they
were singable
o providing everyday Christians with opportunities to
participate in worship and “gain a collective religious identity”
 Today, Lutheran churches still use many of these hymns
because they help give worshippers a sense of common
identity as members of the church.

4. Music = IDENTITY
“Deciding what music to listen to is a significant part of deciding and
announcing to people not just who you ‘want to be’….but who you are.”
– Nicholas Cook.
 Music is a form of communication
 Music can invoke emotions of all kinds!
 Music can create a sense of “group cohesiveness” that
makes you feel like you belong (or DON’T belong!)

5. A Study on the “Worship Wars”...
 Social Identity Theory - Groups view themselves positively or
negatively depending on how they compare with other groups.
o When a group’s positive identity is challenged or imposed on by another
group, conflict often arises.
o Organizational identity - “Who are we?”
 Central and relatively permanent core qualities that distinguish your
organization (group) from any other
 An individual’s relationship/membership to a group
1. Does worship preference predict organizational identification?
2. Does music preference predict worship style preference?

6. Traditional Style Contemporary Style
 Preferred Genres: Folk/Indie,
Classical, Jazz, Blues and Opera
 Demographics: Older, well-
educated individuals with
higher income levels
 Identified more strongly with
the LCMS
 Preferred Genres: Classic Rock,
Rap/HipHop, Country, Pop,
Latin, R&B/Soul, Techno/Dance
 Demographics: Younger, newer
to the church, less educated,
lesser income levels
 Identified less strongly with the
LCMS
“Worship Wars” – The Survey Results
Were the questions answered?
1. Yes – Worship elements preferred can help predict Org. ID
2. Yes - Music preference predicts worship style preference

7. The TRUTH of the Matter...
John 17: 17, 21 – Jesus prayed that WE would be
one, in him and in God, united in worship!
1 Peter 2:9 – We are ALL called to proclaim the
gospel.
Phil. 2:4 – Set aside style disputes for the sake of
unity
Col. 3:16 – Praise God through a variety of music!

8. Suggestions for YOU!
 Teach on the importance of musical diversity in worship
 Lead your congregation/youth group into other
expressions of worship: offering, scripture, testimonies,
service
 Challenge yourself: Try engaging in a different style or
expression of worship that is out of your comfort zone!
 “View worship as a journey together rather than the
music at your weekly meetings” – Center your worship
on the message of the gospel, not just singing songs that
mention Jesus.

9.  Worship style doesn’t matter to God. What’s MORE
important is the heart behind the leaders.
 Musical worship is a tool to help people have a genuine
experience with God. The style is a factor of culture,
audience, and environment.
 Musical worship should help to create an atmosphere that
helps open people’s hearts to hear the truth!
Truths about Worship

10. Sources
 Ruis, David. “Canned Worship.” Ministry Today Magazine. Charisma Media,
2014. Web. May 16, 2014
 Worship Wars – Kenny Lamm, Renewing Worship
o http://blog.ncbaptist.org/renewingworship/2011/02/09/worship-wars/
 Worship Styles, Music and Social Identity: A Communication Study
o http://academic.csuohio.edu/kneuendorf/vitae/JohnsonRuddNeuendorfetal10.pdf
 Worship Matters – Bob Kauflin