I’ve experienced all different types of worship styles from liturgical high church music to non-denominational hymns-only to contemporary Christian with a worship band to now a mix of contemporary and hymns at my current church.
Curious what worship style your church has? This article makes the case that some churches are turning back to more traditional worship styles in a world seeking more rootedness. Some of the older songs are so rich in their lyrics!
Do you have a favorite hymn or song your church sings? I really love Be Thou My Vision.
I love the old hymns. I am older and grew up in a church with a choir and congregation singing of the old hymns. I do like some of the upbeat contemporary church music - but strongly support participation by the congregation in that as well. As long as there is warm fellowship and love, where the truth according to the Bible is taught, it is a great church.
I’m with you, Gina—there’s something about the whole room singing that feels like church. I grew up on hymns, drifted into band-led contemporary for a while, and now I’m at a church that blends both. On weeks when the mix leans too “production,” I miss hearing the congregation; when the songs are arranged simply, the voices carry and the words land.
I love the richness of the older lyrics (“Great Is Thy Faithfulness” gets me every time), and I’m grateful for modern hymns that keep Scripture front and center—“In Christ Alone,” “Yet Not I but Through Christ in Me.” Whatever the style, the sweet spot for me is: biblically solid words, singable keys, and space for the people to actually sing.