Worship in the Digitial Age
What will worship look like in the 21st century? In previous years we’ve debated ‘contemporary’ worship vs ‘traditional’ worship. Of course traditional depends upon your tradition. To some traditional means hymns and choirs and to another it is robes, candles, and more liturgy. Contemporary tends to be praise songs to soft rock sounds. Willow Creek and other mega churches paved the way for contemporary worship discussions today. Much of the worship in ‘contemporary’ worship is designed for the ‘broadcast age’ (see my previous blog). Now that we are in the digital age how will this shape itself? I’m not sure. Only time will tell. I just know that worship has become an interesting and conflicted part of the church. When I first went into ministry (1990) really all I knew was singing hymns and preaching (typical small town Baptist church). My entire ministry has been done while going to worship conferences and trying to learn what ‘new’ worship is like and watching it constantly change.
I’d love to hear from some folks who are in the ‘digital age.’ Those of you born in the last 18 years and have lived with technology what is it that helps you worship? What worship elements speak to you? What ’style’ of music engages you? What turns you off during worship? I believe this is greater than technology. It isn’t just a discussion of whether we should use power point in worship. The way we learn and the world we are born in shapes how we perceive the world and how we think. So in a digital age what is speaking to you in worship? What about those of you over 18? I ask the same questions. If you respond to this blog (and please please do) just give me your age please. That will help us understand where you are coming from. So bloggers I need your input. Talk to me about worship!
Blessings,
Derik
I’m 56 and I think there is a need for contemporary worship. I was raised in the Roman Catholic Church and now am very active in a Lutheran congregation and dismayed that we don’t engage young people in our church services.
As I look at the liturgical style of worship, it just seems to be so dry and uninviting to youth.
..Everyone (including the minister’s) head is down reading all the words to the liturgy and music.
..The pastor wears robes from a tradition that dates to the middle ages.
..The church banners are like old Roman era battle flags.
Jesus didn’t start a church like this. And if we started a church today, we wouldn’t either. Jesus communicated in a way that was effective with the people of his day. He didn’t encumber his ministry with the legacy rites of the religions of his day.
Thanks for sharing. It’s interesting how sometimes folks who grew up one way drift to another way. Many folks in your generation in traditional churches have moved to a contemp style of worship (the growth of Willow Creek, Saddleback, etc). Some folks drift to a more liturgical style. I’m curious how worship might shift for Gen X and for the the Millenials.
I agree that dry dead worship (liturgical AND contemporary) will push people away. I’ve been in chs that are contemp and those that are liturgical but happen to be alive, joyful, engaging, and folks grow there. I too do not appreciate poor preaching or poor music.
It’s an interesting topic and one we must look at. I believe whatever style a person has in their church it should be upbeat, uplifting, engaging, and speaking to real life. Thanks for sharing.