Contemporary worship is a form of Christian worship that emerged within Western evangelical Protestantism in the 20th century. It was originally confined to the charismatic movement , but is now found in a wide range of churches, including many which do not subscribe to a charismatic theology. Contemporary worship uses contemporary worship music in an informal setting. Congregational singing typically comprises a greater proportion of the service than in conventional forms of worship. Where contemporary worship is practiced in churches with a liturgical tradition, elements of the liturgy are frequently kept to a minimum. The terms historic worship , traditional worship or liturgical worship are sometimes used to describe conventional worship forms and distinguish them from contemporary worship.
51-649: Planetshakers is a contemporary worship music band, a central part of Planetshakers Church in Melbourne , Australia. With over 30 albums, the band toured annually to the US, UK, Europe, South Africa, Asia, South America, Australia and New Zealand for some years, and has been nominated for several Dove Awards . Formed in Adelaide , South Australia , for the first Planetshakers Conference at Paradise Community Church (now known as Influencers Church ) in Adelaide in 1997,
102-626: A "worship band" or "praise team", with either a guitarist or pianist leading. It has become a common genre of music sung in many churches, particularly in charismatic or non-denominational Protestant churches with some Roman Catholic congregations incorporating it into the Mass as well. In the early 1950s, the Taizé Community in France started to attract youths from several religious denominations with worship hymns based on modern melodies. In
153-634: A computerised system. Specialised software, known as worship presentation programs , was developed to generate the images for display. Contemporary worship often includes other elements not found in conventional forms of worship. Drama , typically in the form of short sketches, is sometimes used to highlight a topic of teaching. Dance is commonplace and includes both choreographed and improvised dance as both an expression of worship and again for teaching purposes. Occasionally short videos or film clips are shown. Critics have also argued that contemporary worship services are actually 'entertainment', claiming that
204-459: A hard time finding good music, but played the contemporary music because the church wanted it, with the only criteria being how contemporary the music sounded. Gordon also said churches were adding hymns to contemporary services, but that in the past the main concern had never been how new the music sounded. Gordon said in 2014 that contemporary music could not be as good because one generation could not compete with 50 generations of hymns, and even
255-517: A highly popular artist. It was reported in 2008 that Michael Guglielmucci, a pastor at the church and former bass player in the Planetshakers band, had fraudulently claimed he was dying of cancer, and received money from supporters who believed his illness was real. He wrote "Healer", a song of encouragement for believers who were suffering from cancer, for the album Saviour of the World , which
306-401: A lead singer and lead guitarist or keyboard player. Their role is to indicate the tone, structure, pace and volume of the worship songs, and perhaps even construct the order or content during the time of worship. Some larger churches are able to employ paid worship leaders, and some have attained fame by worship leading, blurring contemporary worship music with Christian rock , though the role of
357-455: A part in the globalisation of much CWM. Some churches, such as Hillsong , Bethel and Vineyard , have their own publishing companies, and there is a thriving Christian music business which parallels that of the secular world, with recording studios, music books, CDs, MP3 downloads and other merchandise. The consumer culture surrounding CWM has prompted both criticism and praise, and as Pete Ward deals with in his book "Selling Worship", no advance
408-447: A personal relationship with God and free expression are emphasised. As in traditional hymnody, some images, such as captivity and freedom, life and death, romance, power and sacrifice, are employed to facilitate relationship with God. Beginning in the 2010s, contemporary worship music with a distinctly theological lyric focus blending hymns and worship songs with contemporary rhythms & instrumentation, began to emerge, primarily in
459-458: A rock band, replace rather than enable a congregation's praise. Seventh-day Adventist author Samuele Bacchiocchi expressed concerns over the use of the " rock " idiom, as he argues that music communicates on a subconscious level, and the often anarchistic, nihilistic ethos of rock stands against Christian culture . Using the physical response induced by drums in a worship context as evidence that rock takes peoples' minds away from contemplating on
510-441: A significant part of the service time and repetition of phrases reinforces the theological content of the service. The impact is heightened as creeds and formal prayers are seldom used. Theologically, contemporary worship music is influenced by Pentecostal and evangelical theologies. However, the phenomenon has influenced all major denominations to some degree. There is a wide variety in practice between churches. Contemporary worship
561-419: A single book rarely contained all the material they wanted to sing, and the turnover in songs was rapid. Hence many churches that adopt a contemporary style of worship project the words to the songs onto one or more screens. Originally, this was done using an overhead projector or occasionally a slide projector , but as video projectors fell in price and improved in performance, it became more popular to use
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#1732790790362612-515: A variety of non-traditional church instruments. In the 1970s and 1980s, a folk music style was commonplace with acoustic string or woodwind instruments being popular. Today, the influence of rock music is widespread and the use of electric instruments has increased. Worship bands normally also include vocalists and a worship leader and usually lead congregational singing replacing the traditional church choir and pipe organ , although occasionally churches use both bands and choirs. In fact, apart from
663-428: A weekly lectionary that gives a broad range of scriptural themes, including selected psalms on those themes, CWM churches tend not to have an agreed lectionary and the consequent agreement on using a broad range of material. Pope John Paul II , concerning the role of music in regard to worship, wrote, "today, as yesterday, musicians, composers, liturgical chapel cantors, church organists and instrumentalists must feel
714-409: Is intrinsically related to the contemporary Christian music industry . Contemporary worship normally includes a number of songs sung in succession, with little or no intermediate speaking. In more traditional forms of worship, it would be normal for hymns to be interspersed with prayers, readings, liturgical items, etc. The traditional practice is sometimes referred to as a 'hymn-prayer sandwich' and
765-422: Is overwhelmingly positive, can lead to avoidance of the psalms of lament. Michael Vasey writes: "Scripture is, of course, full of lament – and devotes its finest literary creation to warning the godly against quick and easy answers. The power of many of the psalms we are embarrassed to use lies precisely here. Of all this there is little echo in our contemporary reading." Whereas denominational churches generally use
816-406: Is responsible for much of the spiritual direction of the meeting and often will choose the songs that will be sung. This can be contrasted with traditional churches, where the entire service is normally led by a member of the clergy. Also, in many cases, the worship leader is responsible for recruiting, assigning, and training other musicians to compose a worship band or team. A popular definition of
867-413: Is sung communally, there can be a practical and theological emphasis on its accessibility, to enable every member of the congregation to participate in a corporate act of worship. This often manifests in simple, easy to learn melodies, in a mid-vocal range, repetition, familiar chord progressions and a restricted harmonic palette. Unlike hymns, the music notation may primarily be based around the chords, with
918-612: Is without both positive and negative repercussions. Criticisms include Gary Parrett's concern that the volume of this music drowns out congregational participation, and therefore makes it a performance. He quotes Ephesians 5:19, in which Paul the Apostle tells the church in Ephesus to be 'speaking to one another with psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit', and questions whether the worship band, now so often amplified and playing like
969-549: The Baptist , Reformed , and more traditional non-denominational branches of Protestant Christianity. Artists in the modern hymn movement include well-known groups such as Keith & Kristyn Getty and Sovereign Grace Music , as well as solo artists such as Matt Papa , Enfield (Hymn Sessions) and Aaron Keyes . By the late 2010s, the movement had gained sizable traction in many churches, streaming services and other areas in culture. Because, in common with hymns , such music
1020-616: The Jesus Movement in North America in the 1960s and the "Charismatic Renewal Movement" in Australia and New Zealand during the 1970s and 1980s. The function of music in services, the style of songs, their performance, the explicit theology of the lyrics, and the theology implied by these aspects distinguish “contemporary worship” from traditional worship in practice, and theological background. Contemporary worship music takes
1071-461: The Lord " had been accepted in many churches. Integrity Media , Maranatha! Music and Vineyard were already publishing newer styles of music. Supporters of traditional worship hoped the newer styles were a fad, while younger people cited Psalms 96:1 , "Sing to the Lord a new song". Prior to the late 1990s, many felt that Sunday morning was a time for hymns , and young people could have their music on
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#17327907903621122-578: The Lord" by Darlene Zschech . The United Methodist Hymnal (1989) includes "Thy Word Is a Lamp" by Amy Grant and "Take Our Bread" by Joe Wise. Contemporary Christian worship groups, such as Hillsong United , are ranking in the top ten on Billboard and other national charts and are earning publicity in pop culture publications. In 2019, the U.S. radio network Air1 (which was previously devoted to Christian hits ) changed its format to focus primarily on worship music. Contemporary worship The contemporary worship phenomenon emerged from
1173-964: The Year 2016. Planetshakers was nominated for the Dove Award in the category: "Spanish Language Album of the Year" for Sé Quién Eres Tú (featuring Su Presencia). Planetshakers (featuring Su Presencia) have been nominated by the Arpa Awards in 2016 in the category: "Best song in participation" "Sé quién eres tú". Most of the albums were recorded live at the Planetshakers Conference, and released by Planetshakers Ministries International, Integrity and Venture3Media. Albums EPs Singles Other singles Planetshakers Kids In 2013, they presented their first children's music production—Planetshakers Kids—as well as their first children's album, Nothing Is Impossible . The album
1224-865: The Year". Endless Praise: Live , released in March 2014, reached No. 3 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart and No. 16 in on the Billboard Christian Albums chart. The video of the song "Endless Praise" was nominated for Dove Award Long Form Video of the Year 2014. The album, Nada Es Imposible , in Spanish which was released in June 2014, reached position No. 17 on the Billboard " Latin Pop Albums " chart and
1275-490: The band in a worship service, leading and enabling the congregation in praise normally contrasts that of performing a Christian concert. In CWM today there will often be three or four singers with microphones, a drum kit, a bass guitar, one or two guitars, keyboard and possibly other, more orchestral instruments, such as a flute or violin. There has been a shift within the genre towards using amplified instruments and voices, again paralleling popular music, though some churches play
1326-472: The band is now based in Melbourne, Victoria at Planetshakers Church, which is under the leadership of senior pastors Russell and Samantha Evans . Guy Sebastian , member of the Planetshakers band from 2002 to 2005, was a worship leader and background vocals, recording albums for Planetshakers Church at Paradise Community Church conferences. He went on to win the first Australian Idol and has become
1377-544: The charismatic movement is characterised by its emphasis on the Holy Spirit , through a personal encounter and relationship with God, that can be summed up in agape love. Lyrically, the informal, sometimes intimate, language of relationship is employed. The terms 'You' and 'I' are used rather than 'God' and 'we', and lyrics such as, 'I, I'm desperate for You', and 'Hungry I come to You for I know You satisfy, I am empty but I know Your love does not run dry' both exemplify
1428-431: The contemporary form 'block worship' or the 'praise and worship'. A notable feature of contemporary worship is the worship leader. A worship leader is normally a musician (often a guitarist or pianist) with good singing ability whose role it is to lead the congregational singing. Many composers of contemporary worship songs are also worship leaders. The worship leader has a prominent role in contemporary worship services and
1479-463: The contemporary songs were in some cases just the old hymns with an updated sound. Writers of new songs had a hard time with "theologically sound, but significant, profound, appropriate, memorable, and edifying". After his 2011 interview, Gordon said Mark Moring of Christianity Today had observed that contemporary music in churches was on the decline. Gordon said the people who first wanted it are older, and contemporary music had become so common that it
1530-493: The emphasis on emotion can encourage hype and a need to create an atmosphere which evokes a sense of encounter with God, rather than allowing God to do so. Despite the biblical basis employed to underpin CWM, such as Ephesians 5:19 , its surrounding culture tends to exclude systematic use of the psalms in weekly worship, sidelining lament from regular worship practice. The emphasis on praise, and on an interpretation of 'worship' that
1581-468: The extent that they kept churches from splitting. After his 2011 interview, Gordon said Mark Moring of Christianity Today had observed that contemporary music in churches was on the decline. Gordon said the people who first wanted it are older, and contemporary music had become so common that it was no longer a marketing tool, and no longer new when people wanted what was new. Praise teams, Gordon said, were like performers, but they were in conflict with what
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1632-438: The front of the church, and this has enabled greater physical freedom, and a faster rate of turnover in the material being sung. Important propagators of CWM over the past 25 years include Vineyard Music , Hillsong Worship , Bethel Music , Elevation Worship , Jesus Culture and Soul Survivor . As CWM is closely related to the charismatic movement , the lyrics and even some musical features reflect its theology. In particular
1683-486: The increased amounts of music (often played by a band) and lack of intercession , create the atmosphere of a concert or performance. Interviewed in Christianity Today in 2011, Grove City College professor T. David Gordon stated that churches were adding hymns to contemporary services, but that in the past the main concern had never been how new the music sounded. He supported blended services, but only to
1734-447: The keyboard score being secondary. At more charismatic services, members of the congregation may harmonise freely during worship songs, perhaps singing in tongues (see glossolalia ), and the worship leader seeks to be 'led by the Holy Spirit '. There may also be role of improvisation, flowing from one song to the next and inserting musical material from one song into another. There is no fixed band set-up for playing CWM, but most have
1785-472: The lyrics and God, he suggests that rock is actively dangerous for the Church. The theological content too has raised questions for some, including Martyn Percy , who argues there is too great an emphasis on a very intimate relationship with God, using terms such as 'I' and 'you' instead of 'we' and 'God', and very passionate, physical language, and argues that this bias needs urgent correction. He explains how
1836-437: The mid-20th century, Christian Unions in university environments hosted evangelistic talks and provided biblical teaching for their members, Christian cafés opened with evangelistic aims, and church youth groups were set up. Amateur musicians from these groups began playing Christian music in a popular idiom. Some Christians felt that the church needed to break from its stereotype as being structured, formal and dull to appeal to
1887-451: The necessity of serious and rigorous professional training. They should be especially conscious of the fact that each of their creations or interpretations cannot escape the requirement of being a work that is inspired, appropriate and attentive to aesthetic dignity, transformed into a prayer of worship when, in the course of the liturgy, it expresses the mystery of faith in sound." Some have noted that contemporary worship songs often reflect
1938-683: The other six days. A "modern worship renaissance" helped make it clear any musical style was acceptable if true believers were using it to praise God. The changes resulted from the Cutting Edge recordings by the band Delirious? , the Passion Conferences and their music, the Exodus project of Michael W. Smith , and the band Sonicflood . Contemporary worship music became an integral part of Contemporary Christian music . More recently songs are displayed using projectors on screens at
1989-453: The same songs with simpler or acoustic instrumentation. Technological advances have played a significant role in the development of CWM. In particular the use of projectors means that the song repertoire of a church is not restricted to those in a song book. Songs and styles go in trends. The internet has increased accessibility, enabling anyone to see lyrics and guitar chords for many worship songs, and download MP3 tracks. This has also played
2040-472: The similarity of the lyrics of some CWM to popular love songs. Slang is used on occasion (for example 'We wanna see Jesus lifted high' ) and imperatives ('Open the eyes of my heart, Lord, I want to see You' ), demonstrating the friendly, informal terms charismatic theology encourages for relating to God personally. Often a physical response is included in the lyrics ('So we raise up holy hands'; 'I will dance, I will sing, to be mad for my king' ). This couples with
2091-611: The singers and musicians, the people "handling the presentation slides, the sound guy who manages the mixer, and all others who support the worship ministry in many different ways" are also considered a part of the worship team or band. A worship band can create a contemporary sound to the worship that younger worshipers can identify with. Worship bands may also be utilized with the rationale that some non-churchgoing visitors will feel more comfortable. The charismatic movement also resulted in large numbers of songs being written. It became impractical for churches to use hymn or song books, as
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2142-427: The social climate of individualism as the lyrics emphasize personal relationship with God, even within a group context. Interviewed in Christianity Today in 2011, Grove City College professor T. David Gordon said contemporary music was not easier to sing or better than traditional music, but familiar. If this style of music was all people listened to, then that would make them happy. He also said praise bands had
2193-469: The styles for corporate worship. These early songs for communal singing were characteristically simple. Youth Praise , published in 1966, was one of the first and most famous collections of these songs and was compiled and edited by Michael Baughen and published by the Jubilate Group . As of the early 1990s, songs such as " Lord, I Lift Your Name on High ", " Shine, Jesus, Shine " and " Shout to
2244-643: The traditional church organ. Most churches adopting contemporary worship therefore have a worship band or praise band to provide music during their services. Other terms such as worship team , worship group , praise team , or music group are also used. Worship bands are most common in evangelical denominations, but can also be found among other Christian denominations. Most worship bands are church-based and seldom play outside their own churches. However, some contemporary Christian music bands also act as worship bands for events, and may label themselves as such. Worship bands have varying compositions and use
2295-406: The use of drums and popular rhythm in the songs to encourage full body worship. The metaphorical language of the lyrics is subjective, and therefore does risk being misinterpreted; this emphasis on personal encounter with God does not always balance with intellectual understanding. Just as in secular, popular and rock music, relationships and feelings are central topics , so in CWM, association to
2346-542: The worship leader's role is by Bob Kauflin: "A faithful worship leader magnifies the greatness of God in Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit by skillfully combining God's Word with music, thereby motivating the gathered church to proclaim the gospel, to cherish God's presence, and to live for God's glory." The style of contemporary worship music is influenced by popular music and not suitable for
2397-564: The younger generation. By borrowing the conventions of popular music, the antithesis of this stereotype, the church restated the claims of the Bible through Christian lyrics, and thus sent the message that Christianity was not outdated or irrelevant. The Joystrings were one of the first Christian pop groups to appear on television, in Salvation Army uniform, playing Christian beat music. Churches began to adopt some of these songs and
2448-596: Was no longer a marketing tool, and no longer new when people wanted what was new. Praise teams, Gordon said, were like performers, but that they were in conflict with what the Bible said. And the congregation needed to participate. Some songs now appear in more traditional hymnals. Evangelical Lutheran Worship (published in 2006 by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America ) includes "Lord, I Lift Your Name on High" by Rick Founds and "Shout to
2499-560: Was nominated by the Arpa Awards in three categories: best group or duo album, album rock or hard rock and producer of 2014. The video of the song "This is Our Time" was nominated for the Dove Award Long Form Video of the Year 2014. The video of the song "Let's Go" was nominated for the Dove Award Long Form Video of the Year 2015. The video of the song "Overflow" was nominated for Dove Award Long Form Video of
2550-461: Was nominated for a GMA Dove Award for "Best Album of the Year for Children's Music". Contemporary worship music Contemporary worship music ( CWM ), also known as praise and worship music , is a defined genre of Christian music used in contemporary worship . It has developed over the past 60 years and is stylistically similar to pop music . The songs are frequently referred to as "praise songs" or "worship songs" and are typically led by
2601-506: Was released in June (2007). Guglielmucci explained his actions as being a result of a long-term pornography addiction . The track had also been added to the Hillsong album This Is Our God (2008), but later removed from the album. The following are current and former members: Current Former In 2002, the album Open Up the Gates , was nominated for Dove Award "Worship Album of
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