To me, its not a battle between the "old way" and contemporary styles.
So, it really is not about style so much as a conscience decision let the Spirit moves when he wants.
Back during the transition from hymns to praise music, I supported both and leaned toward introducing contemporary bc it seemed to nudge us in the direction of being Holy Spirit led. But the old hymns contained a lot of teaching, and hymns led people through prayer. It wasn't just style that we chose to change. CCM worship songs are very general and simple. The hymn lyrics had a big impact on my spiritual development.
But as you say, God's Spirit will move anywhere He is invited, no matter what the style.
A loud band divides the congregation from the presenters, so the congregants feel like the music is about the stage, not about themselves and their communication with God. That phenomenon can happen with a loud pipe organ too, or a domineering tongue-speaking preacher. The church is meant to be an active and functioning Body, where all members are needed and valued (not just for cleaning the bathrooms).
I've been attending a large AOG church for some time now, and while I like the head pastor and his sermons, the worship style is perplexing. You sit in the dark for the first 20 - 30 minutes while a rock group plays. There seems to be little worshipping in the spirit the way spirit-filled churches used to be. It's like sitting in a movie theatre. Everyone just stands there, a few lift an arm or two, but it otherwise might as well be a baptist church.
I'm glad you brought it up, because I was wondering if there was a decision made from higher up. I've been seeing that too.
when the AG decided to change their statement of fundamental truthes in the 2009 General council (I think it was 2009) to include the social gospel (i.e. doing good works and meeting human needs as a legitamate end unto itself). ...10. The Church and its Mission
Thanks for posting it.
Poloma found that AG congregations can be categorized into four types: traditional, evangelical, renewalist, and alternative.
Interesting -- very useful.
that way I don’t have to turn my head more than a couple of degrees to see what’s happening. Our sound system could use some improvement as we only have a mono system and it would be nice to have say a 7.1 surround system in place with some rear surround speakers.
(-; I've run into several people who physically-medically can't tolerate the noise, and either find the holes in sound or arrive late for the service.
Personally, I prefer to hear the congregation sing, than the worship team. They are supposed to
lead worship of all the priests and sainthood, not overpower them.
I think the shout is not what is needed, because here there is plenty of shout with the dark rooms and the band performances. Prayer and fasting could get us there. But I have run into flack about suggesting prayer groups! So there is definitely a problem.
