In the past few months I have had many leaders ask me what “style” of worship through song we have at Brand New Church. Honestly, I have been taken back by this question and the fact that it is still a topic of discussion for many churches. For pastors everywhere, especially rural communities, I want to share with you my heart on our “style.”
#1 We are Celebratory in Style
Contemporary, Modern or Traditional are not terms used in our vocabulary. We are intentionally celebratory in our approach. One week could be bluegrass, rap, hymns, acoustic, choir, ensemble, rock and any other style you can imagine. Genre is not the center focus, the focus is: “Does it bring glory and celebrate the King of Kings?”
#2 We are Flexible in our Leadership
Having the same person as the front soloist, guitar, keys, or even sound man can be detrimental to the flow of creativity in worship. You need a balanced attack. We have a creative leader that brings the pieces together each week, but different faces. Some of the best worship leading takes place in the congregation.
#3 We are Creative in our Purpose
Creativity is an intentional part of our plan. Jesus never used the same bait when fishing and neither should we. Change your stage, opener, closer, song set location, instruments and even design – not for clever’s sake, but for listening and environment enhancement.
#4 We are Quick to remove Pride
When pride walks on the stage, God walks off. You will find out very quickly if your stage is being controlled or Christ-centered when you apply a few of these recommendations.
#5 We are Sensitive to our Atmosphere
Sight, Sound and Smell must be priorities for great worship to exist. Get a decibel reader and improve your sound quality. Purchase lighting that enhances listening and attentiveness. Make sure there is a pleasant aroma in every area of your facility especially your restrooms. Every campus has this passion and leads out (picture below is from our NWA campus).
These are just a few of our worship “styles”…as you can see have very little to do with music, but a lot to do with worship.
Michael Norwood says,
Potato, Potahto.
Is your worship accompanied by piano and organ? No? You’re not traditional.
If you’re not traditional and are trying to do something new and creative, you are by definition modern or contemporary. Seriously… Look up the definition of those words.
If you don’t like the connotations of those words, that’s one thing, but your attempt to not label your style or worse, imply that your style defies labels, comes off as self-righteous. Just an insight from an outsider.
on 03 October 2011 / 9:50 AM
Kameron says,
I don’t think the intent of the post was to disassociate from a particular label or to suggest that the style at BNC defies labels; instead, I took it as an encouragement to think creatively outside of those labels when it brings glory to God and encourages worship within the congregation.
on 04 October 2011 / 10:16 AM
Derek Simpkins says,
Take a gander at any of the currently known genres of music… in 2000, the known genres were basically Christian, Rock, Metal, Rap, R&B, Country, and Jazz. Now we’re got so many sub-genres to add to these (emo, screamo, bluegrass, southern rock, modern rock, hard rock, soft rock, crossover/crossroads, techno, etc – just a few to make the example) Pastor wasn’t insinuating that one style of worship was better or more pleasing to Christ… the whole blog was answering the question he is often asked about what style of worship is most common @ brandnewchurch – which was answered by “celebratory” rather than restricted or defined by genre. Whether we choose to acknowledge it, many organizations control, refrain, or simply pass on the opportunity to celebrate God through song… the key factor here being which definition of celebrate do you choose? – and how does your celebration of God compare to your celebration of _______________ ( a big hunting success, great fishing trip, sporting event, holiday, huge success at work, etc)
on 07 November 2011 / 12:12 PM
Michael Norwood says,
After reading my initial comment I can see how it could be taken as mean spirited. Please don’t take it that way. I simply wanted to offer an alternate opinion on a topic I’ve also put a considerable amount of thought in to.
on 03 October 2011 / 10:06 AM
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