Lacking that context in which to form opinions, the unchurched teenagers were apparently influenced by the standards of popular culture, which would judge the sound of most contemporary Christian music to be neither contemporary nor popular. While teenagers who have come to know this music as part of the ethos of their church may consider it appropriate, unchurched adolescents may reject it. The study revealed connections between the teens' ideas of the role music takes in the service and the kind of music considered suitable to fill that role. Church music is part of the presentation of God's Word. Church music is a way for people to use their talents to serve God.
Church music establishes or changes people's moods.
Church music is a performance that entertains. My analysis showed a strong connection between the students' perceptions of the way music functions in the service and the kind of music they thought was appropriate for the service. Students who saw music as part of the presentation of God's Word considered traditional choral music most appropriate for the service. The small percentage who said that music in church was an entertaining performance also gave higher ratings to rock music and soloistic pop styles. As they took the survey, they were reminded frequently that they were indicating not how much they liked the music but rather how fitting they felt it was for a specific time and place.