National Church Life Survey data strongly supports the notion that all ages want opportunities to use contemporary song in their worship of God. We need to go beyond the hymns v. choruses debate, and realise that choruses are just one contemporary style out of many currently in use in Uniting Church worship. The guidelines which follow suggest at least seven varieties of contemporary music for worship. Christian music both passes on the beliefs of the church down through the ages and expresses what faith in God means to the here and now. When someone has reached a milestone in their journey of faith and discipleship, they will often want to give relevant expression to this.
Much contemporary music is catchy and memorable .
I think not. But once we can acknowledge it as an opening for the movement of the Spirit of God, and an encounter with the discipleship demands of the crucified yet risen Christ, we can be giving thanks to God for the gift that contemporary song can be. Rhythm is a strong feature of contemporary music, and not just within the genre of rock music. Avoid an almost-exclusively praise orientation. This denies the opportunity in worship for music that is confessional, intercessory or educational.