Contemporary Worship Music and Intergenerational Formation

A special issue of Religions (ISSN 2077-1444).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 November 2024) | Viewed by 8570

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, Belmont University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
Interests: theology; worship; pneumatology; music

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, Belmont University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
Interests: contemporary praise and worship music; history; worship music history

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

“The Christian church was born in song” writes Ralph Martin (Martin, 1974). Indeed, song is one of the three acts (along with prayer and the proclamation of scripture) that has characterized Christian worship of every era and tradition (Chan, 1998). In recent years, however, music has taken an even more central place in corporate Christian worship. This is especially the case in contemporary praise and worship—a relatively new tradition of worship that over the last half-century has expanded rapidly in both the U.S. and globally (Ruth and Lim, 2021). The landscape of ecclesial affiliation was once marked by denominational affiliations. Today, however, a far greater number of churches are independent and embrace a shared constellation of worship practices that (regardless of the church’s denominational background) are drawn from evangelical, Pentecostal, and charismatic influences (National Congregations Study, 2021). Scholars estimate that nearly one-quarter of the world’s Christians (Ingalls and Yong, 2015) practice some form of contemporary praise and worship, including and beyond more than half of the world’s Protestants who are Pentecostal (Marti, et al., 2017). Contemporary praise and worship music has become an ecumenical tradition (Johnson and Loepp Theissen, 2023). However, its impact on the spiritual formation of those practitioners, especially children and youth, has not been well researched.

These shifts in practice also mean that the independent worship music industry and other independent publishers have come to play an increasingly prominent role in providing materials, principles, and frameworks for worship and prayer. Some of the most popular and all-encompassing children’s ministry curricula, such as Grow, Orange, and Group, include ready-made worship materials intended for children’s and family ministries. Other materials marketed specifically for children are produced by large influential churches that dominate the independent worship music market, such as Elevation Church (Charlotte, NC) and Bethel Church (Redding, CA) (Perez, et al. 2023). A cursory view of Spotify charts alone reveals millions of listeners for the top songs published by each group. This complements the much wider listenership of worship music from these sources that is marketed to all ages and is available through streaming platforms and on Christian radio. Independent artists and the four major Christian record labels also maintain a steady flow of music releases intended to encourage and enable children and families at worship.

Given these historical and industrial realities, this Special Issue aims to fill a gap in research on the impact of contemporary praise and worship music on the faith formation of children and communities.

Potential areas of research include the following:

Children’s Participation and Experience:

  • In contemporary worship music settings, how does active participation in intergenerational worship impact the spiritual development and sense of belonging among children?
  • What role does music play in facilitating intergenerational worship experiences, and how might contemporary musical styles impact children's capacity to participate fully?
  • To what extent do children's participation and engagement in contemporary worship music impact their long-term involvement in faith communities and their spiritual development?

Theological Foundations and Pedagogy

  • What theological foundations underpin the current situation of intergenerational worship, and how might these be strengthened within contemporary worship contexts?
  • How do historic practices of intergenerational worship compare with contemporary approaches, and what insights can be gleaned to inform current practices, including (but not limited to) children?
  • What theological underpinnings from the history of contemporary praise and worship might be reclaimed to renew attention to intergenerational worship?
  • Which theological themes are most prevalent in worship music for children and intergeneration settings?

Practical Implementation and Innovation

  • What are the perceptions and experiences of parents and caregivers regarding the presence and involvement of their children in contemporary worship music?
  • How do congregational leaders, musicians, and worship planners perceive the theological, logistical, or developmental challenges and opportunities of involving children in contemporary worship, and how do these perceptions inform their practices and decision-making?
  • What potential barriers exist and what are the strategies for creating inclusive and accommodating contemporary worship environments that cater to children with disabilities and needs within the context of contemporary worship?
  • How do children's perspectives and voices contribute to the shaping of contemporary worship practices, and how can their input be effectively integrated into decision-making processes?

References

Berhó, Deborah L., Gerardo Martí, and Mark T. Mulder. “Global Pentecostalism and Ethnic Identity Maintenance among Latino Immigrants: A Case Study of a Guatemalan Neo-Pentecostal Congregation in the Pacific Northwest.” Pneuma: The Journal of the Society for Pentecostal Studies 39, no. 1/2 (March 2017): 5–33. https://doi.org/10.1163/15700747-03901004.

Chan, Simon. Spiritual Theology: A Systematic Study of the Christian Life. InterVarsity Press, 1998.

Chaves, Mark, Joseph Roso, Anna Holleman, and Mary Hawkins. Congregations in 21st Century America. Durham, NC: Duke University, Department of Sociology, 2021.

Ingalls, Monique Marie, and Amos Yong, eds. The Spirit of Praise: Music and Worship in Global Pentecostal-Charismatic Christianity. University Park, Pennsylvania: The Pennsylvania State University Press, 2015.

Johnson, Sarah Kathleen, and Anneli Loepp Thiessen. “Contemporary Worship Music as an Ecumenical Liturgical Movement.” Worship 97 (July 2023): 204–29.

Martin, Ralph P. Worship in the Early Church. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, 1974.

Perez, Adam, Shannan Baker, Elias Dummer, Marc Jolicoeur, and Mike Tapper. “‘Do It Again’: Chart-Topping Worship Songs and the Churches Behind Them.” Liturgy 38, no. 4 ( 2 October 2023): 31–40. https://doi.org/10.1080/0458063X.2023.2259766.

Ruth, Lester, and Swee Hong Lim. A History of Contemporary Praise and Worship: Understanding the Ideas That Reshaped the Protestant Church. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2021.

Prof. Dr. Steve R. Guthrie
Dr. Adam A. Perez
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • worship
  • music
  • children
  • intergenerational
  • spirituality
  • contemporary worship
  • praise and worship
  • spiritual formation

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

11 pages, 190 KiB  
Article
Fun, Trendy, Upbeat: Musical Tastes, Social Conditioning, and Contemporary Worship Music for Kids
by Laura Benjamins and Anneli Loepp Thiessen
Religions 2025, 16(4), 472; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel16040472 - 7 Apr 2025
Viewed by 809
Abstract
This article examines the correlation between “trendy” musical features and contemporary worship songs for kids. We engage in music video analysis, comparing three songs from a range of contemporary worship children’s ministries to critically examine the messages that their children’s covers convey. Further, [...] Read more.
This article examines the correlation between “trendy” musical features and contemporary worship songs for kids. We engage in music video analysis, comparing three songs from a range of contemporary worship children’s ministries to critically examine the messages that their children’s covers convey. Further, we question how contemporary worship music videos form children’s preferences and musical tastes, drawing on Lucy Green’s writing on musical taste formation and intersonic properties (2008). We argue that when children’s religious and musical experiences are formed by adults’ assumptions of their preferences—including that they prefer fun, cool, and trendy music—their overall experience of Christian music may be limited. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contemporary Worship Music and Intergenerational Formation)
15 pages, 218 KiB  
Article
To Be Seen and Heard: Toward a Child Liberation Theology Framework for Contemporary Praise and Worship Practice
by Kelsey Kramer McGinnis
Religions 2025, 16(2), 261; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel16020261 - 19 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1386
Abstract
“If there is no space in our faith communities where children can participate in theological work, how can children create a theology that will liberate them?” R.L. Stollar asks in his book, The Kingdom of Children: A Liberation Theology (2023). Popular Christian parenting [...] Read more.
“If there is no space in our faith communities where children can participate in theological work, how can children create a theology that will liberate them?” R.L. Stollar asks in his book, The Kingdom of Children: A Liberation Theology (2023). Popular Christian parenting literature since the 1970s has encouraged adults to view children as undisciplined trainees with little of value to offer their families and churches other than their obedience. Exploration of the recent history of Christian parenting literature and its intersections with politics and other Christian media reveals that there is substantial overlap between the communities most impacted by these books and those that utilize contemporary praise and worship music (CPWM). Using a child liberation theology framework, I examine the ways that prevailing ideas in parenting books have enabled a “parent-centered” model of musical worship in many evangelical churches. By observing the ways children are invited into or implicitly discouraged from participation in corporate musical worship, we can better understand the ways that CPWM practice might be reshaped in a more liberatory direction—one that will benefit children and adults, and foster a more radically unified church. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contemporary Worship Music and Intergenerational Formation)
11 pages, 204 KiB  
Article
Poured Out on Your Sons and Daughters: Pneumatologically Shaped Pedagogical Practices for Engaging Children in Congregational Worship
by Angela Perigo and Jeremy Perigo
Religions 2025, 16(2), 243; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel16020243 - 16 Feb 2025
Viewed by 517
Abstract
From young children to elders in the community, the Holy Spirit’s empowering presence is indiscriminate of age, ability, gender, culture, or status. Many communities continue to wrestle with the pastoral and practical implications of welcoming children into worship as full, distinct participants, yet [...] Read more.
From young children to elders in the community, the Holy Spirit’s empowering presence is indiscriminate of age, ability, gender, culture, or status. Many communities continue to wrestle with the pastoral and practical implications of welcoming children into worship as full, distinct participants, yet within the biblical narrative, children are included as full participants in experiencing the Spirit’s gifts and empowerment and encountering God’s dynamic presence. Emerging from the discipline of practical theology and a review of New Testament pneumatology from Acts 2 and 1 Corinthians 12, this paper argues for the full inclusion of children within the church’s worship life as welcomed, distinct participants. Contributing to the emerging field of children’s spirituality, we offer faith-forming pedagogical practices to engage children in congregational songs as participants and as those filled with the Spirit as leaders. This article contributes to the fields of worship studies and children’s spirituality by exploring hospitable approaches in corporate worship and congregational songs that affirm children’s capacity to lead in distinct ways where their own spirituality is formed alongside that of the congregation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contemporary Worship Music and Intergenerational Formation)
16 pages, 502 KiB  
Article
Habitus Formation Through Contemporary Worship Music in Two Church Cases: Implications for Intergenerational Worship
by Laura Benjamins
Religions 2025, 16(2), 237; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel16020237 - 14 Feb 2025
Viewed by 646
Abstract
This article draws upon doctoral case study data from two Protestant Christian churches to examine how contemporary worship music-making practices can reinforce and solidify the musical tastes, dispositions, and tendencies of particular demographics. Drawing upon sociologist Pierre Bourdieu’s concept of the habitus, this [...] Read more.
This article draws upon doctoral case study data from two Protestant Christian churches to examine how contemporary worship music-making practices can reinforce and solidify the musical tastes, dispositions, and tendencies of particular demographics. Drawing upon sociologist Pierre Bourdieu’s concept of the habitus, this article examines the religious musical habitus of musicians in relation to contemporary music repertoire. For some churches, contemporary worship music-making practices may “disrupt” the habitus of a particular subset of a demographic due to their musical preferences and positioning, while contemporary repertoire may affirm the habitus of other, often “young” worshippers due to their musical preferences. Further, the research analyzes each church’s positioning within the overarching musical and theological fields in place. Case study data affirm the notion that Contemporary Worship Music is generationally based in the way it engages with the habitus, which provides implications for worship leaders and those making musical decisions within Christian church contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contemporary Worship Music and Intergenerational Formation)
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14 pages, 199 KiB  
Article
Liturgical Gift or Theological Burden? Teenagers and Ecumenical Liturgical Exchange Events
by Nelson Robert Cowan and Emily Snider Andrews
Religions 2024, 15(12), 1478; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel15121478 - 5 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1770
Abstract
Assumptions about the preferences of teenagers in corporate worship regarding format, style, musical selections, and other experiences abound. Recognizing that teenagers are far from homogenous, we sought to listen deeply to how they process and define their experiences of worship, particularly through the [...] Read more.
Assumptions about the preferences of teenagers in corporate worship regarding format, style, musical selections, and other experiences abound. Recognizing that teenagers are far from homogenous, we sought to listen deeply to how they process and define their experiences of worship, particularly through the lens of encountering liturgical difference. Our research team spent one week with approximately 35 highly religious, majority-Evangelical teenagers at Animate 2023 in Birmingham, Alabama—a summer camp with an emphasis in worship and the arts. Based on data from individual interviews and focus groups, this paper articulates some of our findings—namely that these highly devoted teenage worshipers demonstrate liturgical curiosity, delight in their own agency, and often desire to adopt practices that are foreign to them, even when some of those elements are deemed “weird”. The lived experiences of young people are often missing from conversations about their liturgical practices in both the Church and academy. While this study is not generalizable, it offers a micro glimpse into one worship arts camp, aiming to provide tangible data points to address this lacuna. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contemporary Worship Music and Intergenerational Formation)
11 pages, 221 KiB  
Article
From the Mouths of Babes: Lessons in Making a Joyful Noise unto the Lord
by Deborah Ann Wong
Religions 2024, 15(12), 1454; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel15121454 - 29 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1630
Abstract
How do infants praise the Lord? While we cannot say definitively how this is so, exploring this idea—particularly in the context of intergenerational worship and formation—offers rich theological insights. Scripture declares, “Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants, you have perfected [...] Read more.
How do infants praise the Lord? While we cannot say definitively how this is so, exploring this idea—particularly in the context of intergenerational worship and formation—offers rich theological insights. Scripture declares, “Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants, you have perfected praise” (Matthew 21:16; Psalm 8:2, NKJV), suggesting that (1) infants indeed praise God, and (2) their praise is perfected by Him. Rather than dismissing this as purely metaphorical, this article draws on St. Augustine’s concept of the jubilus, a song with no intelligible words, to explore how infants’ babbling might be seen as a form of praise and worship, and what we might learn from it if it is thus seen. The article concludes by demonstrating how this reflection on infants’ praise might challenge us to reevaluate and enrich our approaches to Contemporary Praise & Worship and intergenerational formation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contemporary Worship Music and Intergenerational Formation)
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