Non-Traditional Worship

Relevant Religion: The Role of Non-Traditional Worship in Jefferson City Churches

By Vicki K. Brown

“I know of no living thing that is healthy and thriving that is not changing,” says David Arinder, pastor of Woodcrest Chapel at Capital Mall. “I once read somewhere, ‘Change or die.’ The unwillingness to consider change is something we do to our own peril.”

Woodcrest and other Jefferson City churches have adopted non-traditional worship styles, not necessarily to attract new members, but as a means to remain relevant and build relationships with people who may shun more traditional forms. Non-traditional means adopting a style element outside those that have been common in a faith tradition for an extended period. Every element in worship is subject to change, including preaching forms, communion and Bible reading, as well as music.

“Change is a necessary part of remaining relevant,” notes David Waganer, interim pastor at Memorial Baptist Church. “I don’t think you change to attract and keep congregants, but I do believe the church that continues to worship without new life begins to decline.”

Relevance is key for Solid Rock Family Church, as well. “I certainly think that a church has to stay relevant,” Pastor Joe Skiles says. “A church unwilling to change is going to die. The word of God doesn’t change. The message doesn’t change. How we present it changes. We must change to reach this generation.”

Change can allow more freedom for each individual to use his or her abilities to benefit the entire church. “A congregation is something like an orchestra,” First Presbyterian Church pastor Rudy Beard says. “All of its members play different instruments. The goal is to make music together before God at the same time in the same place … Our worship tradition, while not static, plays a vital role in guiding worship and shaping expectations, while reflecting our theology.”

Many Jefferson City churches use technology and media to enhance services, particularly for techno-savvy young adults and teens. Today’s highly visual, immediate and media-oriented culture relies on television, movies and the Internet for communication, information and entertainment. Congregations are tapping into the cultural phenomenon, using multimedia, drama, film clips, praise bands and dance in worship.

First Presbyterian’s services now include more moments of silence and a short teaching time for children. The congregation uses different forms of receiving communion and has made some changes in baptism. Members have added bluegrass music, classical piano and chimes to some services. Traditionally, they have relied on the pipe organ, which remains the primary instrument to accompany congregational singing. Most congregants, even those who have been members for many years, embrace many changes and are willing to adapt to reach younger generations. A recent congregational study at First Presbyterian revealed that a significant number of members would like a weekly non-traditional service. A new worship experience is now in the developmental stage.

 “There are some wonderful senior adults in the church who have remained even though the music is often so loud it hurts their ears,” Waganer says. “These special members are most excited because the church has a strong worship gathering each week.”

Change does impact growth—numerically and spiritually. “Non-traditional worship has helped the growth of our church,” Skiles says. “The music has helped us because it is very uplifting … It helps take members to a new level with God.”

That desire for spiritual growth is the catalyst for worship change. Sometimes that means examining the basis for some traditions. “While understanding that traditions are part of every culture, we continually ask ourselves the question whether a particular way of doing or presenting something is optimally serving the biblical purpose for which it was designed,” Arinder says.

Then a congregation must determine which new styles will most effectively express the spiritual connection. 

“We recognize that it isn’t simply art or talks that have the deepest impact on lives; it’s really all about relationships,” Arinder says. “So our services all have at their heart, the purpose of creating environments where real authentic relationships can grow between God and between each other.”