As has been so well expressed by a number of people in different ways, the heart of our worship is about God, and not about our preferences. At the same time, we are stirred by those experiences that make us feel good. And we naturally feel good about things that make us comfortable. If we're listening to the radio, when we recognize a tune, we tend to focus in on it, but if the music isn't familiar, it tends to fade into the background. This is simply the way we are.

So we must recognize, therefore, that education is an important factor. It is sad that one gentleman left a church simply because of what he perceived to be an "antiquated guitar technique". His very use of the word antiquated reveals a thinking that can only be corrected with education. For example, both the guitar and the organ are ancient instruments, two of the oldest, in fact that we still use today. The organ is generally considered traditional, however, while the guitar is looked upon as contemporary. This is only because recent cultural tradition has made the guitar appear to be a contemporary instrument. It is a fact, however, that this thinking is being challenged by some rock groups that are beginning to use organs as well.

We need more creative and musically educated leaders who recognize that great music for worship crosses all stylistic categories, and seek to find those examples that will best lead all people in worship. I appreciate the concern about a "mish-mash" of styles being assembled out of a desire to please varying musical tastes. But this usually results from the quest for a variety of styles becoming the main deciding factor, without consideration to quality of the music or its role and integration into the service.

Also, a useful strategy in leading blended worship is combining some parts of both old and new within the same selection, such as the traditional hymn "And Can It Be" with the contemporary song "Amazing Love". And, another very successful approach is to "contemporize" great traditional hymns of the past. There is a great arrangement of "Crown Him With Many Crowns" that does this with syncopated rhythms while keeping the great majestic character of the old hymn. Or, changing the metre to a more typical rock feel (4 to a bar instead of 3 to a bar) which we've done with great success with "Blessed Assurance", for example. In both cases, as led by a contemporary style worship band, it has a decidedly contemporary feel, and yet the words and melody are those treasured especially by the elderly in the congregation.

One final note. While the debate is mainly over whether or not to use a popular traditional style of music or a popular contemporary style of music, proponents of both models often neglect a great wealth of classical music that fits neither category, for it is neither traditional nor contemporary. It crosses all eras, age groups, and cultures, and ministers to our souls because it is at its heart music that has been created for its artistry. And it can also play a wonderful role in our church worship, even instrumental music without words. The only obstacle is a limit on the understanding and knowledge about classical music. Those in leadership who do understand the power of classical style have a responsibility both to educate and to use it effectively.

But now I attend a service that is more like a pep rally. The sermon is explained and firmly tied to the Bible. There are hymns as well as songs that are playing on the radio. They work hard to tie it all in together, the songs and the message all are part of the whole. The best part is that it carries into the week, I remember the songs and what God wants from me and is doing for me.

And now I am seeing that the large gathering time should not be the point of going to a church, there needs to be more, it should be easy for me to grow in Christ, such as a class to learn better spending habits. And to serve, such as going to a soup kitchen. In these areas everyone is not the same, and it needs to be divided to meet the needs and talents of each group. These are areas that need to be blended and specialized both.

A church with two services should us other events to bond the whole group together. Not as a whole but as many small groups. Sunday schools that anyone can go to, Saturday work sessions that anyone can help out at, the list goes on. Even with only one service there should be more to the group of people than meeting for worship. There needs to be many other small gatherings to gain unity. Not just one class, such as children meeting together six times a week, but children and old people on one meeting, then girls and ladies later, the list goes on.

Think of a flock of 100 birds, as they fly the same 20 birds are not always together, but they are a whole as well as sometimes some are in a tree while others are on the ground, then a mix up and a group is on a power line and others flying. Through all this mixing and change they all go further, all the way across a neighbor hood and even cities and even migrating 1000’s of miles.

I don't believe the article was a call for every church to make their worship services "blended." Instead, I believe it was merely an expression of an experience the author had in taking this approach to worship. I really enjoyed hearing about this experience.

My church has a mixed congregation and we enjoy all types of music, as long as it glorifies God. I believe the reader from Puerto Rico said it best, just let the Holy Spirit guide you. At the same time, we must be open to different styles of music and how it can enrich your service and your people.

When we get focused on each person individually, there is no way that we can please everyone. There is no such a thing as a 'comfort zone' in worship because its all about God and whether He accepts what we bring, not about us, and whether we feel good about bringing it. Besides, God knows how He wants to be worshipped, so the Holy Spirit is our best guide on this.