Does the style of music we use in a church worship service matter? Yes – I DO think it matters. Absolutely, no doubt about it. Don’t misquote my motives though – read my explanation. 
Firstly, I think we need to consider what matters to God since its for Him anyhow. Does our style matter to God? Nope. I don’t think he gives a hoot. I don’t think so. God will hear our hearts (and specifically our attitude of excellence, for those of us with the specific Call to play skillfully (Ps. 33:3)).
So if it doesn’t matter to God, why should it matter to a worship leader? That’s a great question. Let’s consider what does matter. Emotions towards God matter. Devoted lives to Him matter. Our expression of worship to God matters (worship cannot exist without an expression of some sort, otherwise its just music). An assembly worshiping together matters to God (Unity), which is a great reason we use music in the first place. So if those things matter to God, how can our music meet that goal? Wouldn’t the style choices help us meet these goals?
Consider this lyric: “No hay nadie como nuestro Dios.” For most of you, it will be impossible for this lyric to help you encounter God. But when I translate it into English, “There is no one like our God,” that changes everything. With this lyric you understand the meaning and actually stand a chance at joining me in magnifying God. It works this way because I’m speaking your language.
Can you imagine a church in inner city Los Angeles hee-hawing in a worship set with a banjo, mandolin, jug, and spoons? Can you imagine a church in the back hills of Kentucky connecting to God with an Urban-Jazz Black Gospel style like Yolanda Adams? Can you imagine any church in the Western World doing a worship service using the Asian “Gamelon” style of music; which has absolutely no regard for the 12 tone system (throw your “scales” out the window). Is it possible for people to connect with God with a musical style they’re not used to? OF COURSE IT IS! And the spiritually mature should be able to handle it. But as a worship leader I’m trying to HELP PEOPLE experience God, not make it more difficult for them because “they should be able to handle it.” In an assembly I have to consider that people are at different spiritual levels; I’d be irresponsible if I constantly use artistic styles that don’t connect with my group. Can you imagine a missionary being so dense as to go to a foreign country and require their church to sing all worship songs in English?
So at this point, I think its pretty obvious that style does matter. It is something to consider. Now comes the messy part.
Musical styles are subjective. People come and go to church every weekend. Only SOME of them have a specific opinion of the carpet, chairs, paint, lighting, or even the sermon. But EVERYONE has a different opinion of the musical style. Which one is the right one? Which opinion is the one the worship leader needs to listen to?
See why its messy? There’s no good answer for this. The worship leader must consider the direction and goals of their local church (as directed by their senior pastor), the needs and demographic of their congregation, and the voice of the Holy Spirit. I’ve learned that the voice of the Holy Spirit is ALWAYS right and is ALWAYS going to work (isn’t it sad that I had to learn that? lol). Don’t use that as a license to be subordinate to your senior pastor, though. Your leadership will always confirm the voice of the Holy Spirit.
Does our music style matter? Yea, I think it does. It doesn’t matter to God, but our styles can help us accomplish the things that DO matter to God.
Comment By: Dennis Kutzner
January 28th, 2010 at 10:15 am
Adam you have nailed it again. Thanks for this site and the sincere work you and JP are doing as Overseers of Worship/Arts in our fellowship.
Comment By: Jess Jessup
January 28th, 2010 at 11:17 am
Adam, well thought! Question though: Since the style is subjective and there is no New Testament emphasis on music why is there such an emphasis in our contemporary church culture?
Comment By: adamdiehl
January 28th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
@Jess Jessup: Thanks. Firstly, there is outrageous support for music in the Old Testament (which you implied). As I understand the message of salvation, there is no reason why this would change through the “filter” of the Cross. Maybe that’s just my view as a “reformed dispensationalist” (or whatever that makes me).
Secondly, there has been some confusion on music style in the early church – which MAY be what you’re referring to. The foundational church fathers actually prohibited instruments for use in worship. Some groups (namely the Church of Christ) use this to support continued use of acapella music. This; however, is in error, I believe. The REASON they eliminated instruments was because — for the new converts — singing with instruments was too closely tied with their pagan worship. They couldn’t differentiate. It’s similar at the youth group of my church – the non-churched teens in attendance can’t differentiate between a rocking worship song and a rock concert (where you just goof off). So we always start out every worship set with one or two really soft worship songs – and we started the year off with just a piano.
AAAAAAAAnd thirdly, I think you make a great point – “What’s the big deal?” Why is there such an emphasis on it in contemporary church culture? Few reasons –
1) It’s emphasized in all culture – and for the church to speak the language of the people and be relevant in the culture we live in, music presents the best opportunity.
2) Worship music is an industry today. Its unfortunate. Its sad. It breaks God’s heart. But its true. For the consumerist mind, “worship music” is a product, not a means to connect to God. These are the mucky waters in which worship leaders are required to wade through – because, imo, we would be irresponsible to simply ignore it. INSTEAD – I try to use it. For example – at my church I see people engage passionately in worship when we do a song that’s been on the radio repeatedly. Let me reiterate – it SHOULDN’T be that way – but it is. I’m not going to do something JUST because its on the radio – but when it is, it helps.
Hope i answered your question.