WELS congregations with contemporary worship services?
I have been going to our WELS church since 3rd grade and was confirmed in 8th grade. I am now out of college and still attending our WELS church and love every aspect of it. As I have understood, we have reasons for using hymns and not having a "worship band" that plays up front, but I saw a question on this site about a WELS church having a contemporary service and I was wondering if there are, indeed, WELS churches that have a contemporary service and if that consists of modern Christians songs with a worship band? Also, if contemporary services aren't to be practiced in a WELS church, I was wondering if I could have a more in-depth answer for why that is. I vaguely remember why it is, but I've had friends who I've invited to church ask why we don't have that and I'd like to explain it in a better way to them.
Yes, there are WELS congregations that offer contemporary worship services. Anecdotally-based estimates suggest that less than 10% of WELS congregations offer contemporary worship services in some form. I say “in some form” because congregations define “contemporary worship” in different ways. To some, contemporary worship means using the liturgy of the hymnal and its hymns but providing accompaniment on musical instruments other than an organ. To others (a much smaller number of congregations), contemporary worship means using a worship band.
Why is there variety like this? The answer is Christian freedom. Decisions about worship style are made at the congregational level. What is to guide any form of Christian worship is orderliness (1 Corinthians 14:40) and giving God our best (Isaiah 1; Malachi 1). Recognizing the diversity of the body of Christ (Revelation 7:9) will also lead congregations to conduct worship in ways that reflect the culture(s) of its members.
Regardless of worship style, our worship is and needs to remain focused on Jesus Christ, the Son of God, our Savior. Our worship is and needs to remain focused on the Triune God. Our worship is and needs to remain focused on the precious gospel of our Lord. When that focus is maintained, then the “how” of worship can be kept in proper perspective.