Contemporary worship

What is the WELS view on contemporary worship styles?

We recognize that God has not prescribed how we are to worship him. Because of that, we enjoy Christian freedom in our corporate worship life. Decisions about worship styles are made at the congregational level.

What guides congregations in their worship life is a desire to glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31), to do things in an orderly way (1 Corinthians 14:40) and to give 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 services in ways that reflect the culture(s) of their members.

Regardless of worship styles, 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.