The worship styles in Chinese churches range from the solemn hymn tradition of Reformed churches to the passionate contemporary praise of the Charismatic movement—from the reverent tones of the pipe organ to the electrifying energy of the electric guitar. Different groups have varying understandings and interpretations of what constitutes worship that aligns with God's heart.
Behind these debates lie theological differences between churches as well as the cultural, generational, and personal experiences of different pastors and worshippers. Addressing this complex issue, Brother Daniel, a seasoned worship minister from East China, said, "The core of worship is not a battle over style, but a return to the biblical essence of 'spirit and truth.'"
The Core of Worship
Daniel believes, "God has never mandated that worship must involve a piano or electric instruments, nor has He required a fixed ritual. What He desires is 'spirit and truth'." This biblical passage serves as the foundation of his understanding of worship's core meaning. "For worship, God always values the heart of the worshipper."
He warned, "If we elevate a certain worship style as the only standard, we risk falling into Pharisaic legalism, using 'the veil of Moses' to obscure the true essence of worship."
Daniel specifically highligheds disputes among Christians regarding permissible worship instruments: "Some insist on using only the piano, claiming that the electric guitar is 'worldly.' Others reject traditional hymns, considering them 'rigid and outdated.' However, if we carefully examine the Scripture, we find that it never limits worship tools. David danced before God with tambourines, and the Israelites praised Him with lyres, harps, flutes, and cymbals. So why should today's church not embrace a diversity of instruments in worship?"
The Coexistence of Diversity
In response to the divisions between Reformed and Charismatic worship traditions, Daniel advocates for a mindset of "respecting differences" rather than a rigid "either-or" approach. He believes that each worship style is rooted in its own theological foundation and historical development: "Reformed traditions emphasize God's supreme sovereignty, and their worship's solemnity stems from reverence for His majesty. Meanwhile, the Charismatic movement focuses more on the present work of the Holy Spirit, with their free expression reflecting a deep longing for intimacy with God. But must these two worship traditions always be in opposition?"
"If classical hymns are like a grown-up, then contemporary worship songs are like a lively child. So, does the world need children or adults? The answer is both," he explained. "Unless it is heresy, we should not belittle or reject one another."
He referenced churches in Taiwan and Southeast Asia as examples: "From what I know, many churches in Taiwan blend modern bands and dance into their worship, even incorporating elements of popular culture. In contrast, some churches in Southeast Asia have largely preserved their traditional instruments and indigenous musical styles." He candidly remarked, "Churches in mainland China have been shaped by historical and cultural constraints, leading to relatively conservative worship styles. Conservatism itself is not wrong, but it does not justify dismissing the worship explorations of other regions. Similarly, churches abroad—especially in developed countries—should not easily assume that the generally conservative worship style of Chinese churches is incorrect. God is the God of all nations and peoples, and He delights in diverse expressions of praise."
He quoted the teaching from Romans: "The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. … So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God."
The Fusion of Classical and Contemporary Worship
Through years of worship ministry, Daniel has sought to integrate classical hymns with modern praise songs. He believes that both serve as a dual testimony—one of faith's heritage and the other of its contemporary expression. "Classical hymns like 'Holy, Holy, Holy' carry the rich spiritual legacy of generations of saints—their theological depth and lyrical beauty remain timeless. In contrast, contemporary worship songs, such as those by Stream of Praise (SOP) Music Ministries, use accessible, modern language to convey heartfelt emotions, making it easier to resonate with the younger generation."
Different worship styles can be flexibly adapted according to the congregation. Churches with a predominantly elderly population may retain more traditional elements, while those with a younger congregation might incorporate more modern praise songs. When singing classical hymns, the musical arrangement can be made more lively; it doesn't always have to convey a solemn and heavy atmosphere like the tolling of morning and evening bells.
Daniel also expressed concerns about certain modern worship songs. "In pursuit of commercial success, many works are updated too frequently, leading to shallow lyrics and homogenized melodies that simply cater to the audience's preferences. If churches only chase 'novelty,' worship may eventually become an 'add-on of popular culture.'" He urged Christian songwriters to return to the depth of faith, "A good worship song should possess both theological accuracy and emotional impact—it should teach the truth while awakening the soul."
Technique and Worship
Regarding the role of technical skills in worship, Brother Daniel holds a balanced view. He quoted the account from 1 Chronicles: "Asaph, Jeduthun, and their relatives were all trained to sing and were skilled in praising the Lord, each with their specific duties." He pointed out that "to do a good job, one must first sharpen one's tools." If a person cannot play the guitar or other instruments, how can they use music to worship? Thus, technical training is a responsibility of a worshipper.
Daniel said, "I've seen people who have deep emotions and inspiration within them but struggle to express it. One way or another, there must be an outlet for expression. The better a person's technical skills, the broader and deeper their ability to convey their worship."
However, he warned about the risks of overemphasizing technical skills. Throughout his many years of worship ministry, he has seen some turn worship teams into "performance groups," focusing excessively on perfect harmonies and flawless stage presentation. The problem is that while the worship has content, the true essence of worship is lost.
Are Some Modern Worship Songs Not Focused on Worshiping God?
Over the years, as the church has continued to grow, the pace of updating praise songs has also accelerated. Two or three decades ago, most Christians mainly sang from the Chinese New Hymnal and the Canaan Hymns. In recent years, more and more contemporary hymns have entered the church, especially among young Christians who really enjoy singing these modern worship songs.
The rise of modern worship songs has helped address the long-standing issue of limited hymn variety, but it has also introduced new concerns. Some Christians—including pastors and worship leaders—dislike certain modern praise songs, arguing that their core focus is not worshiping God but rather the singer's personal emotional expression. In response, Daniel said that we cannot view worship with a binary mindset. Worship has two dimensions—one directed toward God and the other directed toward people.
"I don't think our relationship with God is a one-way street. Yes, the truth must remain pure and uncompromising. However, we also need to consider how worship can be a blessing to people. Honoring and glorifying God is and must be the core of worship. But does God not also bring comfort to His people? When people are hurting, don't they need songs that offer encouragement? Should we only sing Holy, Holy, Holy? Not exactly—sometimes, we need to sing songs like 'One day, if you feel like you've lost courage...'," Daniel added.
Rather than debating these issues endlessly, he believes that true worship comes from personally experiencing God. If someone genuinely encounters God, they will be completely transformed.
Unity Amid Controversy
In the complex and developing landscape of the Chinese church, where numerous denominations coexist, worship style disputes often escalate into heated conflicts. Daniel stated, "I have had intense debates with colleagues from Reformed backgrounds on topics like predestination and the work of the Holy Spirit, but we chose mutual respect over division." He claimed that Christians should model Christ's inclusiveness—standing in unity on essential truths, exercising tolerance on secondary issues, and binding all things together in love.
He referenced the worship of heavenly angels in Revelation as an example. The angels' worship in Revelation does not differ in style—it is solely wholehearted praise of God. The four living creatures and the twenty-four elders bow down in worship without debating whether to use harps or trumpets. "If we quarrel endlessly over worship forms, aren't we putting the cart before the horse?" He urged churches to let go of "binary thinking" — some worry that modern worship leads to secularization, but the key is whether worship allows people to genuinely encounter God. If a song accompanied by an electric guitar can awaken dormant souls, its value is no less than that of classical hymns.
Conclusion: Worship Is About People, Not Style
Daniel holds that as long as worship edifies believers, all styles are worth trying. After more than two decades in worship ministry, he has realized that worship ultimately depends on the worship leader, not the style itself. If one must talk about style, the leader is the greatest style.
"When I lead worship, I bring forth what God wants me to bring. If people can encounter God, give Him glory, find comfort, and be drawn back to Him through worship—that is enough. I don't insist on forcing worship into a rigid structure like a multiplication table that must be memorized in a fixed way. That's not my approach. Helping people experience God is my core belief when leading worship," he said.
Originally published by the Christian Times
- Translated by J.C.
