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Contact Pastor Steve Norman or Steve Wyllie for information.

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From time to time people ask questions about the music we use in worship at New Hope. I thought it might be good to write an article addressing some of the more frequently asked questions.


What style of music is used in worship?

We are very fortunate to live in a time of rich diversity in styles of sacred music. In addition to traditional hymns and gospel, new worship songs are being written in rock, country, ethnic/folk and even jazz. All these varied styles and more give us a varied musical language to express worship and praise to God at New Hope. We seek to find room for all styles of Christian music as appropriate.


How is music chosen?

Music can make us dance, make us cry, bring us pleasure, move our emotions and be a source of beauty and creative expression. But music during worship at New Hope is first and foremost to bring glory and honor to God. That is our first criteria: Does the music glorify God? Other considerations are: Does the music reflect the theme and mood of the worship service? Is the style and complexity of the song congruent with the skills of our musicians? Is the music singable?


Who chooses the music?

In Reformed churches the pastor chooses and/or approves the music for the worship service. Each week he looks for praise songs and hymns that will reflect the message and bring glory to God. Special songs and offertories are chosen by those who offer them, but the pastor approves them in advance. This brings structure and continuity to the worship celebration.


What if I have favorite praise songs or hymns that I’d like to sing in worship?

I always welcome suggestions of hymns and praise songs to enrich our worship celebration. Just make me a list of your favorite hymns and praise songs. These songs will be considered for future services as appropriate.


What if I don’t like a certain song that is sung during worship?

Don’t worry. You don’t have to like every song, because the songs are for God not for you. If you don’t like a certain song – just relax. It will be over soon! Someone else can enjoy that song for you…


Is it OK to clap in worship?

Yes, but we need to be mindful of a few things. The congregation is not the audience during worship. God is the audience! When we clap after a song that is moving or well done the clapping is not applause in the normal sense, rather it is a praise to God for the song that was sung in his honor. It is a way of praising God and letting God know that we enjoyed the song too! Clapping along with the music is sometimes very appropriate. God desires that we worship with our whole heart, mind, soul and strength! When it comes to worship through singing, this will of course involve our bodies. Clapping and moving our feet is appropriate at times as is being very still and quiet. It very much depends on the music and mood of the worship celebration.


How can I get involved with music at New Hope?

Start by talking with either Steve Wyllie or me. As gifting is appropriate, we would hope to find a way to help you serve God with music. People can serve on our worship team, sound and tech team or with special music.


Pastor Steve