[Binghamton_native]

A couple of more points regarding music in church:

1. It should be participatory, not just a performance.
2. Although I enjoy some of the contemporary songs, I don't think it can be disputed that they are not as 'transportable' as hymns. What I mean is that if you visit another church (on vacation), you will probably not know many of the songs if they are contemporary, as that church's current set may be different than the set used in your home church. Not so with hymns.

[beezdotcom]

you will probably not know many of the songs if they are contemporary, as that church's current set may be different than the set used in your home church.

That's getting less and less true. I have yet to find a church with a contemporary service that hasn't heard "I Can Only Imagine..."

[Mr. Brightside]

A couple of more points regarding music in church:
1. It should be participatory, not just a performance.

I could not agree more.

Most churches have only performance-oriented music. The audience sits quietly while the soloist/duet/quartet sings or performs the song.

I don't see a lot of Biblical examples for that kind of music.

[Claud]

1. It should be participatory, not just a performance.

Absolutely. I can't stand any sort of clapping in church. Although I might add you can also participate by listening and sort of singing along in your head. Not everybody has the chops to sing 4 part harmony. :)

2. Although I enjoy some of the contemporary songs, I don't think it can be disputed that they are not as 'transportable' as hymns. What I mean is that if you visit another church (on vacation), you will probably not know many of the songs if they are contemporary, as that church's current set may be different than the set used in your home church. Not so with hymns.

Yep...there's a certain universality with hymns. Note how popular and well-beloved all the Christmas carols are--most of them are quite long in the tooth now.