Worship or praise songs, also known as Contemporary Worship Music have developed over the past 50 years or so. These songs are mostly sung in protestant churches and are in most cases led by a church band, which use drums, trumpets and guitars.
As the church grew and the need to reach more members arose, particularly the youth, new appealing methods were designed. These included developing youth-friendly programs. Such programs were aimed to give the youth a sense of belonging the church. This led to training of young evangelists who could understand and communicate easily with the youth. This resulted in youth-only church services that are now common through out the world. Another program that was developed is the establishment of Christian Unions (CU) in schools, colleges and universities.
Amateur musicians participating in these programs began playing music in popular form, thereafter breaking away and venturing into the main line of music, but with Christian theme. This in effect spread the Contemporary Christian Worship Songs throughout the world. You will not be surprised today to visit a church in America, listen to the songs sung then visit another church in Africa and hear the same song sung. The song may differ a little, may be with the tune or musical instruments used, but the message of the song will remain the same.
At present, worship songs are popular in most Television networks around the world, popularized by musical groups formed mostly by the youth. Such groups include The Joystrings, The Jesus People in America, The Joybringers and Trailblazers from Africa. The emergence of Christian ministry evangelism has completely changed the way worship songs are sung. Unlike in the past, professional Christian contemporary musicians now lead the way with very fine music. They have introduced modern music instruments, with recording studios specifically dedicated to contemporary Christian music.
Worship songs in the church are easy melodies, sung in mid-vocal range and in most cases repetitive. This enables the whole congregation find it easy to sing and understand, bringing the congregation closer to God and appreciate His deeds. These easy worship songs have given church music the mobility, enabling the songs to be sung even outside the main church. This gives church members the sense of belonging and inclusive worship experience.
Some of the most popular worship songs include:
- Again we Meet, by Lucy Whitmore, 1824
- For the Beauty of the Earth, by Folliott S. Pierpoint, 1864
- Praise to the Lord, by Joachim Neander, 1650