The Standard November 15, 2025
One week before Consecration Sunday, Farmville Presbyterian Church welcomed guest preacher Chris Harris, the engaging pastor of Oak Grove Free Will Baptist. After the service, Chris, a former minister of music, said he had been curious to see how we were going to pull off the wide array of music listed in the bulletin.
Blended worship tends to be extremely tricky to pull off well; it definitely takes divine intervention. As one exterior church sign pointed out, “Come to our blended worship, with something for everyone to complain about.”
Over ten years ago, FPC included the entire congregation in taking a lengthy survey and participating in follow-up focus groups. There were questions about how well people felt cared for and ministered to, how they believed they were growing spiritually, and if they felt effectively supported by the church. They were asked if they felt responsible for the church’s well-being and that they counted and could make a difference. Satisfaction with music, sermons, and the corporate worship experience were also big components of the evaluation. How much was our Christian worship contributing to positive life changes?
From the broad analysis came a list of recommendations. One was that the younger people wanted to add contemporary music. They already had been singing newer songs for a few years in Sunday School. After much consideration, it was decided that we would keep one service and would ask everyone to be prepared for compromise. We were reminded that worship is not about us; worship is about God. As a family of faith, we certainly wanted to be aware of the musical tastes of everyone and to offer variety.
As most older ministers will tell you, changing the worship service is one of the quickest ways to upset long-time members. It was wisest for us to make the transition from almost entirely traditional hymns to a mix of musical genres gradually. It was important to recognize how difficult this was for some older members and not to alienate them. Their feelings mattered, as did those of the younger folks.
There were a lot of bumps along the way, but it is fascinating to see what God has done. We already had a highly-talented, experienced organist. God provided a young vocalist, as well as a young violinist. Those exceptional and faithful musicians, along with our gifted choir director and choir, lead us in a blend of hymns and songs each Sunday morning. It truly is a joy. Thanks be to God!
“Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.” Psalm 33:1- 3
“Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise.” Psalm 96:1-4a
“Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.” Psalm 150:1-6
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