LHC is aiming toward a worship style that blends black gospel, contemporary Christian, and traditional hymnody together.

I have to admit, gospel has never been on my playlist. If I’m coming to church, I’m hoping for something more like Hillsong, Passion, etc. - basically white rock music. I’ve even come to enjoy and appreciate a lot of hymns for their content, even if the melodies can be, well… annoying at best.

The first few months I spent playing bass at LHC (acoustic guitar is my main gig), I wasn’t sure I would ever connect with a gospel worship style. I could play it (or fake it), but it wasn’t reaching my heart. After a while, though, it’s catching on. I’m beginning to get a feel for the gospel style. I even bought a gospel album yesterday so I could get more of a feel for it.

All that to say, when looking at worship and style, trying something new isn’t natural. It’s actually kind of annoying. But if you want to be a part of something different, you can’t expect to stay the same, either.

I’m looking forward to getting out of my comfort zone more, and helping others find God where they have never found him before - in new, unexpected places.

How do you feel about the combination of styles?

I must say, I am so excited about our approach to music here-

I was exposed to singing Gospel music in college when I decided to join the Gospel Choir at Trinity.  I loved it. It isn’t something I am comfortable singing- it moves me but I don’t love how I sound singing it, but the power that comes from this genuine, heart felt style of worship opens doors up in authentic worship which is a part of our church’s mission statement. It will take getting used to and we will have to figure out how to clap on the beat...for those of you who weren’t born with natural rhythem. I know one thing personally speaking that encourages me is that I will feel comfortable bringing all different types of friends with me to church because we are making a point to reach all different types of worshipers- I think this will help people to feel more at home in fellowhip at Living Hope.

I am so excited to be a part of this-
*MB*

I love contemporary Black Gospel music. I believe I was first introduced to it through the ministry of Apostolic Church of God in Chicago.  That exposure led me to the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir and it has been all Gospel ever since - Donnie McClurkin, Clint Brown, Gary Oliver, Juanita Bynum, Larue Howard, and more. The strength of the genre seems to be the clarity and brevity of the lyrics, coupled with a theme and variation form of accompaniment. Of course, those two strengths have corresponding weaknesses.  Gospel requires musicians comfortable with improvisation.  Second, those of us raised on hymns may find the lyrics of many Gospel songs kind of light. There are exceptions.  I am thinking, for example, of the music of Darin Hobbs.  But, over all, Gospel music employs concise lyric which, on one hand, allow worshipers to memorize the words (and take them out of the sanctuary into the week), but often leaves the worshiper desiring more.  Perhaps that explains our commitment to multiple styles of psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.

I have to admit, gospel has never been on my playlist. If I’m coming to church, I’m hoping for something more like Hillsong, Passion, etc. - basically white rock music. I’ve even come to enjoy and appreciate a lot of hymns for their content, even if the melodies can be, well… annoying at best.i have to leave for my music video so me going but The first few months I spent playing bass at LHC (acoustic guitar is my main gig), I wasn’t sure I would ever connect with a gospel worship style. I could play it (or fake it), but it wasn’t reaching my heart. After a while, though, it’s catching on. I’m beginning to get a feel for the gospel style. I even bought a gospel album yesterday so I could get more of a feel for it.