Contemporary worship music is a window through which we can examine the themes and preoccupations of people. Emotional privation, woundedness and alienation are major themes in contemporary Christian music. Reflecting this cultural reality, contemporary music emphasizes the subjective and focuses on the self rather than on God. Healthy worship will draw the worshiper God-ward and outward in mission. In the process the worshiper can be nurtured, stimulated, and challenged to participate in God's mission to the world. Music is an essential element of worship.
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