Worship and Music Snapshot Today

The most recent research into music and worship practice across The United Methodist Church in the USA conducted by Discipleship Ministries concluded in 2008. Research surveys drew over 19,000 responses and was likely the largest such survey of United Methodists ever conducted. Statistics were compiled from responses received from laity, clergy, chief musicians, other musicians, academics, bishops, and people across multiple ages and generations.

Responses have been tabulated and are available in an online report on the Discipleship Ministries website. The wealth of data will yield information for study and discussion for a long time to come, as well as a fascinating snapshot of worship and music practice in the United Methodist Church in the United States today. Here is a look at The UMC church today:

• Traditional vs. contemporary worship
  • 56% main service traditional vs. 7% contemporary
  • 42% 2nd service traditional vs. 33% contemporary
  • 41% 3rd service traditional vs. 35% contemporary
• Traditional vs. contemporary song
  • Traditional hymns: 59% always, 39% frequently, 4% occasionally
  • Contemporary Christian songs: 5% always, 23% frequently, 40% occasionally
  • Praise choruses: 21% always, 28% frequently, 30% occasionally
• Organ, piano, or guitar
  • Main service: 89% organ, 79% piano, 17% praise band
  • 2nd service : 70% organ, 45% piano, 38% praise band
  • 3rd service : 60% organ, 41% piano, 47% praise band
• Who accompanies congregational singing
  Main service:
  • organ: 78%
  • piano: 72%
  • choir: 52%
  • praise band: 17%
  • prerecorded tracks: 14%
  
  Other services:
  
  • organ: 30%
  • piano: 40%
  • choir: 16%
  • praise band: 28%
  • prerecorded tracks: 13%
• Who leads congregational singing
  Main service:
  • music coordinator: 35%
  • pastor: 33%
  • choir director: 29%
  • worship leader: 19%
  • praise team: 17%
  
  Other services:
  
  • music coordinator: 18%
  • pastor: 16%
  • choir director: 12%
  • worship leader: 15%
  • praise team: 26%
• Hymnal vs. projection
  • main service: 70% print, 15% projection
  • other services: 51% print, 36% projection