A CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP CHURCH

Contemporary Worship with a Difference

We have contemporary worship. Our church culture is friendly and accessible whether or not you have a religious background. Thus, music is in the pop-rock, folk, gospel categories. That means easy to sing, memorable, uncomplicated lyrics. Our music is led by Cassie Brabbs, a strong vocalist (her major at the University of Michigan). Cassie is supported by other excellent musicians (bass, keyboards, acoustic-electric guitar, percussion). No cringe factor. She and her team pick the best songs they can find, songs with good melodies and lyrics. In addition, they include some hymns and gospel songs in a contemporary style to enrich the worship experience.

Contemporary Worship Blended with Easy-Access Liturgy

Our staff has years of experience with contemporary worship. So we’ve thought a lot about how people connect with God in worship…and the limits of a contemporary style. As a result, we naturally include some elements that are familiar to people from traditional backgrounds (like Catholic, Lutheran, Episcopal). For example, we have weekly communion in a simple format. This format includes a call and response (The Lord be with you/and also with you), the Lord’s Prayer, and the “doxology” chorus (Praise God from whom all blessings flow). Our opening worship includes an ancient prayer that goes like this: God be in my head and in my understanding…in my eyes and in my looking…in my mouth and in my speaking…in my heart and in my thinking…at my end and at my departing.

Contemporary Worship + Full Inclusion

The vast majority of contemporary worship churches are evangelical/non-denominational. Unfortunately, these churches are usually not LGBT-inclusive. Nevertheless, they may use terms like “welcome” or “friendly.” In fact, a Google search for a “gay-friendly” church includes many entries with policies against full inclusion. But these policies are hidden. So visitors have a hard time knowing what their actual policies are. In a surprising number of cases, churches that describe themselves as “relevant” and “contemporary” also limit how women can serve. As a result, it’s difficult for those want a truly “inclusive” church to find one that also includes contemporary worship. Because churches that do both are are still rare. So we find that many who worship at Blue Ocean either have no prior religious affiliation or come from traditional churches growing up. The easy-access traditional elements that we include help everyone feel more connected to God in worship.

Accessible to Younger and Non-Religious People

Old and young alike benefit when worship is accessible to younger generations and to those from a non-religious background. Many have had negative experiences in churches where gender roles are rigid, the view of Scripture is narrow, and leadership styles lean heavy-handed. You’ll find our worship has a different feel—not manipulative, allowing for individual differences, and relaxed.