The 2026 congregational survey of the NPAC family allows us to see the present landscape of worship services in greater detail. Among the 3569 responses, 724 people indicated that they experienced difficulty when singing hymns or worship songs, and the reasons varied according to age group and worship service. More congregants in the Third Worship Service (on Sunday) felt that the songs were too old, while congregants in the English Worship Service, Putonghua Worship Service, SATpoint and SUN+ Worship Service often mentioned that the songs were too new. In TC5, more were affected by their mood or physical condition. These differences remind us that within the same church, congregants receive worship songs differently. May the Holy Spirit lead us as we discern how to balance passing on our heritage and carrying forward renewal.

        It is worth noting that 78.6% of congregants felt engaged or very engaged when singing, being able to express their inner feelings through songs and experience the presence of God. At the same time, congregants’ openness to different styles of worship songs was broader than expected, with 68.5% holding an open or expectant attitude. This shows that adjustments in form may not necessarily weaken worship. Instead, they may open up a wider space for the community.

        The data also reminds us that we should not place excessive weight on choices of style. Openness to the style of worship songs has almost no direct relationship with personal devotion, offering, participation in fellowship, or the number of years since coming to faith. Some people prefer familiar forms, while others are willing to try new expressions. Neither, on its own, is sufficient to indicate a person’s level of spiritual maturity.

        This brings to mind Rev. A. B. Simpson at the end of the 19th century. Ancient hymns were certainly treasures of the church. Yet for those struggling to survive, those weary after a long day’s labour in factories, and those newly arrived in a foreign land, such hymns often seemed refined yet unfamiliar. Therefore, he adopted the more easily sung form of gospel songs so that more people could open their mouths in praise. He also used the rhythms of military marches popular at the time to compose hymns such as “To the Regions Beyond” and “Launch Out.” Simpson did not reject the national and military imagery represented by this musical style. Instead, he “used this energy to advance the salvation of souls,” guiding people to look towards eternity.

        If Rev. Simpson demonstrated to the church that modes of expression can move with the times, Rev. A. W. Tozer reminded the church that innovation, if it loses its roots, will ultimately be unable to stand. Tozer pointed out that true worship and praise should not be centred on one’s own feelings. In The Christian Book of Mystical Verse, which he compiled, he treasured the hymn heritage of the church throughout the ages. Songs express our feelings towards God, people and events. They can also teach people to know God and experience Him. The popular songs of Simpson’s time have become part of today’s classic hymnody not only because they are easy to sing, but also because their lyrics contain clear theology. The hymn “Yesterday, Today, Forever,” for example, deeply plants in people’s hearts the truth that the Lord Jesus never changes.

        The Fourth Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization in 2024 also called on the global church to proclaim and manifest Christ in the world through many creative forms of expression. As we explore new horizons for worship services, our focus should not stop merely at musical style. The church must be attentive to holding fast to the core of the gospel amid many voices. Though forms of expression may change, the direction of worship must always be fixed on God, so that people of different generations may worship Him in spirit and in truth.