Current Musical Trends in Memphis Area Evangelical Churches

Abstract

Memphis is located in a region that historically has been heavily influenced by Evangelical Christianity. Evangelicals have held a virtual monopoly over the religious culture of the South. Evangelical churches, compared to other Christian churches, are especially subject to changing trends in worship and musical styles. Given their theological and historical identity, Evangelicals are in a unique position to choose from a wide range of options or even create a new style of worship from various existing styles. This paper focuses on the worship styles of seven churches in the Memphis area- Bellevue Baptist, First Baptist, Hope Presbyterian, Second Presbyterian, Christ United Methodist, St. Peters Anglican, and Faith Anglican-that typify various approaches to worship and worship music in Evangelical churches in Memphis.