A comparative study of worship styles and their impact on worshipers in Babcock university

Abstract

Some congregations of the Seventh-day Adventist Church at Babcock University have witnessed a wind of change in their mode or style of worship in recent times. This change, though not elaborate, is somehow remarkably different from the traditional Adventist style of worship, which is said to be patterned according to Bible principles of worship. However, there are congregations in the university that continue to maintain what they consider the conservative Adventist worship style. As a result, a comparative study of worship styles and their impact on worshipers within Babcock University was deemed necessary. This study examined the concept of worship as couched in some biblical passages, explored the raison d’être and the cultural premise for the current situation in worship, evaluated the level of awareness of worshipers in Babcock University on worship styles, identified the impact of different worship styles on both SDA; non - SDA staff and students in Babcock University. Multiple methods were used to arrive at the findings of this research.Firstly, thematic study of the texts where corporate worship appeared was done to underscore the biblical elements of worship. Secondly, the qualitative method of research was applied in order to observe the issues that excite people’s interest and curiosity in the worship centres on campus. Thirdly quantitative survey was conducted. The data collated were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS 14) to arrive at the statistical reports. This study discovered that there are basic bible principles of worship and the majority of worshipers at Babcock University are knowledgeable about what constitutes worship based on the Scripture. It also found out that the desire to be like ‘others’ is one of the reasons for contemporary worship prevalent in Babcock University. Finally, this research discovered that 76.1% (235) of the worshipers prefer sound biblical worship without any dilution whereas 54% (170) prefer the contemporary worship with heavy instruments, drums and dance. Therefore it is recommended that pastors and worship leaders should agree and implement sound biblical principles in worship at their various centres or churches on campus, without any dilution or strange import.