Many churches today, whether they realise it or not, incorporate aspects of popular culture into their liturgy and musical practice that can be identified as follows:
• The use of song structures incorporating multiple verses, choruses and a bridge.
• The use of repetition – especially of words, phrases and choruses.
• The high turnover/short shelf life of many songs.
• The use of acoustic and electric guitars, bass and drums in a pop, rock or similar style.
• The use of amplification – both individual instrument and public address.
• The singing of songs with an American accent.
• The use of visuals.
How much does, and should, culture – popular culture in particular – influence the musical aspect of the liturgy in a church worship gathering? Can hymns written centuries ago be successfully adapted for use in the contemporary worship setting? The audio CD 'Seasoned Hymns' sits alongside this essay as a research outcome and supports the findings of the essay.