Date

9-17-2026

Department

School of Music

Degree

Master of Arts in Music and Worship (MA)

Chair

Lori Danielson

Keywords

worship, worship music, music preferences, conversion, hymns, contemporary, traditional, familiarity, formative faith, worship preferences, age of conversion, spiritual formation, music, church music, methodist, global methodist, discipleship

Disciplines

Music

Abstract

This study examines how Christians’ formative faith experiences influence lifelong worship music preferences. While discussions of worship music often emphasize generational differences or stylistic preferences, this study investigates whether formative spiritual experiences provide a more meaningful explanation for long-term worship preferences. The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between formative faith experiences, age of conversion, and lifelong worship music among adult members and attendees at Northwest Hills Global Methodist Church. A convergent mixed-methods design was employed. Quantitative data was collected through an anonymous survey completed by 102 qualified participants and qualitative data was gathered through interviews with fourteen participants. Analysis examined relationships between formative faith experiences, worship preferences, and participants’ descriptions of their spiritual formation. The findings indicate that formative faith experiences establish enduring spiritual foundations and that worship music becomes meaningful not because of its style, but through association with the believer’s spiritual and life events, such as conversion and rededication. Familiarity with worship music emerges as a primary factor influencing worship engagement, while worship music preferences continue to develop through ongoing discipleship and involvement in the life of the church.

Download

Included in

Music Commons

Share

COinS