Contemporary worship music

Modern genre of music sung in many churches Contemporary worship musicStylistic originsJesus music, contemporary Christian musicCultural origins1950s and 1960sUnited StatesOther topicsContemporary worship, church music Contemporary Christian worship in Rockharbor Church, Costa Mesa, California, February 2012 Contemporary worship music (CWM), also known as praise and worship music, is a distinct genre of Christian music used in contemporary worship. It has evolved over the past 60 years and is stylistically similar to pop music. The songs are often referred to as "praise songs" or "worship songs" and are typically led by a "worship band" or "praise team," with either a guitarist or pianist serving as the lead. It has become a common genre of music performed in many churches, particularly in charismatic or non-denominational Protestant churches, with some Catholic congregations also incorporating it into the Mass. History and development Contemporary Christian worship in Lifehouse International Church, Tokyo, August 2013 In the early 1950s, the Taizé Community in France began attracting youths from various religious denominations with worship hymns based on modern melodies.[citation