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Many of us, especially in the south, grew up listening to Gospel music, and specifically, traditional gospel music. We knew when we went to church we’d hear the unforgettable melodies of songs like “I Can Go to God in Prayer,” or “I Love to Praise Him.” The tinkling tambourine and spirited organ aided in this traditional gospel sound, which continues to inspire and revive Christians all over the world.

Over 20 years ago, a new type of gospel music rushed from our radios and burst into our churches. This brand-new gospel, called “Contemporary,” pulled heavily from many musical genres, including jazz, funk, and R&B. Artist such as the late Bishop Walter Hawkins, Daryl Coley, and Yolanda Adams have presented unique and fresh musical offerings in the contemporary gospel style for years. Contemporary gospel has led a whole new generation of believers not only into the church, but into the world, where those believers use it to spread God’s Word to all types of people.

With such a sundry history, Gospel music should be loved by all, whether it’s traditional or contemporary-styled, right? Wrong. Many people prefer one style over the other, and there are arguments on both sides as to the benefits and detriments of each style. Some claim traditional gospel is “out of touch,” and not relatable to today’s church. Others say that contemporary gospel tries too hard to entertain, and loses the message of Christ in the midst of popular performance. So which style of gospel is truly the best?

The answer is simple: the best type of gospel is the type that ministers to people and helps lead them to Christ—this should be the main focus of any gospel song, whether traditional or contemporary.

There are many ways in which music touches the souls of men and women, and as believers, we should open ourselves to any music that elevates Christ. Forget the “Traditional versus Contemporary” arguments, and thank God for creating and inspiring such a diverse genre as Gospel music

S. Willis is an author and long-time gospel musician. Her first book, “The Little Adventures of Bella and DJ” will be released this spring (visit www.WordsByWillis.com to pre-order). Her passion for writing and gospel music continue to inspire and motivate her.