There is a movement afoot in worship, especially in Presbyterian circles but spreading across all denominations. We are witnessing a resurgence of interest in “old things” when it comes to the faith.

Some have said that the recent fascination with returning to ancient worship tools and practices is a reaction to the historical rootlessness of our postmodern age. Others have said that current interest in liturgy and old hymns by churches’ younger generations is a result of their reaction to the previous generation’s (the boomers) abandonment of almost anything traditional. The cause of this resurgence certainly is multi-faceted, and perhaps we can unpack what is going on as I share my story.

I grew up in a run-of-the-mill, broadly evangelical worship environment. As a youth, I watched our church awkwardly transition from traditional to contemporary. When I arrived at college in southern California in the late ‘90s, I was ripe for something different. I pursued a classical music degree and began attending my roommate’s church, Irvine Presbyterian, a Presbyterian Church (USA) congregation. I fell in love with vibrant traditional worship, meaningful liturgy and glorious hymnody. The richness of each Sunday slowly delivered me from a small, self-focused view of God and worship. I fell in love with “old things.”