ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book presents the overarching backdrop for the volume, including an introduction to some of the features of Mennonite music. It explores the musical worlds of each of the three Mennonite congregations in the study, offering a fine-grained window on the songs, musical ensembles and self-understandings of congregations who practice each genre of the worship wars. The book discusses worship bands and praise songs at River West Christian Church, a Mennonite Brethren congregation with members of Russian Mennonite and Anglo-Canadian backgrounds. It also discusses the juxtaposition of hymnody, praise songs and world music at Holyrood Mennonite Church. The book examines stories of agency, of individuals constructing their own musical meanings, despite the normative musical values their congregations espouse. It concludes reflections, drawing especially on returning to the field in 2009 and 2012.
