Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand

All worship tastes are being catered for at Tapanui's 'Church On The Way' with the trend set to continue.

Traditional hymns with organ accompaniment ring through the church from 9.15am and then guitars and drums pump out contemporary songs of praise at 10.45am.

There is also a 9am service at Crookston which blends both styles, after which some dash over to Tapanui for the 10.45am service.

The concept paid off: service attendances increased by between 30 to 40 percent, says parish minister the Rev Tom Phillips.

The West Otago Presbyterian church set up two Sunday morning services following a faith-based weekend with Renewal Ministries two years ago. Tom says the weekend highlighted that younger generations tend to favour beat-based music and older generations seem to favour melodies.

"The music is foundational and sets the tone. The traditional service tends to be quieter and less interactive. There is more involvement with people in the contemporary one."

Feared splits in the parish have been offset by earlier churchgoers mingling with 10.45am worshippers over morning tea.

Worship team leader Jane Stuart says parish feedback has been positive.

"The biggest thing is the freedom it's given for everybody to be themselves in the way they worship."