Methodist Choir Performed Backstreet Boys Song
A Fayetteville congregation faced criticism after including a 90s pop hit in a recent worship service.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Religious
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The choir of the Central United Methodist Church in Fayetteville performed a choral arrangement of the Backstreet Boys song I Want It That Way. The performance occurred during a sermon series focused on generational distinctions.
Why it matters
The Rev. Jennie Williams stated that the selection was intended to be relatable to the community. Social media users have since criticized the inclusion of a secular pop song in a worship setting as inappropriate.
The Backstreet Boys song was originally released on April 12, 1999. The church leadership also produced a 90-minute podcast episode discussing the characteristics of the millennial generation, defined as individuals born between 1981 and 1996.
The players
Central United Methodist Church
This is a United Methodist congregation located in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Rev. Jennie Williams
She has served as the senior pastor of the Central United Methodist Church since 2023.
The details
The performance took place on October 11, 2026, as part of an effort to bridge generational gaps within the congregation. Pastoral leadership previously explored these themes in a podcast that aired on October 8, 2026.
Timeline
April 12, 1999: The Backstreet Boys originally released the song.
October 8, 2026: The church aired a podcast episode about millennial experiences.
October 11, 2026: The choir performed the pop song during a worship service.
October 14, 2026: The South Carolina Conference announced pending dismissals of court cases.
Industry Dynamics
The choir performance occurs within the broader context of recent denominational debates that have seen over 7,500 churches depart the United Methodist Church. These cultural and administrative shifts continue to influence how individual congregations engage with their local communities.
Parishioners and visitors at the Central United Methodist Church experienced this musical selection firsthand during the October 11 service. The church continues to provide supplemental content through its podcast regarding generational topics.
The takeaway
Musical choices in worship settings often aim to foster relatability but can inadvertently spark significant public debate. Congregations may navigate these cultural risks by balancing contemporary interests with traditional service expectations.
Further reading
Explore more trends in modern ministry on the Religious page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Christian Post.
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