Kyle,

First, I'm curious if you're a seminary student. If so, I'm especially troubled by your theology. Regardless, I firmly believe that Doctrine and Practice are completely tied to each other. Therefore, if you change one, you will ultimately change the other. Furthermore, a true leader is one that stands on their founding principles and doesn't sway with the current breeze. Those pastors who give up on the Divine Service just don't understand that there is far more than "tradition" at stake. When you alter your method you alter your theology. For instance, what's the theology in most praise songs? Most of the time there is either bad theology/doctrine or no theology/doctrine at all. Nothing is being taught, or nothing good. Regarding contemporary worship styles, the name of the game is generally emotion. The pastor (or worship leader) seeks to elicit an emotional response from the congregation, and in doing so believes he has made a real difference.

Kyle, we should NEVER change in order to gain acceptance. That's relativism and it has no place in the Christian church. Sadly, relativism has permeated the LCMS at all levels. Regarding the Great Commission, I don't believe scripture says we must "do whatever it takes." The means do not justify the ends. Instead, the Word should be spoken and taught purely and the Sacraments administered rightly.

Anyway Kyle, regardless of your situation, please give some thought to what I said. I'm just a layman, but I took my public confession of our Faith seriously when I was confirmed.