Adam also believes in the value of contemporary worship songs – not necessarily because he thinks they’ll appeal to younger people, but because they can allow churchgoers to focus on their relationship with God.

“I believe it’s really important spiritually for us to meet under the banner of worshipping God, and sung worship can engage every part of us,” he said.

“Hymns are often a great way for us to exhort theological truths, and I love singing them. When my wife Jess and I went through a tough time with a miscarriage, it was traditional hymns and liturgy that we went to.

“But repeating certain phrases – whether it is meditating on Scripture, singing Taize chants, using liturgy, or singing a worship song – does allow me to engage with God in a more intimate way. You’re thinking less about what the next line is, and more about the meaning.

“I’m not a very good musician. When I lead it tends to be more reflective, as I’m leading from the piano and it’s harder to be upbeat without a full band. We did have a paid worship leader, who we chose not to replace, but it’s not a bad thing for the vicar to model what worship might look like in a very visible way.

“There can be a tension between traditional and modern worship, but it’s not always what you expect. We have half a dozen students who come to our 9am traditional service, rather than the 7pm one we specifically created for that age group. That’s challenged my thinking.

“The reality is that we all experience worship differently, and all a worship leader can do is to try to make it as authentic as possible for those gathered in the church that day.”