As the group grows in numbers, the core members feel it's important to continue the policies we started out with; namely only playing Bluegrass music, not Old Country, New Country, or Old-Time or Newgrass. And not allowing electric instruments.
Many folks who love to play acoustic music are not well versed in actual Bluegrass and yet they want to play "live" music, so they arrive at this type of jam session hoping to take part with what they do know. Allowing the singing and playing of non-Bluegrass music takes away from what little time in the evening the real "Bluegrassers" have to practice their art form. It isn't that the core group doesn't like these other styles, it's all about keeping the weekly event "pure" in its art form. Bluegrass is the art we study and rehearse each Monday night.
Several "Bluegrass-style" jam sessions have been disbanded due to non-Bluegrass musicians showing up and effectively spoiling the evening for those who simply love traditional Bluegrass. This Monday night group is holding fast to the principles that it's founded on, Bluegrass-Only. Bluegrass Gospel is obviously included in the music that's encouraged.