Singing in Church
Congregational singing has the potential to create serious divisions in the church. One of the wonders of the Church is that it is made up of people of different ages, cultures, experiences and tastes. In light of these differences, music can be a contentious issue. With this in mind, it is imperative that we remember the gospel as we contemplate music.
1. Thinking of Others
As we think about music, we must be sure to consider others ahead of ourselves, just as Christ did when he saved us through his shameful and costly death on the cross. The cross must drive us to self-sacrificial love where we count others’ needs and interests above our own. Anything short of this is sub Christian.
In churches today, our contemporary song leaders are often below 50 years of age which can mean that older members of our congregation can feel left out and overlooked. On the other hand, organists and those involved with traditional churches are often over 50 years of age which can leave younger members of our churches feeling rather frustrated and disengaged.
Though we will never please everyone, we must choose a range of songs that cater to as many different segments of our church as possible. We certainly do not want to pander to people's preferences in a way that engenders selfishness in the pews, nonetheless, we should seek to care for them by choosing songs that are profitable, and which they enjoy singing.
2. Vertical and Horizontal
When the congregation sings there is both a vertical and horizontal component at play. We sing to praise God and we sing in order to teach and admonish one another in all wisdom. So, while our praise is solely directed towards God, our singing also benefits those around us.
We as a church must choose songs that rightly portray God, and that build up God's people through solid yet comprehensible lyrics. (Needless to say, they must be easy to sing.)
3. Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs
On a slightly different note (pun intended), we must also fulfil the command to sing 'Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs'. While we can sing both older and newer songs, we must remember that we are commanded to sing Psalms. Sadly, the practice of singing Psalms has dropped out of most church services to the detriment of today's believers. Many of our contemporary songs (and traditional songs for that matter) fail to express the vicissitudes of life.
The Psalms give us a good mix of God and us, as the Psalmists express their array of emotions and feelings, while still contemplating God's glory. Practically every emotion we can feel as a human being is expressed in the Psalms, and for this reason we should employ them weekly. For the Psalms afford believers the opportunity to express themselves to God in song, while also worshipping God with his own God-given words, to the praise of his glory.
4. Serving not Performing
Since God’s Word puts such an emphasis on singing as a Word ministry, we must echo that priority in the way we arrange our songs in Church. Whatever the instruments involved, all musicians and singers are there to serve, and not perform. And not just to serve us, but specifically to aid us in our singing. As hinted above, song tunes, pitching, tempo and arrangements must aid congregational singing.
This means that many competent musicians will need to rein in their craft, and use it to serve the body when they sing. An incredible organist might need to choose simpler tunes that the congregation can actually handle. Or a great violinist should probably avoid that musical interlude which may distract the congregation from the words they’ve just been singing.
Always remember that in church your musical gifts are not an end in themselves, but a means to help people sing. It’s important to remember that your musical gifts are not given so the body can watch you worship, but so you can help the body to worship. Don’t ignore your talents; just use your talents to help the congregation sing their heart out to the praise and glory of God.