Continuing our series on helping congregations sing, here are some practical thoughts and ideas when it comes to song selection, introducing new songs, and musical decision-making. Select songs strategically and purposefully, teach new songs effectively and approach every musical decision sensitively.
As those involved in music and worship, we have a holy responsibility to help our congregations express their worship to our eternal Father by singing better together. What are some ways that we can do this and how can we fulfill this calling?
This time that we live in has often been referred to as “the age of spectacle,” which seems very fitting given that our world offers us a feast of new multimedia on a consistent basis. Popular entertainment is now everywhere, and it never stops. Like no century before us, we are submerged into media.
“Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me” (Matthew 18:1-5).
Our liturgy wonderfully summarizes the beauty and significance of the divine service: The divine service is an anticipated experience of the future fellowship with the Triune God to which we have been called through the rebirth, and is the focal point of the life in the congregation.
Singing is very personal. The voice is the only musical instrument physically connected to our body. Because of this, it’s only natural that our awareness is heightened when it comes to the quality of sound (or lack thereof) that we make when we sing. Perhaps we even become quite self-conscious.
