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
- Quality songs are the fuel and foundation for healthy congregational singing.
- Familiarize yourself with a wide range of both traditional and blended/contemporary music (see next bullet). Even though a majority of the music within the divine service experience should come from our NAC hymnal or Celebration hymnal, sheet music can also be used on occasion, if appropriate. Quality arrangements of both well-known and more modern hymns, for instance, can enhance to the divine service experience.
- Include a balance of traditional, theologically rich hymns of faith and newer, more blended/contemporary worship songs. Seeing as how a congregation is full of people with varying musical preferences, a “one-size fits all” musical approach is not ideal. Our goal should be to include a mix of traditional and contemporary hymns/songs so that everyone gathered has opportunities within the divine service experience to come near to God through music and worship.
- Reflect the breadth of human experience. No one is happy 100% of the time. We need songs that help us mourn, repent, and express faith in the midst of seasons of doubt, just as we need songs that help us express joy.
- Be purposeful and discerning when it comes to lyrics. It’s important that our congregations sing truth. Just because a song has a wonderful melody doesn’t mean that the lyrics are also of quality. Additionally, just because a song has “Jesus” in it doesn’t mean that it’s biblically or doctrinally sound. Test the theology of everything you sing against the Bible. Just as we need good nutrition in our physical diet, we need edifying material in our sung worship. We should choose songs that glorify God, are rooted in scripture, and point to Christ and the gospel.
- Be selective when it comes to the music. Ask yourself—will the melody be memorable? Is it singable? Will the range be appropriate for most congregants, and do the note progressions make sense/feel natural? It’s important to keep your congregation in mind when selecting songs. If you struggle to sing the melody, you can be sure the majority of the congregation will also!
- Be wary of things that are trendy. Just because something is popular doesn't necessarily mean that it's intrinsically good. Also, just because you heard a praise band or group sing something well doesn't necessarily mean that it will translate to your congregation.
- Reflect on your choices. Ask yourself why you like the song(s) you have selected. Do the songs contain lyrics filled with truth? Is the music memorable/singable? How do the songs flow together? Are they appropriate for the specific service moments for which they’ve been selected?
- Start with a substantial list of songs (at least 10-15) and whittle it down. This helps to achieve balance of style, content, and energy/emotion.
Teach new songs effectively
- If you’re introducing a new song to the congregation, take some time to do so. Never surprise the congregation with a new song on a Sunday morning!
- At minimum, make sure the choir has rehearsed the song so that they can confidently lead the congregation in the singing of it.
- Where possible, send a (quality) recording of the new song out to the choir/congregation so that they can get it in their hearts, minds, and ears before singing it in a service.
- From time to time, considering inviting the congregation to stay for a few minutes following a service to learn a new song or two. You should first discuss this with your rector for his approval, and then let the congregation know well in advance so that they can plan accordingly.
- If a newer song is sung before service, have the worship leader or a soloist sing a verse or two first, and then ask the congregation to sing along, as they feel comfortable.
- With a little more planning, you can also introduce the song by having the accompanist play it one week, then have a soloist sing it another week, and then have the congregation sing it. This way, the congregation has heard the song 2-3 times already before they sing it for the first time.
- Reinforce the song over a few weeks (by then you'll know whether or not it's going to stick with your congregation). Also, be careful not to introduce too many new songs at once. 1-2 new songs every 3 months or so is plenty.
Approach every musical decision sensitively
- When it comes to congregational singing, every musical decision we make should lead to helping the congregation sing.
- Less often means more. Something simple and beautiful can often be more impactful than something complex and clever.
- Introductions should be very clear so that the congregation knows when to join in. Interludes between verses should also be clear so that the congregation knows when to join back
- Keys should be singable. Make sure that the higher voices in the congregation aren’t the only ones who can sing a particular song. Where available/possible, use the transpose function on your organ or keyboard to help with this.