Bible Studies
Reflections On Our Singing
Series: Additional StudiesIntroduction:
1. The Scriptures speak extensively about music among the people of God. 2. Most of us are pretty familiar with texts like Eph. 5:19 and Col. 3:16 that focus our attention on “making melody with our heart to the Lord,” and “teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.” 3. These passages define the objectives of praise to God, and teaching and admonishing one another. 4. James 5:13 asks, “Is anyone cheerful?” and answers, “He is to sing praises.” 5. In the O.T. David was a renowned musician. Solomon wrote many songs. Many texts speak of music in the temple.a. 2 Chron. 29:25ff describes how king Hezekiah restored temple worship after idolatry had all but taken over.
b. We recognize the Book of Psalms as a collection of songs used by the people of God both in ancient times and today.
6. 1 Cor. 14:26 refers to psalms sung in a congregational assembly. Verse 15 says that such singing should be done with the spirit and with the mind. 7. It is good therefore for us to give serious attention to our singing, to recognize its purpose and sharpen our effectiveness in the accomplishment of that purpose.Discussion:
I. I have been thinking recently about our singing here at Fort Logan.A. There have been a number of things that have prompted that.
1. The variety of song leaders that we have.
2. The integration of people from different congregations and the effect that that has on our
3. The effect of particular individuals and congregational personalities that affect our singing during Gospel Meetings.
4. The effect of such dynamics on song leaders, the worship assembly and what we are trying to accomplish.
B. Over the years the number of song leaders has significantly increased.
1. We need to be thankful and encouraging to each as they work to cultivate the gift that God has given them.
2. But singing is not just about song leaders; indeed it is more about all of us working together in praising God and teaching one another. It is unfair to expect the song leaders to “carry us” as we grow fat and lazy. (The same could be said for Bible classes and their teachers or the congregation and its elders, etc.)
II. I came across a series of articles recently by Doy Moyer at MindYourFaith.com entitled MindYourMusic. The articles cover such topics as focusing attention on the message of our music, music as a communication tool, musical history, instruments, women and singing, and the role of the song leader and the congregation. I would like to review some of the ideas in these articles and direct your attention there for your further study. Some of the things that are said there involve matters of expediency, things that are not required but necessary to the effective accomplishment of what is required. III. Some areas for consideration.A. We need to appreciate the fact that our singing is about communicating.
1. This is the focus in 1 Cor. 14.
a. If edification is our goal then failure to communicate with one another effectively – well it destroys what God wants us to accomplish.
b. It renders our assembling impotent.
c. There is a need for orderliness, and attention to effective communication. (This is true for teaching, praying, etc.)
d. “Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds” (Heb. 10:24-25).
2. It is not about entertaining ourselves with pleasing sounds, nor is it about simply doing what Scripture calls on us to do as if we have commended ourselves to God because we sang. And it is not about our beautiful or not so beautiful voice. It is about communicating praise to God and teaching and admonishing others.
3. We need to do what we can to enhance the communication and there are many things that we can do to do that. Ex. How would it change our communication if we gave attention to looking up rather than down? The song leader looking at us rather than only at his book?
B. Were we able to go back to the first century and listen in on an assembly of Christians we would likely be surprised.
1. Their style of music would be different.
2. We tend to think that our Western style with 7 notes in a scale is the only style because it is the only one we are familiar with.
3. Other styles of music would be like a different language to us, but they are not wrong just different.
4. Such is the case with 4-part harmony, vs. everyone singing a single part.
5. Congregations have different ways of doing their singing. We typically use a single leader. Contrast this with no leader.
C. Why do we have a system? It is expedient to use some system in order to accomplish the objective and since we have a system it is appropriate for us all to align ourselves with that system.
1. We appoint a song leader. Implied is that he has authority to select songs, set a pitch, set a rhythm and set the expression or interpretation of the song.
2. No need to have a leader if when he selects a hymn we all simply decide that we are not going to follow his lead. No need to have a leader unless he accepts the authority and leads. What happens when we cannot hear him? Song leaders, lead with your voice.
3. Written songs with their musical notations are designed with a similar purpose in mind—to bring multiple voices into alignment so that communication can occur.
a. Song writers consider the high/low abilities of different voices. Write the song so that most can sing most of the notes. That is why the song leader pitches the song. What happens when the song leader guesses at a pitch????
b. They try to select a beat that enhances the communication and meaning of the song.
c. If we ignore all this we becoming like a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
4. Our system is designed with “us” in mind.
a. Usually the music is simple.
b. We are not musicians. We are not going to sound like a professional chorus. But this is no excuse for us to be lackadaisical. We want a preacher that will do the best he can. We know he won’t be perfect. Preachers want congregations to do the best they can. He knows they won’t be perfect, but this is no excuse for
5. The song leader not only sets the pitch, sometimes modifying it from what is written to meet the needs of the group, he also sets the rhythm or speed of the song. We could all choose to go at our own speed. “We’re not together!” someone complains. This is just another way of saying we are being distracted from the communication. There is too much static.
a. Song leaders can bring people together, by setting the speed, beating it out, tapping, etc. (Note here song leaders use of triplet.) But what if the group pays no attention?
b. Congregations take on personalities in singing. Some have a certain speed they intend to follow no matter what.
c. Some try to speed up or slow down the song leader. If you gave him the authority then submit to it. Just as there is a blending of voices there should be a blending of pitch, blending of speed, and a blending of meaning.
6. Song writers, song leaders, singers are working to creating a blending together so that God is praised, people are taught and admonished, and that the message of the song is communicated effectively. This brings us to the expression or interpretation of a song. Sometimes a song leader asks us to do something to enhance the expression. “Quietly in the chorus.” We need to give attention to phrasing. Ex. 594 The Lilly of the Valley. Verse 2 says, “I have all for Him forsaken, and all my idols torn----From my heart, and now He keeps me by His power.”
Contra “I have all for Him forsaken, and all my idols torn from my heart,-- and now He keeps me by His power.”
Conclusion:
1. Many of the same principles apply to preaching, presiding at the Lord’s table, leading prayer, teaching a Bible class. 2. When edification is the goal communication is critical. 3. Not faulting those who have difficulty carrying a tune. Not faulting us because we do not read music. Not faulting song leaders or congregation. 4. Do want to offer ideas that can help us enhance our effectiveness. The better we come together in orderliness the more effective we can be.
