(Posted by Matthias Loong)
Scott and I recently flew over to the might city of Sydney for TWIST 08, which stands for ‘The word in song together’. TWIST is held annually, and over the last six years has become one of the premier music ministry training events in Australia. With a focus on quality bible teaching and practical application, TWIST seeks to challenge church musicians to grow theologically and practically in their ministries. So then, what did we learn?
Well, I’d like to share with you guys a few thoughts on the theology of singing, and three possible reasons why people don’t sing in church.
Singing is, and has always been, an important way for God’s people to respond to His character and acts.
“Then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the Lord: “I will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea. The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.” (Exodus 15:1-2)
“Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth! Sing to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among all the nations, his marvellous works among all his peoples! For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, he is to be feared above all gods.” (Psalm 96 1-4)
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant… He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” (Luke 1:46-8, 54-5)
And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people for nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5:9-10)
Singing edifies and encourages.
“What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.” (1 Corinthians 14:26)
Singing helps express emotion.
“Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise” (James 5:13b)
Singing can evangelise.
“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.” (Acts 16:25)
Music ministry is a Word ministry!
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:16-17)
Now I’d like to share with you three possible reasons why people don’t sing in church:
(1) Songs are chosen that are too hard for either to band to play or the congregation to sing.
(2) The song leaders/singers aren’t doing their job properly. In other words, they are inadequate at leading the congregation to sing along with them, especially if a new song is being introduced.
(3) The church is struggling with a spiritual issue, by which I mean the people don’t know how to respond or might not want to respond to God in praise, thanksgiving or adoration. This reason had never occurred to me before, and would probably be the most challenging for everyone!
Church music has got to be one of the most contentious topics around, so if anyone has questions or comments, please holla back…
Peace.
Matthias Loong