Intentional about Singing
Some friends linked to this recent article in Intellectual Takeout: “The Tragic Decline of Music Literacy (and Quality).” The “tragic decline,” at least according to this perspective, has occurred in the general culture. In this, the church may reflect the culture a little too much.
The church of my youth made it a point of pride—too much pride, sometimes—to sing well. As a preteen I attended Sunday-night classes in how to find a pitch, how to harmonize, and how to beat time. I recall one gifted brother who traveled around leading “singing revivals.” Instead of preaching a gospel message every night, he corrected some of our musical errors and refocused our attention on lyrics that may have become dull with repetition. He taught us to sing with more understanding—and gusto. The revival he led at our church was the most memorable I ever attended, and our song service reflected his work for months afterward.
Churches in general (not just the Church of Christ) were more intentional about singing in the past than they are today. But as the church adopted more contemporary music style in worship, a subtle shift began: away from congregational singing and toward a “praise and worship” model. Worship teams replaced the hand-waving song leader and drums provided the steady downbeat that set worshippers swaying and clapping in the pews.
There’s nothing wrong with swaying and clapping–Presbyterians and Episcopalians should try it! Maybe even raise their hands once in awhile. Every generation stamps its own image on the Church and amplifiers certainly don’t scare the Holy Spirit away. Besides, I’ve sat through plenty of listless, uninspired a cappella song services. There’s no scripture-inspired, guaranteed 100% right way to do singing.
Worship teams and bands can create a subtle distinction between themselves and the congregation.
And yet. Worship teams and bands can create a subtle distinction between themselves and the congregation. The congregation can become the “audience.” The worship leaders can become performers. Their voices are heard above all others. Out in the pews, those who have no particular interest in or gift for music are satisfied to leave it to the experts while they stand and lift their voices softly, or not at all. Out in the parking lot, late arrivals can hear the beat but they can’t hear the singing.
Which, I wonder, would God prefer to hear?
Music is God’s gift to everyone, especially the church. It is comfort, inspiration, and joy, especially in participation. Almost anyone can carry a tune and learn to harmonize. Almost anyone can improve on the musical ability he or she already has. And almost every church can be a little more purposeful about congregational singing, by reconnecting to the music, the words, and the joyful participation of the past.