“When do non-Christians sing together?”
– Laura Wimmer, Calvin College Festival of Music and Faith, 2007
In this seventh and final (for now) edition of “Worship Practices Explained,” we’ll look at singing in the church congregation. For a complete list of past editions in this weekly blog column, scroll down.
Why Do We Sing Out Loud?
Over and over again, the Bible tells us to sing to God, and also to sing about God to each other. God commands us to “lift up our voice” in congregational song, which is a lot different than singing under our breath, mumbling the lyrics, or just listening to people who sing well. Singing truths about God pleases Him and helps us to focus on those truths and to remember them.
The Bible itself contains many songs in both Old and New Testaments. If you’d like to learn more about these songs and the importance of singing in the early Christian church, you can read my 5-part series about this topic here in sojournmusic.com.
Straight From The Source: Colossians 3:16 and Psalm 100:1-2
“Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.”
Hear Sojourn Worship Arts Pastor Mike Cosper’s sermon, “Music and Worship,” for much more on this topic.
Watch Bob Kauflin answer “Does God Sing?” in a short video from Desiring God Ministries.
Other installments in the weekly “Worship Practices Explained” series:
Why Christians Often Pray On Bended Knees?
Why Many Christians Raise Their Hands When Singing And Praying
Why Do Some Christians Clap Hands In Church?
Why Stand For The Reading Of Scripture?
Why Do Christians Raise Their Hands For The Benediction? And, um, What’s A Benediction?
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