Besides reading and mediating on scripture, we spend more time in worship singing songs together than anything else.
Why?
Come find biblical answers as Pastor McShaffrey teaches on the nature and purpose of congregational singing during our afternoon Discipleship Hour in June.
The teaching schedule and outlines are below:
06/12 – Singing in the OT
Preliminary Considerations
There are some 318 references to song/singing in the OT
Entire clans were dedicated to music ministry (1 Chron. 25)
God himself sings over his people (Zephaniah 3:17)
The third longest OT book is a songbook (i.e., Psalms)
Theological Implications
Singing to God is a duty of all peoples (Psalm 96:1)
Singing of God is needed by all peoples (Psalm 96:2-3)
Singing is a prescribed act of worship (Psalm 95:1-7)
Singing helps us learn/remember things (Deut. 31:21)
Singing stirs our religious affections (Psalm 103:1-5)
06/19 – Singing in the NT
While the two main passages which address singing in the NT affirm its vertical purpose (i.e., expressing praise to the Triune God), they are also decidedly horizontal in their emphasis:
Ephesians 5:18-20
“one another” (congregational context)
“filled with the Spirit” (mark of sanctification)
“melody in your heart” (internal affection)
“giving thanks” (thematic content)
Colossians 3:15-17
“in one body” (again, congregational context)
“the word of Christ” (means of sanctification)
“teaching and admonishing” (mutual ministry)
“psalms, hymns, etc.” (variety assumed)
06/26 – Singing Better Today
“Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous! For praise from the upright is beautiful. Praise the Lord with the harp; make melody to him with an instrument of ten strings. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy.” (Psalm 33:1-3)
Learning
Familiarize yourself with the hymnal
Listen to song tunes as sabbath preparation
Breathing
Stand straight or sit on the edge of your seat
Hold the hymnal high and keep your head up
Proximity
Sit closer together as the “church choir”
Sit in front of someone who can sing well
Unity
Blend your voice with those around you
Watch, listen, and follow the leader(s)