Why is Singing a Discipleship Issue?

DESCRIPTION

In this episode, Chris Rivers, Scott Mozingo, and Brian Darnell discuss singing and how this act of worship plays a role in maturing us as disciples of Christ. Brian shares how worship comes in many different forms but, at its core, is a personal response to God. One of the most practical ways we can respond to God is through singing. It gives us the opportunity to declare his worth and acknowledge his character. Singing is a way to cultivate our relationship with God while simultaneously benefitting us as individuals and collectively as a church. When we sing, we humble ourselves. We recognize the relationship we have with God and remember what he has done for us. As individuals, singing gives us words to say when we don’t know what to say. It allows us to preach truth to ourselves and shapes our ability to be fully devoted to God. As a church, singing has a unifying factor. When we know the struggles others are facing and are able to see them worship through singing, we are encouraged and strengthened as a body.

How does Grace Church approach the idea of singing as an act of worship?

Song Selection

Understanding that songs affect how we think as well as our emotional response, Grace worship leaders strive to be intentional about the songs we sing. Brian shared several questions leaders ask when selecting songs: Is it theologically and scripturally helpful? Is it in alignment with what we believe? Is it singable? Is it a song that our bands can play? Does it incorporate universal biblical truths written in a unique and creative way? Are there small changes that can be made to lyrics to communicate more clearly?

Teaching Songs to the Church Body

Teaching songs to the church body and playing them repetitively gives people the opportunity to learn lyrics and become more familiar with a song. This allows them to worship without distraction and respond. It also allows worship leaders time to receive feedback and make changes if songs are too difficult or hard to learn.

Determining Worship Sets

Worship sets are determined with a great degree of intentionality and thought. This includes factors such as: reviewing passages and the themes for the teaching and selecting songs that speak to these truths, determining the progression/order of songs so they move in a way that flows and leads people to worship, and singing more songs after the teaching (rather than before) to allow people to respond to what they have heard.

How can we prepare for singing each week?

Brian offers many tangible steps we can take as we enter a time of worship through singing. This includes:

Being in step with the Spirit by spending daily time with God and being in the Word
Arriving early to the service and giving ourselves time to connect with others, settle our minds, and prepare our hearts
Remaining through the duration of the service and guarding against distractions, interruptions, or anything that might disrupt our time of worship

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

What is my attitude toward singing? Do I see it simply as part of a service or as a tangible way to express my gratitude and dependence on God?
How did this episode expand my understanding of the role of worship leaders and the strategies that go into determining music for each service?
What are some of the distractions or obstacles that keep me from worshiping through singing? What steps can I take to prepare my heart for this time?

SCRIPTURES

I was chosen to explain to everyone this mysterious plan that God, the creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning. God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord. Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. Ephesians 3: 9-12 (NLT)

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:15-20 (NLT)

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord, giving thanks through him to God the Father. Colossians 3:15-17 (NLT)