When it comes to singing in the Lord’s church, who judges whether someone is a good singer or not? Should I determine if one voice is better than another? In February 2000, over 13 years ago, Dan Jenkins wrote an article for the Gospel Advocate that addressed this very topic. Let’s review some of his timely thoughts on this subject from years gone by…
“I keep hearing some people say that we can really improve our singing in worship if we use microphones to amplify the voices of the best singers in the congregation. Although at first this might sound like a good idea, everyone should be aware that in (many congregations) this practice has lead to (these ‘singers’ moving to the front row, and then eventually standing up front). We often are blind(ed by seemly good ideas) when we start down roads that seem innocent.
However, I have been thinking about who the ‘best singers’ are in the church. I know how we are using the term, but is it possible that God’s view of the best singers might be far different from ours? Could the following people be ‘the best singers?’
Sitting in the assembly is a lonely widow. The years have not been kind to her voice, and it often cracks as she sings. She has served the Lord faithfully for many years. For more than 40 years she has taught small children in Bible class, and she has seen many of them become leaders in the church. Her late husband had been a faithful elder who served even better because of her being a godly helpmeet. She had lifted his burdened spirit (on many occasions). Listen to her sing – “To Christ be loyal and be true, in noble service prove…” The melody that comes from her heart (which is important to God) must make her one of the best singers in the church.
In another part of the same auditorium a teenager sits. He did not grow up in the church and failed music in school. He comes from a broken home, but OH, how deep his faith is! He has given up former ungodly friends and stands against the peer pressure that surrounds him. You may not like (all of his) ‘sour notes,’ but the melody from his soul is so encouraging (to those who ‘listen’) – “O my God, I trust in Thee. Let me not be ashamed, let not my enemies triumph over me…” Is he one of the best singers?
Who else is there? (Look toward the back of the auditorium and perhaps you’ll see) the wife of an alcoholic husband who is doing all he can to destroy her faith and that of her children. Listen to her (sing), “Be not dismayed what e’er betide, God will take care of you.” Those who sing off-key and (seem to be singing) monotone may be our best singers! Maybe we should take another look at what we are doing (before we had out the mikes and decide if the singers in the Lord’s church are good or not).”
Thanks to Dan Jenkins for his encouragement and reminder that our songs must first and foremost be for the glory of God…and then for edification of the saints.