For years we have insisted, and rightly so, on training and preparing our young men to preach the word of God. Christian colleges, universities, and preaching schools, as well as “Preacher Training Camps,” dot the countryside, preparing our young men to fill the pulpit as strong evangelists for the Lord’s church. Still we must ask the question, is there anything we should be doing to train up song leaders? Are we doing all we should be doing to teach our congregations the value of singing a cappella in our worship to God? If we truly believe in singing praises, and if we are honest about how much we value congregational singing, we will teach some basic elements of singing. Not just how to sing ‘properly,’ but with understanding. Consider what Paul wrote to the church in Corinth: “I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” (I Corinthians 14:15) Training goes beyond just singing in the shower or tuning in to the radio; we must also better understand how we can sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.
So how do we train a song leader? How can we rally the congregation to sing with the spirit? Minus the technical aspects of singing, consider these four ways we can emphasize the value God has placed on singing. First, start a Sunday night singing class 30 minutes before evening services. Second, provide opportunities for members to sing at the local nursing home once a week. Third, encourage families to prioritize their fellowship so that when they come together for a meal, they sing together. And finally, with the permission of your leadership, provide the young men of your congregation with an opportunity to lead singing on Wednesday nights. Whatever means you seek, be diligent to train up song leaders.
Perhaps you’ve heard (or said), “My voice isn’t strong and I don’t know the notes…I’m just not a good singer.” In a world where we judge voices and idolize the best, how can the average singer effectively praise God? Unfortunately, shows like ‘The Voice’ have taught us to evaluate and glamorize the singer. Yet God never qualified ‘how well’ we are to sing, only that we are to sing.
Consider how you would teach your child to ride a bike. You would take time to practice with them and steady them as they ride down the sidewalk. You would encourage them with each rotation of the pedal as they grow in proficiency, giving them assurance as they gain confidence. We can do the same with our congregational singing, but only when we… 1) value it, 2) plan for it, 3) practice it and 4) participate in it.
teach our congregations the value of singing a cappella in our worship to God? If we truly believe in singing praises, and if we are honest about how much we value congregational singing, we will teach some basic elements of singing. Not just how to sing ‘properly,’ but with understanding. Consider what Paul wrote to the church in Corinth: “I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” (I Corinthians 14:15) Training goes beyond just singing in the shower or tuning in to the radio; we must also better understand how we can sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.
and steady them as they ride down the sidewalk. You would encourage them with each rotation of the pedal as they grow in proficiency, giving them assurance as they gain confidence. We can do the same with our congregational singing, but only when we…