The Benefits of Congregational Singing
Each month the staff of our church meets, and one of the matters of discussion are new members. When asked, the conversations with those that have come from other churches often point out a common theme — “we didn’t like the worship music at that church.” Like it or not, the music churches sing and play greatly impacts the opinions of the people in attendance. Modern worship styles of individual singing and soloists have led to a disenchantment in many churches, and congregational singing brings the church together to sing as one body.
As churches are moving away from congregational singing they are also losing the important aspect of community. This can be seen in three important aspects — congregational worship follows biblical examples of worship, and it demonstrates community to the believer and to the unbeliever. Singing as a congregation brings together all generations of believers, and traditional congregational music enables all in attendance to sing the songs as one. Most importantly, the songs churches sing echo the theology being taught.
Congregational worship involves the church as a community, singing together as one body. All people present are included in the act of worship, and this demonstrates the community of the church to both believers and to any unbelievers present.
When speaking of the acts of Christ, bringing many to salvation, the writer of Hebrews quotes Psalm 22 in saying,
“I will tell of your name to my brothers;
in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.”
In the midst of the congregation, the believer finds community — with all people singing together to the Lord in worship.
Later in Chapter 10 we see how we are to draw near to God with the full assurance of faith — and that we are to “stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (10:24b-25). Again, we see the instruction for believers to gather together, encouraging one another in community. Congregational singing and music enable this action as we draw near to the Lord, unison together in worship, demonstrating community.
Secondly, congregational singing unites all people in the church, from all generations. Congregations are not to be split apart solely by preference of music or worship styles. This will only lead to separation and confusion. If a young person is told from the time they are in middle school to the time they graduate from college that “big church” is not cool, and they should go to other more “lively and fun” or “relevant” services — what are they to think when they are out of college and told to go back to “regular” services? It is no wonder so many leave the church after high school or college, for they may have no aspect of community in church whatsoever. Most of these have not sung congregationally for most of their lives — certainly not multi-generationally, where community is demonstrated best.
Finally, congregational music enables all in attendance to sing the songs as one. Hymns were written to be sung by the congregation. The keys chosen for men and women are intentionally chosen to be appropriate for the “average” singer, not for a soloist. The parts are easy enough to sing and to memorize — so that they can be sung again, in community.
Of great importance is the fact that traditional hymns used in churches, sung from a hymnal teach theology while singing, helping the congregation learn scripture. From children singing, “Jesus Loves Me” to the entire choir, orchestra, and congregation singing “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” Scripture is being sung and proclaimed. I am not one who thinks new music for church should not be written and sung in church. If God has gifted someone with the ability to compose and write lyric, music, or both, they must, however, remember why they are doing this task — to edify the church, to encourage the believers, and to promote community in congregational singing. From Watts to Wesley to Fanny Crosby — all at one time were new writers with new hymns.
Much can be seen by the songs a church sings — the theology of the songs that are sung in a church often mirrors the theology that is being taught. Congregational singing follows biblical examples of worship, it unites generations, and it emphasizes community in the body of believers.
