Recently I attended a church where we sang just the right song after the sermon and some difficult church news. It was perfectly placed for the church and the Bible passage, and when that happens, it becomes more than just a song. It becomes a homily in song, and as such a ministry of the word.
Sometimes these song placings happen by divine providence, but good planning and playing are just as important! So let’s get practical:
Words content
As both a pastor and musician, I cringe when I hear a song introduced as if it were simply getting us on our feet as an aerobic exercise! The song lyrics themselves really matter: Titus 1:3 says that as the gospel is proclaimed (and that’s mainly preaching, but also through good lyrics), the Lord is manifested before His people.
David Short puts it like this: ‘There is such a close relationship with Jesus and the gospel that God’s purposes for eternity appear … Jesus, as it were, takes shape before the very eyes of the people.’ The gospel isn’t just about singing, but the gospel must be in the singing.
Songs should be mainly theocentric, rather than subjective. Avoid songs that put false emotions in the congregation’s mouths. It sows doubt and confusion!
Song placing
Some songs/hymns are natural starters for a service. Creation sings the Father’s song or From all that dwell beneath the skies work at the beginning. These songs should strike a note of thankfulness, and not be too slow.
A typical finisher could be Be thou my vision. although it is rather overused. Try finishing with City Alight’s Yet not I but through Christ in me.
In between, songs that assure us of God’s mercy like Sovereign Grace’s Grace unmeasured or Getty’s The Lord is my salvation work well. After a sermon on hope, use Sandra McCracken’s excellent We will feast in the house of Zion.
Song variation
Having put all the songs together, see if there is variation in speed and rhythm, in major and minor keys [not too many slow subjective minor-key songs please!] and in time signature.
A good example of poor song choices was humbly put forward by the late Mark Ashton in Worship by the Book, edited by Don Carson: ‘We learn from good people’s mistakes! They started with My song is love unknown, with the other songs – How deep the Father’s love for us, The Lord my Shepherd rules my life and finishing with I cannot tell.’
Some of you will see immediately what is wrong, but others may be puzzled. If you find yourself in the puzzled camp, then you need this kind of help! For information, My song is love unknown is slow and subjective. And all the other songs are slow too! The song choices end up working against your purpose.
Song rehearsal
The best-selected songs can fail if they are not played well. The key is practice! Professionals in your church will do it, and they will turn up to rehearsals on time as well! I played recently with a professional violinist, and we met 75 minutes before the service to prepare.
One of the challenges in churches is getting the PA right. This is another subject, but the lesson is, give yourself plenty of time to get set up!
Learning to play ‘as a band’.
The basic rule of thumb is the more people in the band, the less each person plays. There is only a certain amount of sonic bandwidth, so make sure, for example, the left hand of the piano and the bass guitar are not fighting each other lower down the sonic scale.
Strangely perhaps, it’s the start and the finish that matter most. Mentally work out the tempo and try to stay in time. Most modern songs work to a click track, and the congregation will struggle if you vary the pace.
Finally, smile at the congregation. Make it your aim to enable every person to participate. The human voice is the best instrument in the building and when that is used to sing His praise, it greatly strengthens a congregation.
