What steps can leaders take to promote congregational singing?
Teach about the importance of congregational singing as opportunity arises. This doesn’t have to be restricted to passages such as Ephesians 5:18-19 Colossians 3:16 and Romans 15:6 which explicitly mention congregational singing. A pastor can also rightly address congregational singing in passages that speak about unity, worship, or building one another up in the faith, because congregational singing relates to all of those broader biblical themes.
Slowly introduce excellent, singable hymns. Hymns aren’t the only music appropriate for congregational singing, but they are some of the best!
Patiently teach and disciple music leaders. Spend time with those who lead music. Explain the importance of congregational singing to them. Explain that what may involve a sacrifice for them (because they will fade into the background) will serve the whole congregation by encouraging them to sing heartily.
Minimize “special music.” If you remove the 10-15 minutes of performed music that populate many evangelical worship services and stick hymns in its place, your people will be able to sing much more every Sunday. This will encourage them to sing, teach them to sing, and give them plenty of practice singing.
For more great resources from Mark Dever and 9Marks Ministries, visit www.9marks.org
