FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, SING! - By Melody Kuphal

We’re supposed to sing in worship.  At least, the majority of the churches near me are asking the congregation to sing in worship.  Some use an organ, some use a piano, some use a band, and some go with voices only.  So, naturally, everyone attending churches in my area sings every song – 100% participation – right?

Not right?

Well, why not?

Have we concluded that singing in worship is optional?

OF COURSE a music person thinks it’s important to sing in worship! With the name “Melody,” my opinion is going to be biased, so let’s check a different source.  How many times does the word “sing” appear in the Bible?

Well, to be honest, I haven’t personally counted, but it seems like a lot.  So I did a non-scientific study - I Googled it!

According to Ask.com, “sing” appears in the Bible 121 times with the count rising to 209 using the New English Translation.  If God asked us to do it dozens of times, I would think it was important, but we’re talking over one hundred times!

So, if someone is not singing in church, why not?

Reason #1 - “I don’t know the song.”

OK, that’s not a bad reason, but let me ask you this very personal question: Does that stop you in the car or in the shower?  Now, we could really have some fun quoting mispronounced lyrics or reenacting times when you jumped in with both feet on a song you didn’t really know because you were having fun.  I don’t know how your church is programming music, but we try and pick songs that have a lot of repetition in them and we make sure each worship service has a heavy diet of “familiar” music with some “newer music” sprinkled in – usually being introduced in the prelude or the offering slot about a month before we ask the congregation to sing it – until the new music becomes part of the “familiar.”  In addition, we’ve got Spotify links with each weekend’s worship songs.  I’d encourage you to give it a shot!

Reason #2 - “I’d rather listen to the professionals/band/choir.”

That’s a talented group of gifted leaders you’re talking about.  They put in a lot of hours of preparation to lead the congregation in song.  

But here’s the thing: it’s not a concert – it’s a worship service.

Yes, there are times music groups offer a presentational musical gift (for our church, that’s during the prelude and the offering) but, if your church is providing lyrics, that’s the part of worship when you’re supposed to sing. Besides, singing with really great musicians is really fun!

Reason #3 - “I Can’t Sing” and/or “I’m embarrassed.”

Well, friends, you are in good company.  But, your Daddy -  your Perfect Heavenly Father - asked you to.  If you don’t think he’s given you a voice sufficient to praise Him, well, I’m pretty certain you are mistaken.  If you have a little one in your life – a child, grandchild, etc. – how talented do they need to be for you to want to hear their song of praise about YOU?  Factor in that our God is the Perfect Parent and He loves to hear songs from His children (Yes, this includes those who communicate without their voice.  If you have never witnessed worship using sign language, I encourage you to find an opportunity!).

Maybe you just don’t like to sing in worship.

You may not like the people near you.

You may not like the music your church chooses.

But this is your church family.
God called you into corporate worship for a reason.  Don’t confuse your preferences with obedience to what your Loving Father has instructed you to do.

Friends, I am encouraging you to step out in faith, lifting your hearts and voices in song.  I’m not asking you to LEAD the singing – not everyone is equipped to do that – but God has given all of us a voice more than sufficient to praise Him.

Please, join us in singing!

Melody L. Kuphal is the Director of Music at Hosanna! Lutheran Church in St. Charles, IL. She has recorded six albums, four of which are specifically aimed toward kids singing in worship. Melody is also currently working on her doctoral thesis from the Robert Webber Institute of Worship Studies. www.MelodysMusic.com