A Personal Manifesto for Congregational Singing
I wish I could take credit for this but I can’t. It flows right into what I’ve been writing on my own website in the Call to Worship series.
I will sing if for no other reason than to honor the Scriptural exhortation to sing; singing in worship is a spiritual enterprise, not a musical exercise.
I will vigorously sing the songs I “like” and are most meaningful to me because it’s good for my soul, and because in so doing I may encourage another person to sing as well.
I will also energetically sing the songs I “like less” because in so doing I may affirm another person in an expression of faith that’s meaningful to them.
I will gladly learn a new song when the worship leader asks me to, for in doing so I may discover something new about my personal faith.
I will sing again the songs I know “all too well,” recognizing that someone close to me may be hearing that song for the first time and I can assist them in learning it.
I will be responsible for my own participation in singing; I’ll not depend on anyone else in order for me to be in the proper “mood,” nor will I allow anyone else’s attitudes or actions to prevent me from fulfilling my role as a worshiper before the Lord.
When given the opportunity, I’ll speak to these issues; otherwise I will hold myself, and no one else, accountable for these standards.
Hat tip to Creator Magazine, by way of Saint Andrew’s Church.
New Series: Fan the Flame ~2 Timothy
Beginning this week we will start a new series that will take us through 2 Timothy over the course of the next 10 weeks. I have broken this down into 4 sections so we can deal with special topics in each chapter of the book.
Fan the Flame: Chapter 1 (2 weeks)
To The Core: Chapter 2 (3 weeks)
Stand: Chapter 3 (2 weeks)
Finish the Race: Chapter 4 (3 weeks)
We will be taking a break between chapters 2 and 3 for the One Prayer series led by Lifechurch.tv and discuss the notion of the church being an Unstoppable force when united under Christ as it’s head! This series will feature me and one other staff member, plus two other pastors via video! You won’t want to miss a week over the next few months. These are shaping up to be a real faith building time on our church. Come ready to grow and be used by God!
