In this episode we discuss...

• our five points on simple singing adjustments to serve your congregation more faithfully:
  1. You’ve got some splaining to do!
     • Too often, we just open to a hymn, or project lyrics onto a screen with little to no explanation of why we’re singing it.
     • From time to time, tell the story of the hymn.
     • Explain difficult words or phrases.
     • Show the Scripture the song is connected to.
     • Identify why it’s important for us to sing this song today.
  2. Choose songs and hymns according to the theme of your sermon text.
     • Not at random.
     • Not because they are your favorite or congregational favorites. (Though this is good at times.)
     • Not neglected for fear of man, not wanting to be bothered with it, etc. 
  3. Ask people to sing with the passion the lyrics require.
     • Rural people can be reserved…so explain why that’s not appropriate when we sing.
     • How deep the Father’s Love for Us is a great example.
  4. Evaluate the singing with your elders or church leaders.
     • What’s more important to you: how many people showed up on Sunday, or how well the congregation praised a Holy God and obediently sang to one another?
     • Ephesians 5 and Colossians 3 call us to this.
     • We should evaluate how well the congregation is doing as part of our responsibility to make disciples!
  5. Ask the piano player to take a break!
     • Don’t worry! We’re not suggesting a sabbatical!
     • But, you can change so much by adding some contrast.
     • Ask the piano player to take a break for 1 verse or a verse and a chorus in a couple songs each week.
     • Where’s the triumph? Where’s the solemn reflection? Where’s the exuberant congregational refrain?
     • Start small: Ask the piano player to drop out on the final verse of a hymn this week.
       
       

Stuff Rural Pastors Can Use Review:

• Josh lets us into his reading rainbow! If you want some encouragement for your prayer life, check out George Müller's biography: George Müller Delighted in God.

Our Quote of the Day:

• "Your voice may not be of professional standard, but it is of confessional standard." Keith Getty

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