In Part One, I tried to establish that music affects the health of our souls (mind, will, and emotions) for good or ill. The common belief that music is neutral has falsely...
Music That Nurtures the Soul (Part 2 of 2)
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Church
Music That Nurtures the Soul (Part 1 of 2)
The German blitz of London during World War 2 brought fear and uncertainty to Londoners that is unknown to most Americans. They fell asleep at night, not knowing if they would...
The Living Gift of the Congregation’s Songs
Living gifts must be cultivated and nourished. Our congregational practice of four-part, a cappella harmony did not simply appear by magic. Considering a few historical...
Should We Sing a New Song?
Did you know that many of the four-part hymns sung in many conservative Anabaptist meetings today were written between 1725 and 1925? We typically really like them. “Blessed...
Choral Facial Expressions
I enjoy watching and listening to music groups sing. But, without fail, whenever I watch a music group sing, many of them adopt a facial expression not unlike if they had stomach...
Teach Them to Love It
In this article, Burton Heatwole talks about why he sings with his family. This interview is part of a series of articles on how best to encourage music. Lynn Martin: What’s your...
We Didn’t Sing at All
For this article, I asked my pastor, Kevin Brechbill, about his experiences with singing. This interview is part of a series of articles on how best to encourage music. Lynn...
Singing New Songs
Poetry is one of our primary means of worship. The prayers and praises recorded in Scripture are nearly always written in verse, and today we still worship God with...
Singing in Original Languages
"What are some benefits and drawbacks of singing songs in their original language, when most of the audience cannot understand the text? Are these issues different if sung in a...
Church Music, Old and New
One of the many debates about what music is suitable and helpful for worship has focused on “old music” and “new music.” The debate is at times divisive…
Teaching Your Congregation a New Song
I want to teach my congregation a new song. How should I go about it?
Here are a few suggestions:
The Whole Counsel of God
In his farewell speech to the Ephesian elders, Paul said, “I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God” Paul was referring to his teaching and preaching ministry, but…
New Song Download
“Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again!” Lyle Stutzman has set this triumphant proclamation to music and made it free for congregational use.
Why Does the Church Sing?
Singing is not universally enjoyed. That’s actually a favor, because it forces us to ask: “Why does the church sing?”