Five Historic Questions About Church Music “How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land?” 1 The captive Hebrews’ question has echoed down through 2,000 years of Christian...
A Handful of Hard Notes
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Congregational Music
Music That Nurtures the Soul (Part 2 of 2)
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 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...
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...
Building Confidence Singing in Church
What are five ways I can build my confidence as a congregational singer? I must sing. It’s what a redeemed person does. I won’t build confidence by only listening to...
Gospel Songs & Hymns: What’s the Difference?
The texts of hymns should cover the full range of Gospel truth and experience. This means that serious thought must given to achieving a realistic balance in worship…
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: