The Place of Congregational Singing

Just prior to the Reformation, congregational  singing became almost extinct. The singing was all done by the choir. There is a tendency on the part of some of our choir leaders—and not a few regard it as dangerous—to monopolize so much of the time allotted to music that there is little singing done by the congregation. It has been said of Luther and the Wesleys that they brought more people into the Protestant church by singing than by their preaching. This may be an exaggeration, but it is a fact that the Reformation restored singing to its rightful place.

Care must be taken to select hymns with which the people are familiar. Otherwise they cannot enter into the singing with spirit. A new hymn may be introduced occasionally, but not too frequently. At a service I attended recently the singing was almost dead, because all of the hymns selected were unfamiliar.

The great evangelists of modern times have all recognized the value of singing. They elevated the position and work of the song leader to such an extent that we always associate Moody and Sankey, Torrey and Alex­ander, and later Chapman and Alexander, and Sunday and Rodeheaver. From personal ac­quaintance with each of these song leaders, the writer knows that they were deeply spirit­ual men who believed in the power of song to convert sinners.

Some of us are hoping and praying for the day when music of the right type, rendered in a dignified manner, will be given its really rightful recognition by our own evangelists and pastors. All too frequently we have cheap, low-grade music, poorly rendered. Satan's agencies appreciate the value of music, and they are spending enormous sums of money to secure what they consider the best for their evil purpose. But God wants His people to be the head and not the tail, in this matter of music. Many times music leaders are selected whose chief qualification for the task seems to be a willingness to do the work, regardless of musical training and background, or the lack of it.

I have attended evangelistic meetings where I almost blushed with shame at some of the so-called music offered the public. And this was put on with the idea of attracting audi­ences. The term "special music" has lost its appeal with most people, because it is so often "excruciating." Far better not to have any special music than to render some of the atrocities which one sometimes must endure.

An evangelistic song leader does not have to resort to cheap, secular tricks in order to qualify as a good leader. Such tricks as trying to see how long an audience can hold a tone, stopping suddenly to see if he can catch the audience off guard, or calling for the greatest amount of volume, are wholly out of place in a religious service. We sing to glorify God and win souls to Him. Spectacular showman­ship certainly cannot be pleasing to our Saviour. Foolish jesting and so-called "horse­play" should find no place in a gospel song service.

This does not mean that the song service need be dull and uninteresting, or lacking in enthusiasm and inspiration. There are legiti­mate variations which may be used to prevent monotony. Much depends on the personality of the leader. This is a most important in­gredient of success in this kind of work.

I know of one church which, instead of hav­ing the pitifully small audience, which is often common on Sunday nights, has increased the regular attendance to about three thousand, with many people turned away. This feat was accomplished primarily by the unique song service employed. The leader was dynamic and had original ideas.

The following program, which has been used successfully in a series of similar programs in song services, may serve as a guide to some. This illustrates the idea suggested previously of having unity in a service. The possibilities are almost limitless for working out similar programs. It will be noted that the congrega­tion has a prominent part in the program.

Theme: The Name of Jesus

Hymn by Congregation—"My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less."

Reading—"Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him." "Praise, 0 ye servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord. Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forevermore," far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.

Duet—"In Jesus" (Harkness).

Reading—"They that know Thy name will put their trust in Thee; for Thou, Lord, bast not forsaken them that seek Thee."

Hymn by Congregation—" 'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus."

Solo (or combination of voices)—"Wonderful Jesus" (Sellers).

Reading—Take the name of Jesus with you, for through His name is salvation and strength given in time of temptation. His is the victorious name, a name to trust, and above all others most precious.

Hymn by Congregation—"Take the Name of Jesus With You."

If the musical numbers mentioned are not readily available, others may be substituted. The program may be shortened by omitting certain stanzas, or some of the hymns or read­ings.

Other themes which have been used are the following:

A Cure for Trouble and Worry.

Thanksgiving.

Progress in Christian Living.

The Good Shepherd.

Working for Others.

The Potter and the Clay.

Salvation Through Christ.

Mother.

Peace and Rest.

Prayer.

The Master's Touch.

Happiness.

The Miracles of Christ.

The Love of God.

Invariably, after services in which these songs services were used, many people ex­pressed deep appreciation, and said they had been greatly helped.

(To be continued)