We have all felt the power of song. "It is one of the most effective means of impressing the heart with spiritual truth."—Evangelism, p. 496. The Lord has used this means many times to great advantage. For this reason the devil has set himself to misuse it, following his pattern of presenting a counterfeit for every truth.
The field of music is one in which it is easy to swing to either side of center. There is music that is heavy and meaningless, common in operatic singing, which we are told is "not pleasing to the angels" (ibid., p. 510). There is the music described as jargon and discord—cheap, meaningless sentimentalism that is prevalent today—that is sung in the name of religious worship. Then there is the tendency by some to dispense almost entirely with the song service —while others may take too much time for singing, thus unwisely using the golden moments of the meeting. Others tend toward theatrical productions in the musical program, making this part of the service a time for personal display. The instruction is that sweet, simple songs should be used in which the whole congregation can be asked to join. The goal should be to sing this music "with the spirit and with the understanding" (ibid., p. 509).
Importance of the Song Service
"Singing is a part of the worship of God, but in the bungling manner in which it is often conducted, it is no credit to the truth, and no honor to God."—Ibid., p. 506. We know, then, that singing is a part of worship—not a "filler" until the people arrive, but an integral part of the whole. Our prime purpose is to preach the truth and to honor God. This can be accomplished in the rightly conducted song service. Were there not the possibility of doing it in a "bungling way," Inspiration would not have warned against it. The devil would thwart God's best plan by depriving us of His blessing during this part of the service. How important, then, that we learn how to make the most of this part of the service. No one person has all the answers, but here are a few convictions and ideas I have picked up.
Organization
"There should be system and order in this the music] as well as every other part of the Lord's work."—Ibid. The musical part of the service must be fully organized. The ministers must know what is going on —and when. One way to do this is to duplicate the song service program, giving a carbon copy to every one participating. The head usher should have a copy as well, so that he knows when the offering is to be received, et cetera. In this way the entire evening program can unfold without any confusion. Usually the singing evangelist will be in charge of coordinating the evening program—designating the one to pray, the one to receive the offering, et cetera. This will mean advance preparation, but the importance of this part of the program deems it necessary.
Type of Music to Use
"Music should have beauty, pathos, and power."—Ibid., p. 505. This would eliminate the flighty choruses as well as the meaningless operatic-type music. However, there are some choruses that do measure up to the specifications, among which are: "I'll Be True, Precious Jesus," "I Know the Lord Will Make a Way," "Jesus Never Fails." The inspired instruction is that this music should be "sweet, simple singing," "sung in a natural tone," "with the spirit and the understanding" (ibid., pp. 509, 510).
The Choir
"Organize a company of the best singers, whose voices can lead the congregation, and then let all who will, unite with them." —Ibid., p. 506. The choir is unparalleled in its power for good in the service. While the people are coming in to the meeting place, let the choir sing in rehearsal. An atmosphere conducive to the working of God's Spirit is thus created. The angels are present to sing with them. The available singers may not be the very finest, but if the voices are all united, singing in parts, God blesses, and angels "take up the refrain that is sung from the heart with the spirit and the understanding."—Ibid., p. 510. Nonmember friends can be asked to join the group, thus making the choir a soul-winning agency. After the rehearsal of approximately twenty-five minutes, in which well-known songs are sung—some for future presentation, others just for the joy of singing—a word of prayer is offered asking for Heaven's blessing on the remainder of the music, praying also for the speaker and for those who have come. This helps to place proper emphasis on the music. This takes place four or five minutes before the announced service. While the piano and organ continue to play, the singing evangelist joins the other ministers in prayer, in the side room, before the actual service begins.
The Song Service
At the announced hour the singing evangelist, accompanied by all the participating ministers, comes onto the platform. As the ministers walk onto the platform, I have had the choir stand and sing the chorus of "More About Jesus." This song is used for every service as an opening theme. There are other songs that can be used as well. Then I turn and welcome the people, and the song service begins. "As often as possible, let the entire congregation join" in the singing. "The singing is not always to be done by a few." "All present should be encouraged to join in the song service."Ibid., p. 507. This is inspired advice. People enjoy singing—they come to sing, and with only fifteen minutes allotted for the song service, it can best be used by letting the people sing. There will be time for approximately four or five songs.
During the song service be cheerful and radiantly happy but not frivolous. To continue the dignified atmosphere which the choir singing has started, I have made a practice of having a short sentence prayer after singing the first song. It must be short and to the point. An example might be: 'We thank Thee, Lord, for this opportunity to sing these songs of praise. Give us a song in our hearts tonight, because we ask it in Jesus' name. Amen." This establishes the singing as a part of worship.
The last item of the song service might well be a song of commitment, such as "My Jesus, I Love Thee," "Wholly Thine," "Pass Me Not.- The audience can be asked to stand for this last song or at the time of the singing of the last stanza. All is in order then for the opening prayer.
For variety during the song service, the choir can be asked to sing a stanza of one of the songs. Periodically the choir can bring a special selection. Occasionally, other groups can add greatly to the enjoyment and inspiration of the song service—but generally speaking, let the people sing!
Most evangelists request a special number just before the sermon. Here is the opportunity and responsibility to present a number that will arrest the attention of everyone, bringing their minds into focus —prepared for the message. If the singer sings what he feels and feels what he sings he is "singing with the spirit and the understanding." This song, if possible, should complement the evening message. However, a good spiritual and inspirational song will fit almost any message.
Other Variety Features
1. Get Acquainted Feature.—On the opening night, or on occasions when an unusual number of visitors are present, to relax the audience and bring in a spirit of fellowship I have used the song, "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms." After singing one stanza I ask the audience to stand and shake hands with any two people. Just after they have become acquainted, I tell them my name and introduce the instrumentalists. Then we sing one more stanza of that song and the audience is asked to be seated. The song service continues as planned.
2. Special Music Night.—There will be many that will urge you to have So-and-so sing. He may or may not be a qualified singer. Write his name down and keep a list of all prospective singers. On a Saturday night, near the close of the crusade, announce a special music night, and have all whom you have listed participate. This program will of necessity have to begin earlier than usual. It will be an attendance builder, besides creating good will among the musicians. Choir members are given priority in participating on these nights because of their faithful attendance and loyal support of the program.
3. Request Night.—This is always an enjoyable evening. It is announced several nights in advance. On the designated night, after the singing of one stanza of a song and the offering of a short sentence prayer, the audience is asked for their favorite songs. As soon as a hand goes up, that person is asked to announce his number. Just one stanza of each song is sung, making it possible for many favorites to be sung.
4. Last Night Review.—On the last night of the campaign the best numbers of the entire musical presentations are selected and a big musical program results. It begins at least an hour before sermon time.
This, without exception, is the largest attendance night of the entire series. It makes for a good decision night. It also provides an excellent opportunity to receive a large thank offering.
Contrary to accepted form, I have found that the theme song is used to great advantage at the close of the service. With the strains of "Jesus Never Fails," or "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" ringing in the minds of the people as they leave the auditorium, it helps to give them the assurance of Heaven's blessing as they determine to follow new-found truth.
The service closes with the singing evangelist saying, "And now until tomorrow night, good night, and God bless you." The piano and organ continue to play either the theme song or a familiar number such as "Faith of Our Fathers," as the people leave.
These are a few ideas I have used. There are many more we can learn from one another. Let's share ideas through the medium of THE MINISTRY magazine and learn to be "the best" singing evangelists.
