BOOK SUMMARY: SING! HOW WORSHIP TRANFORMS YOUR LIFE, FAMILY, AND CHURCH - PRELUDE

When it comes to church music people often consider style, song choice, songwriting, production, sound, training and more. But rarely is the question asked, "How did the congregation sing?"

The church has been, is, and always should be and can be a joyfully singing Church.

Paul told members of the church of Ephesus to be "speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit." He wanted them to "sing and make music from the heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:19-20). Paul does not tell us to perform for one another but to sing to one another.  We need to ask, "How did the congregation sing?"

LUTHER THE SINGER

Martin Luther wasn't just a theologian or a preacher. He was also a prolific hymn-writer, who reinvigorated singing in what became known as the Protestant Church. He believed that a truly biblical church would be one where every believer was actively participating in every part of the service, including the singing, celebrating this incredible gospel together. 

"Let God speak directly to His people through the Scriptures, and let His people respond with grateful songs of praise." -- Martin Luther

Luther's predecessor, Jan Huss,  was martyred (among other things) for the "heresy of congregational singing."

We need to not only know that we ought to sing as Christians, but to learn to love to sing as Christians.

THE FIVE GOALS OF THIS BOOK

(1).    To discover why we sing and the overwhelming joy and holy privilege that comes with singing.

(2).    To consider how singing impacts our hearts and minds and all of our lives.

(3).    To cultivate a culture of family singing in our daily home life.

(4).    To equip our churches for wholeheartedly singing to the Lord and one another as an expression of unity.

(5).    To inspire us to see congregational singing as a radical witness to the world.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

(1).    How has singing played a role in your spiritual development?

(2).    Can you recall an memorable example where you enjoyed singing in church? Why was it memorable?

(3).    Are you quick to assess the music in your church by style, sound, quality or by the congregation's singing?
(4).    What is your desire for the singing in your church?

(4).    What is your desire for the singing in your church?