A Personal Manifesto for Congregational Singing

I wish I could take credit for this but I can’t. It flows right into what I’ve been writing about in the Call to Worship series.

I will sing if for no other reason than to honor the Scriptural exhortation to sing; singing in worship is a spiritual enterprise, not a musical exercise.

I will vigorously sing the songs I “like” and are most meaningful to me because it’s good for my soul, and because in so doing I may encourage another person to sing as well.

I will also energetically sing the songs I “like less” because in so doing I may affirm another person in an expression of faith that’s meaningful to them.

I will gladly learn a new song when the worship leader asks me to, for in doing so I may discover something new about my personal faith.

I will sing again the songs I know “all too well,” recognizing that someone close to me may be hearing that song for the first time and I can assist them in learning it.

I will be responsible for my own participation in singing; I’ll not depend on anyone else in order for me to be in the proper “mood,” nor will I allow anyone else’s attitudes or actions to prevent me from fulfilling my role as a worshiper before the Lord.

When given the opportunity, I’ll speak to these issues; otherwise I will hold myself, and no one else, accountable for these standards.

Hat tip to Creator Magazine, by way of Saint Andrew’s Church.