6 Reasons Congregational Singing Is Important

Benefits of Congregational Singing

If you were to step into the average church service, you would find many similarities in how we worship. One of the most important elements in our worship is our congregational singing. Sadly, congregational singing in many churches falls short of bringing praise to God. The singing is no longer vibrant but lifeless and dull. The Lord wants you to pattern your singing in a specific way. Consider this verse,

“Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.” (Hebrews 2:12)

Why does God want congregational singing to play such an important role in our worship of Him? You probably already know some of the answers to that question.

1. Singing is a way of praising God.

Does God need your praise? No, but according to the Bible, He is worthy of praise and is desiring of your praise. What better place to do this than in His house where you can honor Him in song as you come before His presence with singing.

God always has a reason for the instructions He gives to us. If you look further into the scriptures you will will see several other reasons to sing besides praise. In Colossians He gives you several clues.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:16)

An additional benefit of congregational singing is,

2. Singing is a way of teaching and edifying others.

You may ask, how can singing in church accomplish this? If you are singing songs in your church that are scripturally sound, your singing will play a vital role in teaching. Think no further than when you were a child and your teacher taught you a song to help you learn your ABC’s.

Now, apply that thought to singing in church. Many Bible truths can be easily remembered by setting the words to a melody, meter and rhyme.  Through the familiarity of a song or chorus you will be able to rehearse over and over the truths found in His Word.

Also, the by-product of this is what the Bible calls edification. Singing as a congregation actually promotes and solidifies spiritual growth. It can also be a way of reinforcing the gospel message to the unsaved.

Another aspect of congregational singing is,

3. Singing is a way of admonishing one another.

If you were to speak to someone offering words of encouragement and guidance as well as words of warning and correction, you would be admonishing. If done correctly it would not be done in a negative way. It would be a positive and gentle warning with guidance that is based on spiritual principles found in God’s Word.

One of the songs that illustrates admonishing is “Come Thou Fount.”

Over the years, many songs such as this have taught me important truths from the Bible and have challenged me to live a better life for the Lord.

The forth benefit of congregational singing is,

4. Singing is a way of expressing thankfulness to God.

Notice in the scripture how closely singing and giving thanks are tied. In Psalm 35:18, David declared: “I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people” and in Psalm 92:1 “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High:“

I see no better way for God’s people to praise and to give thanks to Him than through song. I’m sure you have your favorite hymn of thanksgiving, this one is mine.

God’s faithfulness is something to be truly thankful for. The more we understand Him the more thankful we will be.

Another thought on congrgational singing is,

5. Singing is a way of uniting the congregation.

On any given Sunday, you will observe people from every walk of life. There will be some young, some old, some rich and some poor. Every one will come with a different need, a different burden, a different complication of life that only the Lord can meet. As you sing together as a congregation you will begin to focus, not on your troubles but on the Lord and your heart will be stirred to hear the Word of God.

God invites us all to make a joyful noise unto the Lord and to come before His presence with singing. Your goal should be II Chronicles 5:13.

^“It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord;”

Your participation in congregation singing is your opportunity to be a part of the worship service and to affirm your similar beliefs.

Furthermore,

6. Singing is a way of pleasing the Lord.

The final reason for singing is to please the Lord. God loves it when you sing praises unto Him. The Bible says,  “I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. This also shall please the Lord better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs.” (Psalm 69:30-31)

Unfortunately, if you sing from a heart that is tainted with sin He is not pleased. For example, you should avoid singing songs like “I Surrender All” or “Take My Life and Let It Be” if it is not truly heartfelt. The scriptures teach us that God sees the motivation of your heart.

No matter what your vocal ability may be, God is pleased when you “make a joyful noise unto Lord.”

Conclusion

Every time you assemble in God’s House, it is an opportunity to praise and worship Him through song. Keep in mind the benefits of congregational singing and sing with enthusiasm. Let’s revitalize the dull and lifeless singing we find in some churches.