Please be nice.
This blog has several million viewers every year, and many of them are not believers. They are watching your interaction with one another.
I know I am touching on several sensitive subjects in one post: the loudness of music; lighting in the worship center; music preferences; and performance versus participatory singing.
But here is the clear reality in many congregations: congregational singing is waning in many churches. In some churches it seems to have disappeared altogether.
I will try to discuss this reality from a dispassionate perspective, at least for the most part. And I don’t consider myself the expert in this area, so I asked the guru of church worship, Mike Harland, to help me understand some of the technical decisions we make.
Ultimately, though, this blog is my own, and I take full responsibility for its content. What then are the primary reasons fewer people are singing in church? Why has that act of worship before God become nominal in so many contexts? Here are six reasons:
- Some church members do not prepare themselves for worship. We come to judge, to check off an obligation, or to go through the motions of a habit. We have not prayed for God to do a work in us through the worship. If we do not have a song in our heart, we will not have a song in our mouths.
- We don’t know the songs. We sing the songs we know. That is obvious. But if we are introduced to a steady influx of new songs without sufficient time to learn them, we don’t participate. The best congregational singing includes both the familiar and the new, but the worship leaders teach the new songs until we know them and love them.
- The songs are not sung in a range where we can participate. Many trained musicians have a wider range in which they can sing. Most of the rest of us don’t. If we are expected to sing in a range that is beyond our ability, we won’t try. Worship leaders make the decision, intentionally or not, if they want to lead the congregation or perform for the audience.
- The lighting communicates performance rather than participation. We participate in singing when we can hear each other and see each other. If the lighting for the congregation is low, but it is bright for the platform, we are communicating that a performance is taking place. We thus fail to communicate that the worship by singing should include everyone present.
- The music is too loud to hear others in the congregation. There have been quite a few comments at this blog about the right decibel levels for music in a worship service. The greater issue, however, is whether we can hear others. If we hear the voices of others, we are encouraged to join in. If the music is so loud that we only can hear ourselves, most of us will freak out. And we will then be silent.
- The worship leaders are not listening to the congregation. If worship leaders truly desire to lead the congregation in singing, they must be able to hear the congregation. Some can only hear the instrumentation and platform voices from the monitors. And some have ear monitors where they are truly blocking the voices of the congregation. Congregational singing becomes powerful when it is well led. And it can only be well led if the worship leaders can hear those they are leading.
Your own perspective about this issue may be one where you really don’t care if the congregation can be heard singing. But if the desire is truly to lift all the voices before God, some things will need to change.
Now it’s your turn to comment. Be kind. Be gentle. Be Christlike.
Posted on October 24, 2016
With nearly 40 years of ministry experience, Thom Rainer has spent a lifetime committed to the growth and health of local churches across North America.
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212 Comments
With the exception of #6, I’m with you. On that note, I would say #6 differs from church to church. Most worship leaders may not need to necessarily “hear” the congregation (and some might actually be so loud and off key it throws the whole thing off anyway), but there are many visual cues to watch for: mouths moving, enthusiastic expressions, body language. These things can indicate connection to the crowd as well.
So I would say on #6, I hear what you’re saying, but I don’t think it’s a necessary point to leading well. But the worship leader WILL need to open his/her eyes from time to time.
Some of my greatest worship experiences have been outside the walls of a building! Get out in His creation and worship Him! Who needs a band and a light show?
I don’t really see myself as competent to voice suggestions here, I’ve only run the PA in three churches. I liked to tell people I ran the PA to quiet the musical instruments and boost the volume on the worship leader, so the congregation could hear the melody and the worship leaders just above their own voices. At the last church where I ran the PA we kept the level right at 95dB.
Thank you Dr. Rainer for bringing up these six points. I catch myself coming unprepared for worship often times lately. This week, though I love to sing, I found it difficult because of # 3.
I don’t run the PA anymore but prefer to greet people at the front door, continuing to do so during the first 10-15 minutes of worship. My comment about lighting has nothing per say to do with worship but rather the ability to find and sit with my wife in a very dark auditorium before the worship is over. 🙂
Our church has two music worship leaders. During their week to serve one leans heavily toward, and most of the time all contemporary songs, where the other leans heavily toward the traditional with an occasional contemporary song thrown in.
I have noticed when some of the contemporary songs are sung that some in the congregation will not sing at all, but these same folks will sing nearly all of the traditional songs that are presented. If asked, some will complain of the shallow monotony of some of the contemporary songs and refuse to enter in. One contemporary song for example has a chorus that is sung, it seems like fifteen times which is ridiculous. Some of these new contemporary creations are filled with nonsensical filler words that have no meaning at all like na, na, na, na, na, or yea….yea, or whoa, whoa, whoa that adds no substance to the song whatsoever.
Some complain that some of the greatest praise songs ever written are found between the covers of our hymnals, which we never crack any more. The Hymns “Crown Him Lord of all” and “How Great thou Art” comes to mind.
These are masterpieces of praise with deep rich meaning that are rarely heard in congregations today. Possibly some don’t sing anymore in silent protest to the fact that the music, like many other things in the church today is being watered down and lacks depth and meaning, or was written with little forethought at all.
One church that I heard of has gone full circle in their church where contemporary music is used very little and only after passing much scrutiny.
Unfortunately, most of the “current stuff” is ridiculous…it’s money driven, and nothing more. The dumbing down of the church
“Some of these new contemporary creations are filled with nonsensical filler words that have no meaning at all like na, na, na, na, na, or yea….yea, or whoa, whoa, whoa that adds no substance to the song whatsoever.”
Yes, I’ve heard some of those. They make me cringe.
The main reason people are no longer singing is due to a heart problem…nothing more. We can talk about key friendliness, instrumentation, production, lights, decibels, etc., but what we fail to address is the heart of the person in the congregation and on the platform. In the American context of church, we have given permission for people to have church in “Burger King” (Have It Your Way) style. If the music doesn’t line up with our taste, then we choose not to participate. We choose our taste over the Scriptural command to sing that is found throughout the Psalms. I’m convinced that the big issue is that the church has fallen out of love with Jesus and more in love with ourselves. Oh that the church would fall in love with Jesus again. Then, it won’t be about what we sing, but rather who we sing to.
Sir, you are right on target. This is exactly the reason. All of the other reasons pander to personal preference. Our hearts need to be right before our God. He is holy and almighty, worthy of all our praises; beyond worthy.
I think Dr. Rainer has made some very legitimate points in this article, and I don’t think It resolves anything to question someone else’s love for Jesus. One of the reasons this issue spins out of control is, instead of trying to resolve an honest disagreement, one or both sides has to turn into an issue of spirituality. This only adds fuel to the fire.
Thank you for this blog. It breaks my heart to see congregational singing decreasing. At the church where our son is a member and sings in the praise band, the congregational music is nonexistent. People stand and clap, watching a performance by the ones on stage. The people in the congregation don’t know the songs, and the words on the screen are ok but if you don’t know the melody it doesn’t do much good. I am coming from the perspective of a 70 year old man who was elected as “Song Leader” at age 15. I have always loved the congregational singing because it gives everyone a chance to lift their voices in song.
The comfort and peace that comes from the hymns mean so very much. When my Mother-in-law died in 2000 I was listening to the Moody station in our town. The hymn, “God Leads Us Along” came on. As I sang the familiar words along with the choir, it touched me and it was what I needed at the time. A P&W chorus that I didn’t know would not have given the peace that the hymn gave.
I have served churches as a Youth Minister, Minister of Music, and Pastor. Music sets the stage for the message. I have heard many pastors say that without good singing, their sermons would not have had the impact that they had.
Thank you for your ministry their at LifeWay.
Years ago I saw a plaque that said, “Make new friends, but keep the old. The new are silver; the old are gold.” That’s kind of how I feel about music. New music certainly has its place, but don’t forget the songs that are tried and true!
Thank you, John. It is my honor to serve all of you.
When we began contemporary worship we were told that numbers 4 & 5 were necessary in order to help people feel that they could sing without standing out. Which is it? Why did the “conventional wisdom” change its mind. Because conventional thought is not always wise?
My thoughts … I may well be younger than some, but I have been involved in worship leadership since I was 18 (late 90’s). I’ve witnessed and been a part of decision making processes, but a little later “in the game”. By the time I became involved, songs like “I Love You, Lord” or “Give Thanks” were well known.
I am learning that it all depends upon whom you were listening to; from whom you gained knowledge and understanding. Some said turn down the lights, others did not. Some said to be loud, others did not. There was (and still is) an abundance of controversy when contemporary worship music entered the church. Conventional thought may not always be wise. Any choice for worship is based on the context of scripture and your congregation. Some congregations sing mightily with low lights, other do not. Some congregations sing louder than the sound system, others do not. Biblical wisdom, your context, your choice.
Debby, it didn’t – it depends on what Generation your primarily identify with. Certain generations prefer the darkness & the volume BEFORE they’re willing to open their mouths & sing – other generations are inclined towards a well-lit room, & being able to easily hear their own voices & the voices of those around them. I imagine your church was “marketing” towards a specific group of people when they made that shift.
Well- I’ve read and responded a lot in recent months to articles on this subject. I have addressed many of the specifics listed (singable keys, lights, listening to your audience) I will say- I am greatly saddened/ burdened that in my opinion, ‘worship wars’ may be at it’s highest point ever. Saddens me that it has happened on ‘my watch’ as a worship pastor. We need all pastors to step up, come together, and get this solved now. We are very divided as ‘the church’ over music and worship. Don’t be fooled into thinking we aren’t.
One thing not listed that I might would add: we as worship leaders/ even music fans, often get lulled into believing because it works somewhere else very well (conference, concerts) that it can translate that into my situation and it will work just as good. For example: chances are the 5-10,000 people singing at a Tomlin or Hillsong concert are major fans of those artist, if not musicians/ singers themselves. Of course it’s gonna be powerful and sound like a beautiful well oiled machine choir. I don’t know about your church- but as I scan over my audience, I don’t see a room full of ‘tomlin groupies’ who are eager to stand for 20-25 straight and sing at the top of their lungs. I see some (make that a few) who are ready every time to bring a loud, heartfelt sacrifice of praise. I see more that fall into the ‘bless me if you can’ category. Mainly, I see people that want to be led, clearly instructed, and participate if they comfortable with what is being asked of them. My advice: do less music, but do it with quality, and leave them wanting more. Then tell them more is coming, same time next week.
1) Congregational singing is Scriptural = from both Old and New Testaments.
2) The type and style of music is not relevant = Christians have sung multiple types of hymns/praise hymns and songs for centuries, for “there is nothing new under the sun.” What is important is the attitude of the heart which should be pointed toward the Worship of Christ and the Glory of God and the message of the song that can lead the worshiper to that point.
3) The musical instruments used are not relevant. Christians have been singing with and without instruments for centuries. Be it piano, organ, guitar, drums, harmonica, or just the pure sweet noise of the human vocal cords = much of this attention to instruments is the attempt to conform to cultural realities and/or presentation. In some parts of our world, Christians are forced to only mouth the songs together in order to keep attention away from prying eyes and ears. What is important is focus on Christ and His glory not on the instruments used either professionally or unprofessionally for the Lord loves, “a joyful noise.”
4) The building where one meets is not relevant. Christians through the centuries have meet in homes, public venues like parks, in open country, in caves, large tombs, and in prisons expressing their love of Christ where they were. Paul and Silus where praising and singing at midnight for all to hear. They could care less where they were, whom was participating with them, or how high the ceilings were, or how the lighting was (it was dark, dark, dark), or if the instruments used were culturally significant . Yet their praise of Christ had dividends to all who listened to them.
5) Worship is participatory, yet voluntary. There are many and various reasons why people will not sing the hymns or songs. It is incumbent upon Christian leaders to plan times of worship that will benefit and Lift up Christ, and encourage the worshiper.
Rob
Readers:
Unfortunately, my schedule is limiting my ability to respond to comments today. I’ll be online later tonight to address your questions and comments. Thanks for reading and interacting.
Congregational singing needs to be just that “CONGREGATIONAL singing”…it’s is not to be a sanctified version of American Idol…
I have a very dear friend who refuses to go to the service on time because he hates all the “God-is-my-girlfriend” songs (his phrase, and I happen to agree). He normally shows up 20 minutes after the service has started.
I miss hearing congregations sing the MAJESTIC music of the church…we’ve traded these “7-11 ditties” and we are now experiencing the “dumbing down” of the church…
Really, 7-11 ditties, that is so 20 years ago.
Yeah, these days they’re more like 5-20.
I never thought I would see the “dumbing down” of the American church…but it is happening right in front of my very eyes.
I’m encouraged that most of the comments, so far, have focussed on things that can help more people participate rather than bashing others preference in worship.
One thing I think has had major impact is the lack of music education in our culture. Far fewer learn to read music, to sing or play an instrument which lowers musical confidence in the culture. If you were never in choir, you may have never sung “publicly” anywhere before coming to church. This lack of music education puts a premium on making worship songs familiar to people (repetition) and keyed so most can comfortably be in that range. (#2 and #3).
I’ve also heard this flipped a different way. When people grew up in churches that used hymnals, they had exposure to music in a different way. I learned to read music from my parents showing me in church how to follow along (supplemented with about a year of private piano lessons and church choirs as I got older). When we put the hymnals away in favor of the screens, we also took away a source of musical education and exposure. (And we could get away with turning down those lights, because nobody had to read anything anymore.) I remember for a time, songs not in the hymnal were printed as a bulletin insert. That gets into the question of using paper and toner vs the more environmentally friendly screen – you’re already using power for everything else, after all. I don’t have an answer for the resource question there, but I have a fondness for hymnals that goes a bit beyond just the songs in them, and extends to the written music they held.