Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

-- Congregational singing reaches upward, outward, and inward!
Mark A. Copeland
[But not all congregational singing praises God, teaches one another, and uplifts ourselves. To help
reach that goal, here are some suggestions related to...]
II. THE PRACTICE OF CONGREGATIONAL SINGING
A. WHAT SONG LEADERS CAN DO...
1. Lead with enthusiasm
a. The song leader generally sets the tone
b. His influence goes beyond announcing the number and starting the song
c. The song leader’s demeanor should reflect the nature of the songs he leads
2. Lead with familiarity
a. People respond to songs they know and love
b. Few people are able to catch on and sing songs that are new to them
c. Too many new songs, and people get out of the habit of singing with fervor
d. There is a time and place to learn new songs; not every service is the time or place
-- Song leaders need not be accomplished, but they should be thoughtful of their function
B. WHAT THE CONGREGATION CAN DO...
1. Sing with their understanding - 1 Co 14:15
a. It is the words of the songs that express praise and provide edification
b. Melody is enhanced when we pay careful attention to the words
2. Sing with their heart - Ep 5:19; Co 3:16
a. We are to make melody with our hearts, sing with grace in our hearts
b. Thus we should let the words of the song influence our emotions
3. Sing with their voice - Psa 51:14-15; Co 3:16
a. The Psalmist wrote of praising God aloud with his lips, tongue and mouth
b. We are to teach and admonish one another; how can we if we do not hear one another?
4. Sing with their presence - Psa 122:1
a. Practice makes perfect; sing with others whenever there is opportunity
b. Sit close to those who like to sing; you are more likely to sing louder
-- Praising God and edifying others should engage our whole being!
CONCLUSION
1. Congregational singing is a spiritual activity with great potential...
a. Offering hymns of praise to God constitute spiritual sacrifices - He 13:15
b. Teaching and admonishing one another in song is one way we exhort one another - He 10:24-25
2. Whether congregation singing fulfills its potential depends on us...
a. Whether we appreciate the precept, practice, and principle behind it
b. Whether we sing as God intended: with our whole being (mind, heart, and voice)
May we as a congregation of God’s people always have the attitude of David when it comes to singing...
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul! While I live I will praise the Lord; I will
sing praises to my God while I have my being. - Psa 146:1-2
Topical Sermons 83