Guiding Principles for Singing in the Church
I have been so privileged to have a part in planting churches on four continents: both house churches with a handful of gathered believers in North Africa and steepled churches in North America; churches in poor barrios in South America and wealthy business districts in Europe. One thing that is attractive about them all, no matter their size, language, or style, is the presence of praise to the Lord, the Redeemer and King, in song!
In fact, as I travel back in my memory, I feel the beautiful emotion of the presence of the Lord as our hearts were lifted up to Him in Spanish, Arabic, and German in each respective context. These were moments that, as we ministered to the Lord in song, he ministered to our hearts filling us with gladness and uniting us in worship.
At CCC we have delineated six foundational principles that can guide our worship in song for generations to come. These values or ingredients of our praise are universal. No matter where you go in the world, these values can guide a local church toward the praise that pleases the Lord and delights the heart of the redeemed child of God. We will let Psalm 100 put us in the right mindset.
Psalm 100
1 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
2 Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!
3 Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!
5 For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
1. Theologically Weighty
We will sing songs that focus on God and His character, rather than us. Songs that are theologically “light” are used to complement weightier parts of the service like reading of scripture, the sermon, and hymns. They can be used for times of reflection and prayer, but should not make up the bulk of the musical worship. All lyrics should hold to orthodox Christian beliefs.
2. Congregational Singing
Our main goal is to facilitate corporate worship; we are worshiping God together, not producing music to consume. Songs should be chosen that are easily singable by a group, instruments should accompany and encourage the worshippers voice, not drown it out or overpower it. The human voice (the sacrifice of the lips) should be the prominent instrument.
3. Historically Connected
We will sing a mixture of old hymns and new worship songs and hymns. We are connected to the generations that have come before us through our worship songs. We also are connected to many new movements of the Spirit around the world that are writing songs of praise today.
4. Globally Inspired
We wish to reflect the global church in our style and languages, especially the nations that are represented in our community. The celebration of God’s loving kindness from all nations and tongues brings Him universal honor.
5. A Tool for Discipleship
We want our worship music to be a tool to disciple new and growing believers. We want to include as many CCC members as a possible in both learning and accompanying the music.
6. Passionate Praise
We are commanded by Psalm 100 and compelled by grace to “worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” We want our songs, while often being serious, to be exuberant in our praise to the Lamb who is worthy.
What do you think of our list?
Is there one you think we left out?
Is there one you love the most right now?
Or is there one you think needs extra emphasis?
Please leave a comment below!