The Singing Church

Back at the beginning of the month, I posted some thoughts about how people in the church do not speak up when confessing the liturgy. Likewise, people don't sing in church; instead, they mumble the words and make a feeble attempt to sing any sort of note.  Guess what?  As a church musician, I'm giving you permission to sing out, even if you can't sing on pitch!  The point of song in the church isn't to showcase one's singing talent.  It's to reinforce what is being taught and preached through the Word and Sacrament.  Plus, it's a great way to be reminded of what we believe.  I've heard pastors say that when a person is old and his or her memory, including the names of loved ones, is fading, he or she can still sing favorite hymns and parts of the liturgy.  What a beautiful thing to be able to hold on to!