Oh That Men Would Praise the Lord!
Oh That Men Would Praise the Lord!
We find a wonderful song of thanksgiving in Psalm 107. In this passage, the Psalmist recounts the many reasons we all have to praise the Lord. In verse 8 this repeated refrain appears for the first time, “Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” It is most reasonable to expect that those who have received His mercies would express gratitude by giving praise in return.
The Congregational Song Service
In 2001, I came to Oklahoma City to begin my ministry training at Heartland Baptist Bible College. What began that fall was the re-shaping of my vision for the congregational song service. To watch God’s people, gather together and lift their voices in a sincere and heartfelt way, being led by one who himself was stirred by God and was transparent enough to show that, would forever change my view of what we were there to do for the first portion of every church service. Now all these years later we are striving to carry on what “those who have gone before” have handed us. This baton though, is much more than a method or tradition. It is a conviction that God is still interested in hearing His people lift their voices in a fitting response for the eternity-altering redemption He has given to each of them.
Whether taught in so many words or merely displayed and lived out on a weekly basis, there are a few guiding principles which have been handed down to this generation, that we are trying to give to each young person who comes through the halls at Heartland Baptist Bible College and serves at Southwest Baptist Church. These principles are not an innovative new perspective but quite the opposite, they are quite ancient. May the Lord help us to pass along this same heart: “Oh that men would praise the Lord,” to the next generation.
God is Our Primary Audience
If you are like I am, you can find yourself reading quickly over this with merely a mental understanding that never quite affects behavior beyond simple knowledge. There is sufficient biblical precedent to show us He is looking for, and interested in, the praise of His people. If He is indeed the audience observing us, in the moment we pick up our hymnals and open our mouths, why are we so apt to be distracted? Four times in this Psalm we are given the refrain pleading for us to praise His name. Over and over throughout the Scripture we are reminded that when we sing, we are to sing “to the Lord.” This causes me to pause and consider, “Why am I so slow to respond in this way? Why must I be continually stirred and reminded before I produce it?”
The Song Service is Not a Time-Filler
If we never truly understand who our real audience is, then we will be hard pressed to look at this part of a service as anything more than merely an on-ramp to the real destination. Far too often we find ourselves at the conclusion of a hymn and realize we do not even remember the words we sang during the previous five minutes. You may be familiar with that wonderful text in 2 Chronicles 5 where we see the dedication of the temple, but while it may be a familiar passage, I am encouraged and convicted every time I read the account. The song service that is preserved for us in that text shows the incredible possibility of the music of God’s people. God is so interested in the praise of His people that He can be moved by it. What an overwhelming thought! I must wonder how many times we have missed that opportunity because of our casual approach to this portion of our church service.
Full Participation is a Reasonable Expectation
What an opportunity! No matter your title, responsibility, age, or level of musical ability you can contribute to this part of the service. Who of His people does not have a reason to sing His praise? We should rejoice in the Lord always because it is a command for His people. It truly comes down to a matter of obedience, not preference. If we praise the Lord because He is worthy of our praise, then let me pose the question, “When is He ever not worthy?” It is not unreasonable, it is very reasonable, to expect that His children would participate in lifting their voices and praising Him for Who He is and what He has done.
Singing from the Heart is the Goal
Our goal is passionate and heartfelt congregational singing that is born out of a love and gratitude for our Savior rather than just a response to external stimulus. If we are not careful, we can become too clever for our own good when trying to stimulate the congregation to sing. To be clear, this is not to say we should not give creative effort to this part of the service. In fact, I think we can give more deliberate effort to being purposeful in this part of the service than we often do, but we must strive to keep the right balance. I do not believe we have any indication in the account found in Acts 16 that Paul and Silas (while imprisoned) were praising the Lord in song because of a well-crafted service order that created that outburst of praise. It is possible our singing may be more of a reflection of our spiritual state than we would care to admit. How can we expect the world to be drawn to a Savior Who has changed our lives and Who we claim to love when we have less passion and heart in our music than the world has for their music?
We should all continue to work at encouraging those we interact with to remember the example given us in Scripture, and the example of those saints who have gone on before us. If we have been redeemed and rescued from the miry pit, let that affect how we sing to Him this Sunday. You may not have the influence or platform to affect multitudes of people as some others may have, but multitudes of people aren’t the real audience anyway. Lift up your voice to the Lord; He is watching and is ready to receive our praise. Oh that men would praise the Lord!
Aaron Mast | Music Department Chairman | Heartland Baptist Bible College.
New Music Curriculum
This fall, the Heartland Baptist Bible College music department has rolled out an exciting, brand-new music curriculum. Continual improvement of the music program has been a high priority for many years. Each new school year has brought many positive changes. However, this year, under the guidance of Academic Dean Rick Williams, we stepped back to survey the entire program. We asked, “What specific skills, knowledge, and ministry experience should a music graduate from Heartland Baptist Bible College gain?”
Using this question as a guide, we have rebuilt the entire music curriculum from scratch. The new curriculum offers every music major a learning experience that is specific, hands-on, and personalized.
The curriculum is specific
First, the curriculum is specific. Each student is given now exactly what he/she needs to prepare for future ministry. Because of our burden for and philosophy about church music ministry, we have designed our program to meet every music student where they are, no matter their level of training, knowledge, or skill and regardless of their specific calling or interests.
Students choose from four distinct programs
Within the music program at Heartland, a student may choose from four distinct programs:
Music Minister
This program is designed for young men who feel called to serve as the music minister in a church setting.
Music Education
This program is designed for men and women who feel called to teach music.
Church Musician
This program is for men and women who desire to improve their vocal skill or playing an instrument for ministry within the local church.
Music Ministries
Intended for men or women who desire to learn music but do not feel specifically led to pursue one of the other tracks.
Because each of these tracks has a different end goal, each involves different classes. Classes are now tailored to the needs that a person in each of those specific fields of ministry will have.
Complementing a student’s track-specific classes are the core classes that every music major will take. Not only do these build a solid foundation necessary for all music ministry, but they also allow students to connect with other music majors, building long-lasting relationships which will help sharpen students.
The Curriculum is Hands-On
Secondly, the curriculum is hands-on. Classes such as choir and ensemble, as well as private instrumental or vocal lessons, give students the opportunity to develop skills through exciting rehearsals, one-on-one instruction, and personal practice.
At the center of the hands-on experience is our unique internship plan. This plan outlines several hands-on activities and projects, both academic and ministry-related, that a student will complete during his/her four years of study. It will serve as a “road map to graduation.” Through regular meetings with a faculty advisor, each student is kept apprised of their progress. Customized plans are then recommended to suit their specific gifts, interests, and ministry opportunities.
The Curriculum is Personalized
Finally, the curriculum can be personalized. Students only take classes that are necessary for their track, and the scope and sequence is laid out in such a way that each semester carries a very manageable workload. This allows room for customization through elective choices. As mentioned, the internship plan is also highly customizable, allowing students to plan out their unique path to graduation.
These curriculum qualities – specific, hands-on, and personalized – combine to make the Heartland music program unique and effective. Music students at HBBC can be confident their specific needs will be addressed. Their learning will involve plenty of real-world application, and that they can take ownership of their studies through customization. We are excited to be able to use this program to train servants for Christ who are well-equipped for and passionate about local church music ministry.
Keeping the Congregational Music Fresh and Heartfelt
MRI 2015 – Jason Jett –
A man can never have too many tools. Something about them excites men more than most things. My default answer to the age-old December question of what I want for Christmas is usually simple—tools. My motto at the hardware store is, “Who cares if I have one (that’s never been used), a deal this good can’t be passed up. You never know when a second might come in handy.” When I dare to think that I may never use it, I remind myself that a tool can only be used if I have it. If I don’t, what good is it? This reasoning makes sense to men. Let the ladies apply these principles to shopping for clothes. Men apply them to tools.
Tools are necessary in all areas of life. We need them in ministry as much as in house building. I have been in music ministry for a number of years, and the longer I do it the more apparent it becomes that tools are important in keeping our music services what they ought to be. When you consider the significance of church music—leading an assembly into corporate praise of an audience of One—we ought to take seriously our role to keep it what it ought to be.
The significance of tools was never so apparent to me than a few years ago when my wife and I decided (against all marriage counseling) to build a house together. The process could have been much worse, for sure, but it also could have been better in one particular way. I found myself saying more times than I could count, “If I only had the right tools.” When I couldn’t get the job done right and was at the end of myself, that phrase jumped to my defense. My gracious wife even drank the Kool-Aid. By the end of the house-building process she was saying it, too. Neither of us believed it, but it made at least one of us feel better.
Like anything else, what doesn’t get our attention trends downward; and, when things sink far enough, we have a tendency to knee-jerk our way into reaching for something new. We react by assuming everything must be thrown out and replaced because it no longer works. It is this tendency that has led many churches to ditch what has always been used in order to provide a quick fix to the apathy.
I suggest that we look at it differently. Why assume that what we’re doing doesn’t work when it might be that we (as leaders) haven’t placed it in a lofty enough position to give it much thought or creativity? If the music services (specifically the congregational singing) are an afterthought to us, how can we expect them to seem significant to anyone else? Perhaps it is those of us in leadership who need to change our approach to the music services, to do something more than open a hymnal and randomly pick three songs before services. This ministry deserves creativity, time, and ideas. The problem is, sometimes we’re not sure what tools to use. Let me make some recommendations that, if applied, might keep us from using that old excuse, “I just don’t have the right tools!”
Tool #1 – Create an environment in which the Lord remains the focus.
Strive to have everyone in place when the music service begins, starting with the platform party. Make sure those on the platform are engaged, not visiting with each other, distractedly talking to someone, noting absentees or reviewing notes for their message. Church leadership should be obviously plugged in, singing out and holding a hymnal. Musicians may be driven to a greater desire for excellence when they are able to attach what they’re doing to a nobler call and a higher purpose. They will take their responsibilities much more seriously when they realize they are helping point hearts toward God and not simply the next part of the schedule. This will help create a mentality that causes people to approach their role in the service more deliberately. Realizing that every part of the service impacts God will reduce the temptation to approach the music service as filler time.
Tool #2 – Choose hymns deliberately.
Carefully select songs that fit the purpose and flow of the service rather than simply choosing those that are familiar to the congregation. Work at developing a theme for each service and use the congregationals to help contribute to that end. Don’t wait until right before the service begins to choose songs. Work two or three days ahead so the Holy Spirit can use your creativity to add interest to the upcoming services. Keep good records of services so the hymn rotation stays fresh.
Tool #3 – Introduce new songs.
There are so many good songs in the hymnal that many people don’t know. Don’t be afraid to learn new ones and “teach” them to the congregation during an evening service. Teach it by either having a soloist or the choir sing it once, then ask everyone else to join in. Reinforce it by reviewing it in one of the following services.
Tool #4 – Make use of service themes.
A themed service can be effective. Focusing the thoughts of the congregation on one subject such as grace, God’s love, or heaven can have a tremendous impact on the service. It is especially helpful when the subject of the message is known and the two parts of the service come together in unity.
Tool #5 – Emphasize a verse by doing it differently.
Do something to highlight a specific verse in a hymn. This can be planned or spontaneous, but don’t miss opportunities to shine a spotlight on a stanza that is especially rich. Have a soloist, the choir, or an ensemble sing it. It can also be effective to have just the ladies or men sing a verse. When people listen to someone else sing it often causes them to dwell on phrases they might normally miss by singing straight through every verse as a congregation.
Tool #6 – Use a key change to build toward a song’s climax.
A key change on the last verse of songs like “It Is Well With My Soul” and “Amazing Grace” can provide a natural climax that really injects energy into the song. Many accompanists can’t transpose on the fly, so do what you can to give them plenty of help. It is always better to practice a transposition first to get the timing down and make sure the transition chords are correct. If possible, find the music in the new key or transcribe it yourself to give to the pianist and organist. This will go a long way to help their development and give you some extra leverage when asking them to try something new the next time.
Tool #7 – Use A cappella singing.
Certain hymns sound wonderful when the instruments drop out and the voices sing alone. Gospel songs like “Just Over in the Gloryland,” “Come Unto Me” and “When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder” work well for this. Songs with a strong melody and repeating harmony parts tend to be good candidates for A cappella singing.
Tool #8 – Use a “Call and Answer” type song.
Similar to the style of songs good for A cappella singing, call and answer songs can add life to a music service. Have the men sing the first phrase and the ladies respond during a song like “Nothing But The Blood.” Know exactly how you’re going to give instructions so they are as clear as possible.
Tool #9 – Highlight phrases from a hymn or define words that are not very familiar.
While you could say something from the pulpit, you could also write a short excerpt in your church bulletin either explaining a phrase from a song that will be sung on that day, or pointing out specific phrases for the congregation to meditate on. Call it something like “Hymn Highlight” or “Hymn Spotlight.” So many hymns provoke great thoughts about God if time is taken to comprehend them. Here are a couple of examples:
“Jesus Saves”
“Waft it on the rolling tide – Jesus Saves! Jesus Saves!” This phrase is taken from the second verse of our opening hymn this morning. The word “waft” is a verb that means “to convey or send floating through the air or over water.” The phrase is encouraging Christians to “waft” the message that Jesus saves!
“Love Lifted Me”
In the first congregational song this morning, “Love Lifted Me”, one phrase in the second verse reads, “Love so mighty and so true merits my soul’s best songs.” God’s love is so great that He deserves the best songs we can sing. That means the love of God is worth the best singing we are capable of. Don’t let the song service pass by without engaging your mind and singing from your heart to the Lord. God’s children have much to rejoice for, but if all we had to sing about was the love of God, He would still deserve, “My soul’s best songs.”
Tool #10 – Don’t underestimate the importance of developing yourself as a congregational songleader.
Three things to keep in mind as you develop your songleading skills:
Passion – There is no substitute for having a heart for the importance of congregational music. As Pastor Hardy said, “People pick up more on your heart than they do your tactics.”
Presence – Always be aware of your presence as a songleader. Be confident, sing out, have energy, and don’t do anything that will distract people from the lyrics of the song.
Pattern – Although not the end all for successful songleading, having a consistent pattern makes a statement. Not only is it easier to follow but it also tells others about your mindset toward excellence.
The congregational song service is so often undervalued in the grand scheme of ministry. I wonder how frequently God looks forward with anticipation to the singing of His people to Him, only to be grieved at the lack of passion and interest from the congregation. We know it needs to be vibrant and meaningful, but rather than fix what’s truly wrong, many find it easier to scrap what isn’t working in favor of something better or newer. When the excitement of that wears off, what’s next? That can’t be the solution. The better alternative is to put in some effort to help the congregation realize how much singing means to the Lord, while at the same time discovering how valuable it is to their own lives as a Christian. I believe what has always worked will still work, but it will take work. It may require more creativity, fervent prayer, and fresh ideas, but with the Lord’s help and the right tools, new life can be breathed into the music ministry.