T4G Nottes

Matt Merker - 7 Points on Congregational Singing

The Triune God is worthy of our praise

Singing is a part of how we magnify and glorify the God for whom we and our churches exist

Songs are a part of how we shepherd our flock

Songs teach - it is directed to God and to each other - our mouths and ears are open

People remember the songs that we sing

like a master chef - pick only the best - quality over quantity

Do not abdicate song selection, collaborate to pick the best songs to prepare your people for heaven

Songs are a part of how flocks minister to one another

We equip the priesthood to minister to each other

The church is a seminary and a choir

It is a congregational act of love

Every musical choice you make will either help or hinder congregational participation

You do not need a lot of gear and production, a big band or a big choir in order to have rich congregational singing

There is flexibility and prudence that is required

Don’t buy into the lie that the more you increase the complexity of the music you increase the incentive to sing

Use a capella to re-incentivize singing

Consider using harmonies for the congregation

use printed song sheets/project on screen

use singing school

use hymnal

Have instruments play chords of harmony

Equip saints to sing in every season

Sing songs that miserable christians can sing

Encourage members to sing at home

Call believers to sing wherever they are

Encourage parents to teach your families how to sing hymns

See your children as ambassadors for these hymns for future generations