A “Prophetic Word” about Singing
No, I do not have a prophecy about the future of congregational singing. For those of you who worry about that future, Mark Shipp says there are good reasons to worry in his article, Congregation Song Is in Trouble in January’s issue of the Journal of Christian Studies. I recommend reading it and his positive answer, What Makes a Good Hymn. Rather my “prophetic word” is based on Paul’s definition of prophecy in 1 Cor, 14:3 – “Those who prophesy speak to others for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation.” To prophesy thusly is, I believe, what Paul means when he says, “I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also” (14:15).
I commend Rick for encouraging everyone in this congregation’s Sunday assembly to select songs each one has chosen. This is a congregational participatory time. In the words of last Sunday’s closing song, “let us all unite to sing. Each one was asked to give a reason why her/his song was meaningful. I suspect your very personal reasons will fit one of the above prophetic goals: 1) upbuild each other, 2) encourage all of us, 3) console us in these troubled times. In effect, we will fulfill the goal of another singing text, “Teach and admonish one another in all wisdom, with gratitude in your hearts to God” (Col. 3:16).
In days of divisiveness in our nation and among churches, singing together will be a time of unity building. As Paul said to that divided church in Corinth, “For God is not a God of confusion but of peace (1 Cor. 14:33). Finally, our singing together will have a profound effect on “outsiders” who may be present and thus contribute to the primary evangelistic goal of Christ’s church. In keeping with a true prophetic word, our singing may cause such persons to bow down before God and worship him saying, “God is really among you!”
I conclude with a prophecy of the future. As we sing together in this manner, congregational singing may not be as troubled as we think. Since this article will be ready for your reading Friday morning, I implore you to look at your schedules and plan to be here. As we sang last week, “Come let us all unite to sing. If you prefer my southern twang, “You-all come!”
—Tom Yoakum