Congregational Singing

Congregational singing is one of the most effective means of creating activity in worship, as well as
promoting unity of thought among the worshippers and unanimity in spirit between the people in the
pews. It should be a basic part of all public services of the church, working hand in hand with the other
ministries of song, but never replaced by them.

Specific Suggestions for the Song Leader

The following are specific suggestions offered to song leaders to encourage better congregational
singing.

1. Be thoroughly prepared and on time for the service. Know in advanced the verses of a song to
be used or omitted. Pray earnestly for God’s guidance and blessing on the singing portion of the
service.
2. Direct the service in an enthusiastic and friendly manner, yet with mature dignity. The proper
position for the song leader is generally to the right of the pulpit, although this position must
never become fixed or stereotyped.
3. Establish a personal, sympathetic contact with your audience. Know the words and music of a
song well enough so that you aren’t tied to the book.
4. Use the conventional conducting patters and techniques. Make all conducting movements
positive, yet graceful.
5. Make the size and extent of the arm movements comparable to the size of the audience, the
mood of the song, and the type of service being conducted,
6. Be temp and rhythm conscious.
7. Always carry the melody of the song when leading with the voice. When this become vocally
impossible, sing a harmony part under the congregation, never the melody an octave lower.
8. Lead with your voice as well as with the conducting pattern when beginning each new verse or
to pick up a lagging phrase. Conserve yourself.
9. Be the song leader not the preacher.
10. Strive to have a lively and interesting voice quality for giving instructions. Speak slowly and
firmly enough to be distinct. When announcing a hymn give instructions at least twice.
11. Guard against annoying mannerisms and expressions in your singing.
12. Don’t wear out the audience by excessive standing and singing. Give enough time between
verses of a song for the congregation to catch a breath so as to begin together on a new verse.
13. Don’t use the same songs all of the time. Avoid using the same approach or the same
expressions for beginning each service or for introducing each song.
14. Strive to memorize as many songs as you can. It is also helpful to prepare a list of songs that are
suitable for all types of services and which are found in most hymnals.
15. Try new techniques and ideas that you have seen others use successfully. However, never
imitate a certain person. Be natural-BE YOURSELF.
 16. Use special effects or “stunts” with extreme care or caution.
17. Work with the pastor so that the entire service emphasized a common theme and all of the
songs and activities have the same basic purpose.
18. Never allow the service to be dull or monotonous. Be inspirational. Use contrast and a variety
between numbers as well as between the verses of a song.
19. Women directors- be enthusiastic but remain feminine at all times.
20. Keep a sense of movement to the service, yet make the audience feel relaxed.
21. Avoid giving the impression that loudness and speed are synonymous with good singing. He
should rather strive for dignity and majesty, brightness and spiritual joy, or other mood ideas
which relate to that particular textual context.
22. Do not scold or show an attitude of dissatisfaction.
23. Never apologize.
24. Be ready to teach new songs.
25. Instill confidence in the congregation by appearing poised and confident.

PREPARATION FOR CONGREGATIONAL SINGING

A. Choosing the Hymns: Certain Criteria Should be Considered

1. The worthiness of each hymn. Evaluate the text and the music and their compatibility. Avoid
texts which include a) confusing terminologies b) questionable theological implications, and c)
trite expressions and symbolisms
2. Musical Variety. A good balance of tempo, dynamics and styles
3. Familiarity. Well known and well-loved hymns are effective.
4. Challenge. Along with familiar songs, learn new ones to increase the congregation’s repertoire
of hymnody and thereby broaden the scope of worship
5. Balance of Types and Hymns. No service would be complete without:
a. Ministries of praise found in psalms and hymns addressed to the Godhead.
b. Ministries of prayer, supplication, and dedication
c. Ministries of personal expressions, as found in gospel songs, hymns of testimony, and
personal experience

B. Planning the Service

1. Begin the service using hymns which direct attention to the Godhead, either in an act of
reverence as an expression of praised or a testimony to the goodness of God, the provision of
salvation made by Christy, the work and power of the Holy Spirit
2. Include hymns that teach and admonish.
3. Select hymns that prepare hearts for [prayer, reading of the Scripture, the presentation of the
message. These should be strategically placed so that they build up to these important parts of
the service
4. Conclude the service with a hymn geared to provoke a personal; commitment, usually based on
the message or the emphasis of the hour.