The
Truth In Print
January 2004, Vol. 9: Issue 12
A Publication of the Valley
(928) 539-7089
By
Bob Lovelace
Introduction:
In discussing various practices of local churches I am hearing about some
practices in worship that I have never witnessed before, personally. One such
practice I’ve had some brethren tell me about is “spontaneous singing.” If I
have the correct description, then this is singing that is started by someone
who feels compelled to just start out singing. Then others, who know the song,
are heard joining in until it sounds like all are singing. I’m wondering if
brethren are content to let a woman begin the song, thus taking the lead? It also makes me wonder what kind of consideration is
being shown for visiting Christians who don’t know the song?
Dear reader, please consider the following scriptures, authorizations and
patterns for the collective worship of Christians.
I.
Passages Authorizing a Song Leader:
Some scriptures authorizing a song leader
would be: I Cor. 14:26, 40, 33; I Tim. 2:11-12, 15. In view of Paul’s
instruction the leader
would certainly be a brother in Christ rather than a “sister” (I Tim.
The word “decently” (I Cor.
Question: what could some practical
applications be concerning one's leading a song with these verses in view?
1.A
song leader is one you should be able to see and follow.
2. One
present should not have to guess at who or where the song leader is.
3. How can
you be led in song without knowing what's going on?
4. Concerning
the matter of propriety - things done decently - there is a point of just
criticism when the song leader cannot be heard because one sings out too loudly
and drowns him out.
Perhaps you’ve experience something similar
in worship. Brethren should be concerned about proper conduct in worship, and
encouraged to voice just criticism concerning things that interfere with
appropriate scriptural worship. I once heard of a situation where a sister was
singing out so loudly that she drowned out the song leader. A brother in that
church simply identified this particular matter and asked that it be corrected.
Look at I Tim. 2:11. The word “quietness” is a woman’s
place as a sister in Christ showing reverence first towards God, and respect
for man's authority. It allows her to sing but puts
restrictions on her as regards her demeanor and
conduct in worship.
II.
Scriptural Patterns:
A.
Reciprocal Singing —Eph.
What is authorized for singing as a
distinct item of collective worship? The simple New Testament pattern is “one to
another,” i.e. reciprocally. In other words it is “sender” to “sender” for this
item of worship. While one is singing thus edifying with mutual admonition and
instruction the others are in turn singing with the same purpose together. In
other words "singing" as an item of collective worship is not like
one who stands and leads a prayer, or one who stands up by himself and preaches
thus instructing the church. If a church ever says that's not the pattern would
they not be denying what the command teaches? Reciprocity is the bottom line
when it comes to singing as an item of collective worship!
B.
All Things Done For Edification - I Cor. 14:26.
“Edification” means building up spiritually.
And that is accomplished in singing as an act of collective worship by
reciprocal singing, sender to sender. If a church's procedure does not allow reciprocal
admonition and teaching in song can their procedure be scriptural? If I don't
know which song, where the song is, if there is supposed to be a song leader or
not, then their procedure is putting me in a position (being uninformed) of not
being able to satisfy the command to teach and admonish one another in singing.
C.
Consideration For All Present - Eph. 5:21; I Cor.
14:16, 23, 33.
This too is part of the New Testament
pattern. These passages give emphasis to consideration for all present, Christians as well
as unbelievers.
In view of the foregoing points what would
you think of a procedure where some Christians present are left not worshipping
and in confusion as to what is going on? Let’s say, for the purpose of
illustrating, that you find yourself assembled with a local church and suddenly
there is singing as worship but there
was no instruction given for visitors and you, being one of them, did not even
know if there was a song leader. Having no knowledge of the song, and having
been given no instruction concerning when it would begin, which song, etc.,
just imagine setting there and never catching up with this procedure. Picture,
will you, some left not worshipping and in confusion having never caught up
with this implemented process.
III.
Some Hypotheticals -—What Ifs:
A. What IF a
church says they do not need a song leader and you can’t show us an example of
one in the scriptures? Dear reader, wouldn’t the foregoing scriptures support
their need to give instruction, some way, so all can know what is going on thus
avoiding confusion enable all to be edified? And what about
the matter of men taking the lead? All things, remember, must be done
for edification ( I Cor.
B. What IF someone should say this is not worship, we just do this
to let people know its time to start? I can see where this kind of thing might
get started in a church by using this kind of argument. I can't see anyone so
spiritual dull that they'd say that, but someone might. If it isn't worship
then what is it? If it's not worship then why not have coffee and donuts which
also are not authorized when a church comes together as a church! Churches were held accountable for the things
they did when they came together as a church (I Cor.
C. What IF a
church says this is “our” worship and no one else’s? We have those passages
that state consideration should be show for all present, Eph. 5:21; I Cor.
14:16, 23, 33. We should not create an atmosphere of confusion.
Conclusion:
Beloved we must be
careful with our worship (John
NOTE: Concerned reader, to learn more about
New Testament worship
go to "Fundamental Lessons on the Church," Lesson Five,
"The Worship of The Church" at
our website listed below. This article may be accesses from our Article Index.
Simply scroll down until you find Fundamental Lessons on the Church, Lesson
Five. Or, you may click
here.