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Published Aug. 30, 2024, 12:50 p.m.
Detailed Agenda:
The book of church order (BCO) records how PCA ministers and sessions should conduct church. What does the BCO say about Song worship?
CHAPTER 51 The Singing of Psalms and Hymns
51-1. Praising God through the medium of music is a duty and a privilege. Therefore, the singing of hymns and psalms and the use of musical instruments should have an important part in public worship.
51-2. In singing the praises of God, we are to sing in the spirit of worship, with understanding in our hearts.
51-3. It is recommended that Psalms be sung along with the hymns of the Church, but that caution be observed in the selection of hymns, that they be true to the Word. Hymns should have the note of praise, or be in accord with the spirit of the sermon.
51-4. The leadership in song is left to the judgment of the Session, who should give careful thought to the character of those asked to lead in this part of worship, and the singing of a choir should not be allowed to displace congregational singing.
51-5. The proportion of the time of public worship given to praise is left to the judgment of the minister, and the singing of psalms and hymns by the congregation should be encouraged.
What does Scripture say about Worship Leaders and Worship through song?
Thesis: Music leaders are a traditional role in worship and should be skilled.
Nehemiah 12:46
For long ago, in the days of David and Asaph, there had been directors for the musicians and for the songs of praise and thanksgiving to God.
1 Chronicles 15:22
Kenaniah the head Levite was in charge of the singing; that was his responsibility because he was skillful at it.
Psalm 33:3
Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts.
Thesis: Worship leaders should be servant leaders. Our leadership is part of our worship.
Luke 22:26
But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves.
Mark 9:35
And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.”
1 Corinthians 9:19
For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.
1 Corinthians 14:15
What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also.
Psalm 47:6
Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises!
John 3:30
He must increase, but I must decrease.”
1 Corinthians 14:26; 40
26 "What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up."
40 "But all things should be done decently and in order."
Thesis: A good worship song: (1) Contains the message of Christ (2) Teaches and/or Admonishes (3) Is rightly accompanied with gratitude to God (4) Can be recalled (is memorable)
Colossians 3:16
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
Acts 16:25
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.