(guest post from Bob Kauflin)
Ephesians 5:19 is an often quoted verse as we consider how to shape our corporate gatherings in a Biblical way. It would seem natural that in his instruction on singing in worship, Paul would begin with God. He doesn’t. The first focus of our singing that Paul mentions is not God, but one another. He fills this idea out further in Colossians 3:16 as he writes that we’re “teaching and admonishing one another.” This shows us that one of the primary aims of corporate worship is to be building each other up, not simply having our own personal encounter with God.
If we can agree that this is the case, there is one natural question that follows: How can we sing to each other in an edifying manner? Let me offer a few suggestions.
1. Sing songs that are full of Biblical truth and doctrinal depth.
When we only sing songs that are primarily subjective, focused on how we feel or what we’re doing, we will not have much to say to one another. Instead, let us utilize songs that are rich with gospel truths, God-centered meditations, and declarations of what He has done. If this is the case, then the words that we are singing to each other can be instructive and edifying rather than merely personal.
2. Allow for solos and other variations that include congregational involvement.
Having a soloist sing a song that is horizontal (i.e. Crown Him With Many Crowns) is a great way to encourage singing to one another. It does not necessarily have to be a “performance.” When the vocalist’s motives and gestures are Christ-exalting and natural, our hearts can be inspired and instructed as we listen to someone else’s Spirit-filled singing. One other suggestion would be to use songs that have the men alternating lines with the women. There are a few of them out there but it may even be good for your worship leader to creatively choose a song, break it up into parts, and teach the congregation.
3. Keep your eyes open and look at one another singing.
I’ve had many profound moments as I’ve focused in an undistracted way on the words I’m singing and the Savior I’m singing to. But being Spirit-filled should actually make us more aware of others, not less. It makes sense that we should be enjoying the celebration of Jesus Christ together, and in order to do so we must be aware of one another.
After preaching a message on Eph. 5:15-21, I wanted to apply it in a memorable way. So I had everyone stand up and told them we were going to sing Amazing Grace a cappella. Only I didn’t want anyone closing their eyes. I wanted people to look around the room as they sang, rejoicing at God’s mercy in each other’s lives. It was a little awkward at first, but eventually we were singing with all our hearts, unashamedly “addressing one another” in song, reminding ourselves of how amazing God’s grace truly is, to save wretches like us.
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Want to learn more about why we sing to one another? Register today for The Gathering Conference, January 28th in Huntington Beach, CA. Hosted by Sovereign Grace Church with Bob Kauflin, Enfield, and in partnership with Sovereign Grace Music.
This article was adapted by Dustin Smetona from Bob Kauflin’s writings over at worshipmatters.com. You can access the original article by clicking here.
3 Comments on "Singing to Each Other"
Thank you!
As an O.C. Christian, I can always use the encouragement offered by other local brethren.
– Steve Martin
San Clemente
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