Rejoice in Worship - What to Do When There Are No Musicians in the Congregation
The Old Testament chronicler gives us precise information about the importance King David placed on the use of music in the liturgy to be celebrated in the temple in Jerusalem that his son, Solomon, would build. Levite families would serve as instrumentalists and singers under a system of 24 shifts during the year: "They were all under the direction of their father for the music in the house of the Lord with cymbals, harps, and lyres for the service of the house of God . . ." (1 Chron. 25:6).
Throughout the ages, the Christian church has maintained a keen interest in
the use of music in worship. Even though the majority of our congregations
include members who are musicians and who use instruments of one kind or
another, there are still those that have no song leaders or instruments. Or they
may have instruments but no one to play them. What can be done in such cases?
First of all, do not despair! Use your imagination to solve the problem, for it
has been proven for thousands of years that music is a resource that inspires
the whole of the human being in the act of worship. Second, any musical element
that can be integrated into the service to provide rhythm or melody can be very
useful. Following are some suggestions:
- Invite a member with musical talent to serve as song leader for congregational singing. In almost all congregations, there is someone who enjoys singing. Encourage that person to serve God and the community through song leading.
- Invite youth in the congregation who play in the school band or orchestra to contribute to the music ministry of the church during special occasions or events. They will not only be offering their gifts to God and the community, but they will also serve as inspiration for other youth who may be called to participate in this important ministry.
- Call upon people from other congregations who have a special interest in the church's music ministry to provide music for your congregation once a month.
- Encourage someone from the community who plays a musical instrument to record some selections from the hymnal. You can then use this accompaniment tape for congregational singing.
- There may be people in your community who play certain instruments, such as guitar, cuatro (four-string guitar), trumpet, accordion, and so on. Encourage them to provide this service to your congregation. They may even be inspired by the Spirit to join the church.
- Some rhythm instruments may be helpful: tambourine, tumbadoras (congas), güiros, and others. The rhythmic patterns usually associated with these instruments can help lead congregational singing.
- Finally, encourage congregational members who show a talent for music to study it and offer it to God.
Dr. Samuel A. Grano de Oro is a General Board of Global Ministries missionary. He is currently assigned to the Theological Seminary of the Dominican Evangelical Church in the Dominican Republic.
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