How To Increase Impact By Matching Music with the Message
Why you should take time in choosing songs.
We have an amazing worship ministry at our church, where everyone takes their positions seriously. We’re blessed to have a variety of musicians, vocalists and tech-savvy people who are willing to guide a congregation in praise and worship.
Each week, the leader considers the theme and the passage on which the message is based. They search through songs and hymns, seeking out the very best fit for what the preacher desires to give the flock.
This shows amazing servanthood within their craft and gifting for the Body.
There’s a deeper calling.
Our music leaders are being led by the Spirit. They aren’t simply picking song that fit. They’re being led to bring songs that will carry the mind of the congregation toward the Biblical principle of that particular gathering.
I remember a specific time where I was going to preach on legalism and modern ascetism that slips into Sunday morning worship. A week prior, the music leader asked which songs I felt would work well with my message.
At the time, I said I’d leave it up to them. (They generally do a better job at matching songs to messages than the preacher does!)
Blessed Assurance
Saturday afternoon as I was putting the final touches on my message, a lyric jumped into my mind.
“Praising my savior all the day long.“
For me, the well-known hymn “Blessed Assurance” and specifically the chorus-lyrics adequately gave meaning to the main thrust of my message. The connection resonated, “Why save your worship for Sundays when you can worship all day, every day?“
The song was so clear in my mind, that I felt compelled to contact the music leaders. So, I grabbed my phone to find out whether or not it was too late to get it on the set list. Of course, they graciously made it happen.
Perhaps I’m biased, but immediately following my message they played it with outstanding excellence! It truly was the final piece, adding greater impact to the Scripture and teaching. We’re so blessed to have a skilled team of servants in our music ministry. I am so very thankful.
Join the Conversation, Leave Your Thoughts
- When’s the last time God brought you a spiritual song or hymn?
- Which song or hymn has had a great impact on your life or ministry?
Your choice of Blessed Assurance was great, Jeremy….a good close to a great sermon! Yes, we’re blessed with some awesome musicians, aren’t we?
Your choice of Blessed Assurance was a great choice, Jeremy….a good close for a great sermon. And yes, we’re blessed with some awesome musicians, aren’t we?
Thanks for the encouragement Francie! This coming Sunday, I’m blessed to get the opportunity to play with the team. It’s always a good time! Thanks for your online interaction with my writing and supporting JeremyNortonBlog.com!
Many, many years ago, the pastor of the church I once attended sang a song with the lyrics, “do not let your heart be troubled, neither let it be dismayed, for the Lord our God is with you…” After all the years have passed every once in a while I can still hear him singing that song, and I am always filled with peace.
Great story Bridgit! Also, some great lyrics! Do you know what song they’re from? I remember during the summer after Bible college, I woke up really early on a Sunday morning. So early that I decided to go to the early service on the campus. Normally during the early service, the elderly folks that live on and around campus are the only ones who attend (students slept in). Anyway, the ‘praise team’ was doing a very conservative version of ‘Knowing You”. All of a sudden, when “You’re my all, You’re my best. You’re my joy, my righteousness.” appeared I felt great conviction of some current sin and poor decision making that was going on in my life. It was actually so powerful that it brought me to tears. Also, that was actually the moment that eventually led me back together with Nicole after we had broken up from dating, but that’s a whole other story for another day! Once again, thanks for your comments and support my writing!