Addressing one another...and making melody to the Lord

More from Michael Spencer in his very interesting series about the "Evangelical Liturgy" - he has come to "Singing," by which he means congregational singing. Some excerpts:

.... Congregational singing. One of evangelicalism’s great legacies, thanks to Isaac Watts, the Wesleys and some great music in the midst of the not-so-great flood of music out of revivalism, the Jesus movement, CCM, etc.

Not somebody or a group singing to the audience….uh…congregation, but congregational singing. Worship by singing. Proclamation by singing. ....

Congregational singing is nothing less than congregational preaching and proclamation. It’s that important and should be viewed that way. What is sung will have enormous influence on those who sing.

Singing is an activity that engages mind, heart and body. It’s contribution to worship is in allowing a worshiper to raise his/her voice in praise and proclamation with fellow Christians and with the larger Christian tradition across time and culture.

A singing congregation is a great witness, much greater than a kickin’ band. The band is fine as an expression of creativity and even leadership, but the Wesleys and Lutherans and revivalists all knew that a singing congregation was a congregation open to the Spirit and engaged in the praise of God. ....

Many of us will find ourselves at churches that are poor singing churches. Sing anyway. If you have a voice, sing. Sing out. If a guitar makes singing better, then use it. If drums help, use them. Simply make it the goal to sing the best lyrics, the most anointed and spiritually influential songs and to sing with all the skill a congregation can be taught to utilize. [more]

...[B]e filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.... (Eph 5:18-19).

The Evangelical Liturgy 9: Singing. | internetmonk.com