The Truth In Print 
January 2004, Vol. 9: Issue 12
A Publication of the Valley church of Christ
2375 W. 8th Street, Yuma, AZ 85364
(928) 539-7089

 

Scriptures Governing Our Collective Worship

 

By Bob Lovelace

 

   Introduction: In discussing various practices of local churches I am hearing about some practices in worship that I have never witnessed before, personally. One such practice I’ve had some brethren tell me about is “spontaneous singing.” If I have the correct description, then this is singing that is started by someone who feels compelled to just start out singing. Then others, who know the song, are heard joining in until it sounds like all are singing. I’m wondering if brethren are content to let a woman begin the song, thus taking the lead? It also makes me wonder what kind of consideration is being shown for visiting Christians who don’t know the song? Dear reader, please consider the following scriptures, authorizations and patterns for the collective worship of Christians. 

 

I. Passages Authorizing a Song Leader:

   Some scriptures authorizing a song leader would be: I Cor. 14:26, 40, 33; I Tim. 2:11-12, 15. In view of Paul’s instruction the  leader would certainly be a brother in Christ rather than a “sister” (I Tim. 2:11-12,15). Moreover a church would authorize a leader for the purpose of edifying the body in song. Additionally, a church would authorize such for the purpose of maintaining  order - doing things decently and orderly ( I Cor. 14:40).  God is not the author of confusion (I Cor. 14:33).

   The word “decently” (I Cor. 14:40) is defined as “becoming, properly” (NASB Dictionary), and “decorously, decently, honestly (Strong’s help). Thus, one might expect honest forthright behavior without any self righteousness or unsuitable motive for displaying oneself as appropriate for worship offered to God. Paul said “Let all things be done decently and in order.” The words “in order” are defined a “regular arrangement, I.e. (in time) fixed succession (or rank or character), official dignity: - order” (Strong’s Help). The Holy Spirit dictated and demanded this!

   Question: what could some practical applications be concerning one's leading a song with these verses in view?

 

1.A song leader is one you should be able to see and follow.

 

2. One present should not have to guess at who or where the song leader is.

 

3. How can you be led in song without knowing what's going on?

 

4. Concerning the matter of propriety - things done decently - there is a point of just criticism when the song leader cannot be heard because one sings out too loudly and drowns him out.

 

   Perhaps you’ve experience something similar in worship. Brethren should be concerned about proper conduct in worship, and encouraged to voice just criticism concerning things that interfere with appropriate scriptural worship. I once heard of a situation where a sister was singing out so loudly that she drowned out the song leader. A brother in that church simply identified this particular matter and asked that it be corrected. Look at I Tim. 2:11. The word “quietness” is a woman’s place as a sister in Christ showing reverence first towards God, and respect for man's authority. It allows her to sing but puts

restrictions on her as regards her demeanor and conduct in worship.

 

II. Scriptural Patterns:

 

A.    Reciprocal Singing —Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16.

 

    What is authorized for singing as a distinct item of collective worship? The simple New Testament pattern is “one to another,” i.e. reciprocally. In other words it is “sender” to “sender” for this item of worship. While one is singing thus edifying with mutual admonition and instruction the others are in turn singing with the same purpose together. In other words "singing" as an item of collective worship is not like one who stands and leads a prayer, or one who stands up by himself and preaches thus instructing the church. If a church ever says that's not the pattern would they not be denying what the command teaches? Reciprocity is the bottom line when it comes to singing as an item of collective worship! 

 

B. All Things Done For Edification - I Cor. 14:26.

 

   “Edification” means building up spiritually. And that is accomplished in singing as an act of collective worship by reciprocal singing, sender to sender. If a church's procedure does not allow  reciprocal admonition and teaching in song can their procedure be scriptural? If I don't know which song, where the song is, if there is supposed to be a song leader or not, then their procedure is putting me in a position (being uninformed) of not being able to satisfy the command to teach and admonish one another in singing.

 

C. Consideration For All Present - Eph. 5:21; I Cor. 14:16, 23, 33.

 

   This too is part of the New Testament pattern. These passages give emphasis to consideration for all present,  Christians as well as unbelievers.

 

   In view of the foregoing points what would you think of a procedure where some Christians present are left not worshipping and in confusion as to what is going on? Let’s say, for the purpose of illustrating, that you find yourself assembled with a local church and suddenly there is  singing as worship but there was no instruction given for visitors and you, being one of them, did not even know if there was a song leader. Having no knowledge of the song, and having been given no instruction concerning when it would begin, which song, etc., just imagine setting there and never catching up with this procedure. Picture, will you, some left not worshipping and in confusion having never caught up with this implemented process. 

 

III. Some Hypotheticals -—What Ifs:

                                                            

A. What IF a church says they do not need a song leader and you can’t show us an example of one in the scriptures? Dear reader, wouldn’t the foregoing scriptures support their need to give instruction, some way, so all can know what is going on thus avoiding confusion enable all to be edified? And what about the matter of men taking the lead? All things, remember, must be done for edification ( I Cor. 14:26). 

 

B.  What IF someone should say  this is not worship, we just do this to let people know its time to start? I can see where this kind of thing might get started in a church by using this kind of argument. I can't see anyone so spiritual dull that they'd say that, but someone might. If it isn't worship then what is it? If it's not worship then why not have coffee and donuts which also are not authorized when a church comes together as a church!  Churches were held accountable for the things they did when they came together as a church (I Cor. 11:18-22). The only kind of singing authorized for a church as a church is worship, and that being reciprocal. That's God's pattern. I just don't see where God gave the church "singing" to be used like the ringing of a bell. If a church authorized it they are doing it as a congregation; that's more than just an "individual" acting. If the church authorizes it then "any" purpose behind doing it should meet the reciprocal pattern. It is part of the song service of that congregation - the collectivity.

 

C. What IF a church says this is “our” worship and no one else’s? We have those passages that state consideration should be show for all present, Eph. 5:21; I Cor. 14:16, 23, 33. We should  not create an atmosphere of confusion.

 

Conclusion: Beloved we must be careful with our worship (John 4:24).

 

NOTE: Concerned reader, to learn more about New Testament worship  go to "Fundamental Lessons on the Church," Lesson Five, "The Worship of The Church" at our website listed below. This article may be accesses from our Article Index. Simply scroll down until you find Fundamental Lessons on the Church, Lesson Five. Or, you may click here.

 

 

 

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