Why do we sing at church? You can probably think of a few reasons: to give praise to God, to encourage each other, to let God’s word dwell in us. Colossians includes admonishing one another! Did you ever think of that as one of the reasons we sing at church?
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God
Colossians 3:16
EMU Word in Song Conference
On Saturday, May 10, about fifteen members of the music and sound teams at St Michael’s attended the EMU Music Word in Song Conference at Figtree Anglican Church.
It was encouraging to come together with people from all over the region to consider the place of music in church life and to build skills in our areas of service. Available electives included ‘Leading a Team’, ‘Leading from Piano and Guitar’, ‘What Songs Should We Sing?’, ‘Song Leading’, ‘Drums and Bass’, and ‘Ministry of Sound’.
The day began with Bible Teaching from Jordan Smith (St Marks West Wollongong and EMU Music). He spoke from Colossians 3 on Cultivating a Heavenly Mindset through Song.
We don’t get a lot of opportunity to hear an exposition on the theology of music at church, so it was great to have the chance at this conference.
Jordan made three points from Colossians 3:
- Our Foundation – we are raised to new life in Christ with God’s people (v1-4)
- Our Identity – we are not of this world. So we must set our hearts and minds on Christ/the things above (v1-2). Music is a wonderful way to do this, as it moves our hearts. Music attached to a longing and a feeling is so powerful – it will direct our minds. So we use music to direct our minds to Christ!
- Our Life/ Living it out (v16) – our identity is reinforced through song as we sing the word of Christ to one another and to God.
What was the big take-away from the Conference?
Singing is a ministry of the Word! It is for God and for others. It is not about my experience, it’s to help one another.
Jordan gave the following visual explanation:
Balance in all three areas of the triangle is important. We were cautioned not to overemphasise or neglect any aspect of the triangle.
Music is a wonderful gift from God! So sing (Or, as a song we sing at church says, “Then sing, oh sing!”).
This is why we sing at church! How can we not sing?
Megan (5pm & 11:30am)
