A Voice for Singing
A Voice for Singing at FBC!
In Martin Shaw's classic anthem "With A Voice of Singing," the composer adapts text from Isaiah, calling God's people to "declare ye this and let it be heard: Alleluia!," meaning "praise" or "adore."
How blessed are we at First Baptist of Columbia? In a day and age where church music ensembles aren't exactly thriving, not only do we have a variety of flourishing musical groups, but each one offers its weekly contributions with great passion, conviction, and at a musical level that would impress even the most highfalutin ensembles.
I often say I've got the best seat in the house when I'm standing at the pulpit bellowing out hymns every Sunday. Hearing you all lift your voices in praise is a gift that carries me through the week. Seriously, do you know how wonderful you are?
If I had a nickel for every time a music lover approached me with an interest but felt they weren't "good enough," I could probably retire. To put it plainly, if anyone has the audacity to tell someone they can't sing, they are just plain wrong. You don't have to have the most comprehensive musical background in order to contribute. You don't have to have an operatic quality to your voice to sing a song of praise. In Psalm 100, God doesn't qualify his call by saying, "Make a joyful noise...as long as it sounds as good as everyone else." There are no prerequisites. What you were born with is good enough for God. So, it's good enough for First Baptist.
The great thing about a church music ensemble is that at no point is "every spot filled." The room doesn't get smaller as the group gets bigger — in fact, it expands! I sometimes like to pretend that one Sunday I'll look out at the pews and find them empty — only to turn around and see every single churchgoer sitting in the choir loft ready to sing! Okay, that might not be realistic or in any way practical... But hey, I love to aim high.
Perhaps one of the most highly referenced "instruction manuals" for praising God is the Book of Psalms. Is it any wonder that the entire book concludes with a call for everyone to praise God in every place, with many instruments, with every breath we have? What a wonderful task to be placed before us.
You know where I'm going with this, don't you? What a fantastic opportunity to be able to lend the talents that God gave us. Whether it's playing or singing in the praise band, ringing in the chancel bells, singing in the chancel choir, or even offering to simply play/sing an occasional solo, you can't go wrong and your talents are always welcome. Pay no mind to my intense look and B-line on Sunday mornings. I'm actually very friendly and I absolutely adore seeing a new face in the choir loft.
No matter how you use your talents, remember Who gave them to you. There is no wrong way to use them when you use them for God. And there is nothing greater than declaring "Alleluia" with a voice of singing!
Yours,
Jonathan