Session Three - Bob Kauflin (Words of Wonder: What Happens When We Sing?)

9.30.2008

What happens when we sing?

Luther - we should have his passion for singing, but not his attitude towards those who do not enjoy singing.

We worship a triune God who sings, and wants us to be like Him.

Music and words are not meant to clash or undermine or supersede each other, but to use both for god's glory. Music was made to complement the words.

• Singing can help us remember words.

Melodies must be effective - not bland, but not too hard to remember.

It matters not only what music, but what words we sing. The words are most vital. The words of the song should reflect the Word - they should have the principles in the Bible.

• Singing can help us engage emotionally.

Major key + fast tempo is "happy music."
Beats, songs, other aspects are greatly influenced by the culture.

I need to be rock-solid on what is in the Word, and use discretion and wisdom in what the Word does not discuss specifically.

The mood of the music should match the words.

Singing should be an emotional event - it enables us to connect theologically profound truths with our love and passion for the Lord.

• Singing can help us use words to demonstrate and express our unity.

People sing together in all sorts of weird places. Single thoughts are better sung together than changted together, if bonding is to occur.

Believers can express their common belief together through singing.

The purpose of instruments is to support the words of the song.

Musical creativity in the church has its limits.

We must be clear that it is the Gospel and not music that unites us.