Singing Together as a Sign of Baptism

Singing Together as a Sign of Baptism

Philip and Sarah Majorins

Iconic Life: Baptism and Music

o Singing is the primary way in which baptized believers have historically participated in corporate worship.

o When baptized voices vibrate the world, all are reminded that matter matters. Bodies matter.

o The sacramental nature of Christian Life.

Singing Together as Baptized Christians: A Brief Theological Introduction

“Singing is for the one who loves.”

-‐St. Augustine

o Communal singing as the doctrine of Incarnation.

o A personal & communal act that expresses the sacramental presence of God to his people and a watching world.

o “Liturgy” means “the work of the people”

o The quality leader is one who is thoughtful about offering a healthy diet and is adept at providing the congregation with the right utensils with which to eat the various courses.


Suggestions for Song Leaders

o Strong vocal presence that forgoes attention & embellishment

o Singable tunes that are in proper keys for congregation (A3 – D5)

o Musicians as servants and facilitators

o Encourage baptized persons to move from receiving and spectating to participation in Christ’s body. The “work of the people” begins in corporate worship and ends in service outside the church doors.

o Choosing songs that reinforce service theme/church year/and part of the service flow.

Setting the Table and Eating Well

“You can only invite people to sing, you can’t force them”

-‐Tony Alonso

Setting Up the Environment: The Use of Musical Mediums and Space

o What unspoken messages does your worship space communicate?

o How are your song leaders physically positioned? Why?

o How does your worship space orient worshippers?

o How does the way you use sound and amplification orient worshippers?

o Is there space for the “voice of the people?”

o Encouraging congregation to SING!


Psalms 1) Cantor and People 2) Chanting Psalms (BCP & Psalter) 3) Contemporary Forms (verse & chorus)

Examples: Shepherd Me, O God (Ps. 23) & Our Eyes Rest on You (Ps. 123)

Short and Simple Phrases from Scripture

1) Taizé 2) Rounds & refrains

Example: O Lord Hear My Prayer

The Whole Story: Hymns

1) Historic texts in hymn form 2) 18th & 19th Century hymn form 3) Contemporary (new & re-‐cast hymns)

Liturgical Responses Often repeated phrases that tie together historic Christian Worship Gloria / Kyrie / Doxology / Sanctus / Agnus Dei Examples: Gloria, Sanctus

Healthy Menu for Singing: A Balanced Diet

Spiritual Songs Songs that reflect the congregations’ current historical experience.

1) Solo songs 2) 20th Century Gospel tradition 3) Songs reflecting local or personal context 4) Praise & worship movement


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Books: For the Life of the World, Alexander Schmemann Desiring The Kingdom, J.K. Smith Liturgy as a Way of Life, Bruce Benson Chanting the Psalms, Cynthia Bourgeault Music: Psalms for All Seasons (CRC Psalter) Lift Up Your Hearts (CRC hymnal) Taizé Community (France) Our favorite online sites for resources: Cardiphonia.com (current liturgical ideas & resources) Igracemusic.com (recast hymns) worship.calvin.edu hymnary.org reformedworship.org

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Our favorite sites for streaming: http://redeemerknoxville.bandcamp.com/ http://cardiphonia.bandcamp.com/ http://bifrostartsmusic.bandcamp.com/ http://highstreethymns.bandcamp.com/ ancientfaith.com Our personal blogs with further resources: Abstractcathedral.com (Philip) Glorianotes.com (Sarah)

A Few Resources


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Singing Together as a Sign of Baptism