Recently, at an area-wide singing, I saw a sign displayed in the foyer of a rural congregation. It read as follows:
“We sing each other’s songs.”
For a moment, I could not figure out if the sign referred to song favorites, or if it was a figurative way of saying that the congregation had a mutual and loving regard for each other.
For a passing, brief second, I became alarmed. Could it be that this little congregation had gone off the deep end and adopted an “open and affirming” policy, similar to the policies of liberal, mainline Protestants? Curious, how our minds can bounce these days.
I quickly dispelled this suspicion, for I was well acquainted with some of the good and true brothers who worshiped there, and they would have countenanced no whim of affirming immorality.
Yet, there was the sign, centrally placed: “We sing each other’s songs.”
I let it bring to mind some words from an old hymn:
How sweet, how heavenly is the sight
When those that love the Lord
In one another’s peace delight,
And so fulfill the word.
Before the singing got underway, the hosting song leader drew our attention to the sign, explaining that throughout the evening we would be singing songs of different periods and styles, and that all of us should sing in the spirit and understanding.
And it proved to be one of the most uplifting and reassuring singings
I have been a part of. In a spirit of togetherness, we delighted in the variety of songs.
After the singing was over, I asked the hosting leader if the sign was a policy used only for singings, or if it applied to other times as well. He assured me it was a standard policy, that it represented an attitude for their worshipers regarding songs selected and songs sung.
If a song leader opened with Twila Paris’s “We Shall Assemble,” for example, and later led “A Mighty Fortress” before the sermon, the congregation sang as meaningfully for one as they did the other.
I do not know if other congregations have posted such a sign, but whichever one originated the idea ought to be commended. For musical styles and hymn preferences are too often among the “Jew nor Greek,” “fine apparel,” and “respecter of persons” issues of our time.
Yes, in several prominent California congregations, decisions by elders and worship leaders have shown honor and exclusive privilege to one musical style over another, and (perhaps worse) they have accommodated demands made by stylistic adherents in the pews.
Some years ago, a friend of mine, the late Paul Brown (an outstanding song leader in Nashville, TN) told me a humorous little story–or perhaps a “chuckle and weep” little story. A song leader frustratedly told Paul that the divisions over songs were getting so bad that “my fifty-something members refuse to sing any song written after 1970; and my forty-something members refuse to sing anything written before 1970!”
Take it to heart, gentlemen: “WE SING EACH OTHER’S SONGS.” Do you love Stamps-Baxter, or do you love stately old English hymns? Sing both–and sing the songs in the spirit in which they were written. It is an easy-to-remember principle and ought to be a matter of respectful pride among us all.
Lord, give us leaders who understand this. Keep us from factions. And rule our hearts so that we may live in loving reciprocity as we are edified, taught, admonished, led in praise, and moved to offer up the fruit of our lips in song.
When each can feel his brother’s sigh,
And with him bear a part;
When sorrow flows from eye to eye,
And joy from heart to heart.
Yes, we must learn to sing each other’s songs.
Sincerely,
Rod Atkinson