I recently had the opportunity to serve at a Men’s Retreat in Missoula, Montana. The partnership that Hessel Church has with Church at the Gates in Missoula is amazing, and I was grateful to be a part of their retreat. From laser tag battles, deep conversations, and awesome teaching - there was so much to take home. However, perhaps the thing I enjoyed the most was the time of corporate singing with other men. A few times throughout the weekend, we took time to join our voices in unison in worship to God. Men - I know many of you don’t like singing, but let me tell you, when men sing, it’s awesome.
Corporate singing in church is something that is so vitally important to our spiritual health and growth. Singing is one of the tools that God uses to build up our faith and trust. I mean, who isn’t reminded of God’s faithfulness when you sing the words, “I’m fighting a battle you’ve already won?” Or, who isn’t encouraged to trust the Lord when echoing, “Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart.” And beyond that - we do it together. From a small group of guys to a massive room of hundreds, when we sing together, we build up one another. Remember, Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” We are to sing to ONE ANOTHER. A beautiful thing.
When it comes to raising up the next generation, we need to teach them to sing to the Lord. Showing children the value and importance of making a joyful noise is essential. But the best way to do this (as is true with most things) is to model it for them. Whether they join you in the worship service every once in a while, or you join in family singing at home or in the car - I urge you to sing with your kids. I know it can be a bit awkward for some, but modeling the spirit of worship will last. Just this week, I attended Dorothy Cundall’s (Rich’s mothers) memorial service. One of the things that was repeated time and again was the memories of her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids around the piano, listening to her play and singing along.
Singing is spiritual formation. Singing is discipleship.
So, this month - I want to encourage you all to incorporate singing into your life, especially with an eye to the spiritual formation of your children. And men - I know this month is Father’s Day, but I have a challenge for you - lead the way. If you men, fathers, husbands, grandfathers, etc. lead the way and model singing to the Lord, the results will be amazing.
Check out the monthly resource for a great kids book on singing!
Blessings,
Julian Marcel | Pastor of Children’s Ministry | Hessel Church | julian@hessel.org
Join this song, each girl, each boy, until the world resounds with joy. God created his children to sing! Through music, we can express our heartfelt praise, weave the gospel into our daily lives, and grow in our understanding of the Lord. Written by acclaimed singer and hymn writer Kristyn Getty, We Sing! beautifully highlights the power and joy of worshiping God through song.