Recently I attended a church where we sang just the right song after the sermon and some difficult church news. It was perfectly placed for the church and the Bible passage, and when that happens, it becomes more than just a song. It becomes a homily in song, and as such a ministry of the word.
Sometimes these song placings happen by divine providence, but good planning and playing are just as important! So let’s get practical:
Words content
As both a pastor and musician, I cringe when I hear a song introduced as if it were simply getting us on our feet as an aerobic exercise! The song lyrics themselves really matter: Titus 1:3 says that as the gospel is proclaimed (and that’s mainly preaching, but also through good lyrics), the Lord is manifested before His people.