In Depth:  Steve James

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I have a question, as we emerge from lockdown. It echoes Psalm 137. How can we sing the Lord’s song?

The original setting was by the waters of Babylon. Our setting is emerging from a post-Covid experience and there is, quite naturally, a reluctance to sing.

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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:

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We all know – people come to church at Christmas. There may be many reasons: perhaps people are reacting to the conspicuous consumption; or the fact that the Season needs a Reason.

But there comes a moment when the need for something more causes a person to come to a carol service.

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As the minister stepped down from many years of service at the church, one of the speakers made an unusual observation. Knowing that the minister had a keen interest in congregational worship, she said: ‘Listening to the congregation today, you have clearly taught us all to sing!’

It’s a strange compliment, but after a moment’s thought, an insightful thing to say, for you can tell a lot by the singing of a congregation. There’s an old story of a king who asked his stewards to go round the towns and villages and listen to the singing of the people. If the singing was healthy and joyful, so was the town. If the singing was feeble or mournful, then the king knew there was a serious malaise within the community.