To Sing or Not to Sing?

I keep reading that there’s a national trend for people in church to not sing.

Two things:

1. “Make a joyful noise to the Lord,” says Psalm 98.  Psalm 100 echoes that, and is an open invitation to all of us to sing, as if God’ s own choir seems not to have auditions (“noise”), just requirements (“joyful”).

2. At a recent wedding I both officiated and lead congregational singing.  A guest looked me up after the wedding to tell me of a favorite pastor who frequently announced, “It’s time to sing!  Those of you to whom God’s given a great voice, here’s your chance to shine.  And for all the rest of us, here’s our chance for revenge.”

Let’s all clear our throats and sing together!