Encouraging One Another Through Music

Music has a unique ability to lift our spirits and bring people together in a way few other things can—maybe even more so than the spoken word.

As someone who has had the privilege of working on the choral program at the Eastern Christadelphian Bible School for a few years now, I’ve seen firsthand how music can touch hearts and encourage both singers and listeners alike.

Music has a unique ability to lift our spirits and bring people together in a way few other things can—maybe even more so than the spoken word. Throughout history, it has been a source of comfort and encouragement, providing strength in moments of despair as well as joy in times of celebration. Scripture is filled with examples of music being used to inspire, heal and edify.

From David’s soothing harp to the angels singing about Christ in Revelation, throughout Scripture, music is not just a form of expression, but a gift meant to uplift and connect us with one another and with God. It is even something Christ participated in (Mark 14:26) and will do again after he returns to set up the Kingdom. Romans 15:9 quotes the psalmist who writes that the Messiah will “sing praises.” In Colossians 3:16, Paul encourages them (and us) to “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” I am so thankful to those in our community who write and produce such wonderful music designed to inspire and uplift us, no matter the situations in which we find ourselves. Not only will music and singing be involved in the coming Kingdom, we are told to do the same now!

In addition to providing a communal aspect to our services and fellowship, music helps our brains pay attention. Science suggests that we all learn differently (visually, kinesthetically, auditorily, etc.). Scripture states this as well. Romans 12 outlines that we are one body, but all have different functions. We absorb information differently, and music is how some people learn or feel more connected to God. Music has a way of helping our brains recall information in a way that rote memorization cannot match. I am still able to bring to mind songs I learned as a child and during CYC because they impacted me so much. Not everyone will feel the emotional impacts of music the same way, just like we don’t all learn in the same way. However, our Heavenly Father knows this and has provided an atmosphere that can include and encourage all of us. Interspersing music into our services and times of fellowship provides the opportunity to create an emotional and spiritual response within the people involved. It helps us connect with God on a deeper level and reinforces the message in a memorable way. Without it, our times together would feel less engaging and less inspiring.

It makes me sad to think what our Memorial Services or Bible Schools would be like if we removed music/singing. I am reminded of the captives in Babylon who refused to sing the LORD’s song in a strange land. The lack of music/singing shows how deep their sorrow was and how strongly the music related to their identity and worship (Psalm 137).

Music can soothe our spirits just as David’s harp soothed Saul, and it can uplift and inspire us as well. I recall attending the Manitoulin Youth Conference as a teenager and singing around the campfire at night—it made me feel connected to those around me. We were there for the same unified purpose to sing praise and glorify our God. One of my favorite songs at that time was Revelation 4 from the Recounting His Praise album (by the Handsworth Christadelphians). It was easy to remember, quite fun to sing, and had a simple yet impactful message. As I looked around the campfire, I saw the largest smile on every person’s face as they sang: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.” (Revelation 4:8).

Music can create many different moods. We can use it to bring our minds to a place of reverence to prepare us for prayer, meditation or the Memorial Table. We use it to encourage others and express joy about the promise of hope we have been given. The hymns in our current Christadelphian Hymn Book (2002) even show us this. Many of them address issues we face on our walk to the Kingdom—things we worry about, struggle with (lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh and the pride of life) and the need to remove them from our lives. We live in an imperfect world and experience sorrow, sadness, grief and many other unpleasant emotions. But without these, we would not know the extent of the joy we are in store for when Christ returns and sets up the Kingdom. Often, a beautiful dichotomy is present in our hymns’ lyrics that present our struggles and hopes side by side. Take, for example, hymn 378, verse 2:

Dost thou weep, thy foes oppressing,
Are thine enemies too strong?
Hast thou doubts and fears distressing,
That thy Saviour waits so long?
Soon by Him from all set free,
Thou shalt sing of victory.

This hymn speaks of difficult things; however, the words also point us toward the hope and joy we have in the Truth right now and what we will have when our Lord returns!

Music has taken on a whole new meaning for me since being asked to lead the choral program at the Bible School my family attends each year. I’m sure many can attest to the fact that Bible School in and of itself is a reset for our busy lives. It is a refuge where we can unite with like-minded believers and set aside the things of this world (Hebrews 12:1). In an age where technology grabs our attention at every turn, we desperately need a reset. It is also interesting to note that music can be that reset. When I need to finish a task that I do not look forward to, I try to make it fun by putting on some music with encouraging lyrics. When I’m feeling down and need to know I am not alone on this walk of faith and God is with me, I put on some music. The choral program helps to further this idea of a reset for me. I love that the final evening program of our Bible School is the choral performance because it bolsters my faith before embarking on another year ahead as we await our Lord’s return.

The main goal when preparing a new choral program is to provide an evening of worship for everyone present. When choosing music, the words must always be the first consideration. The words are our message, and the music either enhances or detracts from that message. The goal is always to select music that enhances the words.

Sometimes, there is a story behind a particular song. If so, I take the opportunity to share that story during our choral rehearsals. When singers better understand the message conveyed in the words, it allows them to sing with a greater depth of meaning. The whole choral program is a wonderfully collaborative process for which I am so grateful! It has sparked conversations with brothers and sisters I probably never would have had otherwise. Although I lead the program, we are all united in our efforts to praise our Heavenly Father. We can come before Him with boldness (Hebrews 4:16), praise Him confidently, and feel enveloped in His mercy.

Not everyone believes they can sing, but everyone definitely has a voice worth sharing! When I ask for volunteers to join the choral program, I’m not looking for technical or accomplished singers/musicians. Some people are hesitant to join, but it’s worth remembering that the choral program is about coming together to “Make a joyful noise unto the LORD.” (Psalm 100:1). Some people have told me that they would love to be involved but that they are not good singers. This indicates that they want to be involved but just need a boost of confidence that will help them out. It inspires me when they are timid yet still choose to join us for the practices and performance. I watch them blossom in their confidence throughout the week and their participation in singing praises to our God. The more of us who participate in a common goal, the easier that goal is to reach!

There have been performances in the past (and I’m sure there will be more in the future) where something went wrong. Sometimes microphones don’t work, or they work too well in picking up the piano and thus drown out the singers’ volume. Mistakes are not failures; they are stepping stones to improvement. Our efforts in our spiritual walk are far more important than perfect outcomes. God makes it clear to us in His Scripture time and again that a heart and mind in the right place is pleasing to Him.

On the final evening of Bible School, the performance is the culmination of the program selections and the many practices that have occurred over the week. Every year, it amazes me how God always makes the performance feel like a small vision of the Kingdom. It is a privilege to lead a group of dedicated brothers and sisters who are using their voices to encourage those listening that we have a hope to look forward to. This junction is where all the preparation comes together.

For those who lead the children’s program, your efforts are priceless. Every single person in the audience can’t help but smile as they see the hope of our community in each of those little ones. They put all they have into that performance and are often still singing the songs to themselves months later.

At its core, a choral program is about encouragement—inviting people to use their voices to inspire, bring hope and praise our Heavenly Father. Through music, we have the unique ability to create a setting where both singers and listeners can experience a profound connection with God. Whether you are a seasoned musician or someone hesitant to sing, I encourage you to know that your voice matters. Use what God has given you to help touch hearts, share your faith and praise God. You never know how your voice, talent or leadership might be the encouragement someone else needs: “O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.” (Psalm 95:1).

Chantel Fulmer,
Granite State Ecclesia, NH