Why singing together really matters in Christian church

‘This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine!’

‘Shine Jesus shine, fill this land with the Father’s glory!’

Any of these ring a bell? These primary school bangers have been making a comeback, with Glastonbury crowds singing them at the top of their lungs. And believe it or not, we still sometimes sing these at church!

If you’ve ever been to church, you’ll have heard the congregation singing together – from organ-led hymns to Christmas carols. You might even have sung along!

Our church has contemporary services, which means that I lead worship songs every Sunday with an acoustic guitar, accompanied by a band with keys, bass, drums (think Coldplay style).

Justin Lau can be seen leading the singing in church with his guitar (Image: Justin Lau)

But why are Christians so big on singing?

Well, churchgoer or not, we all know the power of music to engage our emotions.

We all like to belt a song or two occasionally, either at karaoke or a club or a wedding when Mr Brightside comes on.

It’s also moving when a mass of people sing together with one voice – just think of the last time you were chanting at a football match, or singing your heart out to Taylor Swift at a stadium.

Music helps us to express how we feel and what we believe.

When we worship in church by singing songs, we’re expressing our love for God. Believing in God is not simply an intellectual exercise; it’s meant to engage both our hearts and minds.

The Bible tells us to sing praise and worship God. We’re familiar with those words. We ‘praise’ others for who they are or what they’ve done.

The root word of ‘worship’ is ‘worth’ – we give worth to important and meaningful people.

We do the same with God. When we sing songs to God and about God, we’re praising God for who he is and what he’s done: ‘The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love’ (Psalm 145:8).

We’re also declaring that God is worthy of our praise because he’s important and meaningful.

So next time you go to church, notice what the lyrics are saying about who God is and what God has done.

Notice how the music stirs your emotions and connects you to something deeper and spiritual. And maybe sing your heart out too.

• Justin Lau is Worship & Discipleship Year Pastor at All Saints’ Woodford Wells.