One of the most common complaints a worship leader has when leading worship, is that the congregation doesn’t sing as much as they should.  Of course, there are exceptions to this but by and large it is the most common critique of the congregation.      Often times, we put the blame on the congregation, thinking that they are not as spiritually mature as they should be, or that they just don’t get it.  But could we be pointing our fingers in the wrong direction?

Over the last two years as I have visited 30+ congregations, I have noticed a disturbing trend:  The bands are better, but the people are singing less and less.  What I often observed is a top quality musical performance on the platform, and a completely disinterested response in the pews.  Why the disconnect?  Is it because the people in the congregation don’t love Jesus or don’t think He is worthy to sing to?  That may be the reason for the unsaved, but not for those who are faithfully following hard after their Master.

Consider this:  According to national surveys, fear of public speaking is America’s greatest fear, surpassing fear of illness, fear of flying, fear of terrorism, and amazingly, the fear of death itself!  Fear of singing in public for  someone who only sings at church might play a significant role in their non-singing.   (Our current poll appears to support this.  When asked “What is your favorite element of corporate worship?” 15% of respondents chose singing.  See and take the poll here.)

So You want the Congregation to Sing More?  Try this….. Read the rest of this entry →