Planning Sunday's Music

When the pastor gives me the scripture and sermon for Sunday I try to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in what songs I choose. I read the scripture over and allow the Spirit to lead. Sometimes it matches perfectly, other times it blends well. I believe the music sets the tone for the service.

 

yep, every single week....the only exception is if he's out of town and we have a pulpit supply

 

I think it can be very important. Having been in a lot of different churches who have taken a lot of different approaches, most pastors have prepared their sermons in advance and had subject matter (for the most part) ready so the music can be collaborated.

Of course, sometimes the movement of the spirit changes the sermon topic.

Of course, there are some music leaders who have only a few songs in their bank, and God forbid that we sing just those five songs week after week. (been there done that....ugh.....).

 

This has happened to me....The Spirit led me to choose songs which, in my mind didn't really go with what the pastor TOLD me he was going to preach about. Lo and behold, on Sunday, they were PERFECT for the sermon he DID preach!

Thankfully my repetoire of music is large...some songs they end up having to learn LOL I thought everybody knew Lily of the Valley LOL

 

There are two issues that I would like to present.

I am rather peculiar when it comes to music in the assembly, and like C. H. Spurgeon, I do not desire music to be a ploy to emotionally manipulate in hope that some grand decision is made.

Therefore, the first issue is that I placed the priority on selecting music that teaches doctrinal truth.

Frankly, I cared very little about what the theme the preacher might take, and find that there is much agreement between music and message when doctrinal matters are the primary focus.

For instance, music centered upon the Scriptures dealing with grace, trust, eternal hope, redemption... fit nearly any sermon that can be generated.

Nothing is more thrilling than music of the heavenly hope of the believer when the preacher is going to deliver a message upon the eternity of the second death. The music fits beautifully.

The second issue in selecting music is that I placed at hand a set of alternative music.

If I sensed the music was touching the heart exclusive of the rational, I changed the music scheme I originally planned.

I desired that the Holy Spirit use the Scriptural truth in the music rather than ever relegate that part of worship over to mere emotionalism.

Lest some think I am extremist on this issue, I will clearly write that I am not opposed to expressions of emotion.

If one is touched by "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" and changes the last part of the last verse from "demands my soul..." to "shall have my soul..." I am fine with that. It shows commitment and dedication to the claim of the cross.

If one is enjoying "'Till the Storm Passes By" and has wet cheeks in remembering the goodness of God and hope of the believer, that is not wrong.

 

I generally know what series my pastor is preaching, and which sermon he is on...so I will often try to make SOME of the songs fit his topic, whether the service opening song, or the song right before the message, or the song after the message...but like Agedman, I figure if the Gospel and the truth of who God is and what he has done are present, then that will fit with most sermon topics.

I very rarely worry about making ALL the songs follow a strict theme, since we normally have 6 songs in our service, that would be overkill, especially if the pastor is preaching on Lust, or the Devil. Nobody wants to sing 6 songs about the devil! (A mighty Fortress will suffice on its own).

So short answer: yes, I consider it, but don't sweat it if I can't seem to find the perfect song. God can use whatever we sing, as long as it is true.