2. A great song service can really enhance the worship setting, But… Most (all) are not professional singers. Most do not know how to read music. Most do not sing/learn/practice songs outside a worship service.

3. However God wants our “best” worship He doesn’t care if we are professional singers; have the best acoustics, etc. He does care that we worship Him in truth and spirit. cp. Jn. 4:24 He does care that we give Him our “first fruits” when worshipping Him. Prov. 3:9

4. Goal (Hebrews 10:24) “Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24) (Ephesians 5:18–19) “…But be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:18–19)

6. The Best Environment Possible Filled room; great acoustics; close seating Or Empty room; poor acoustics; seating far apart

7. Best Song Leaders Possible Song Leader (Communicates how the song should be sung) vs. Song starter (simply starts song) Other factors: pitch, tempo, commanding presence, understands the limitations of singers.

8. The Best Heart Possible When you WANT to sing vs. When you HAVE to sing Other factors: ability, life circumstances, attitude toward others, attitude about singing Matt. 22:37-38

9. MAKING APPLICATION (The Good, Bad, and Ugly)

10. When the song is meant to be light and upbeat

11. Too slow (not contextually edifying)

12. 428 - O Happy Day - 1.1

13. 428 - O Happy Day - 1.2 End of Song

14. 428 - O Happy Day - C.1

15. 428 - O Happy Day - C.2

16. 428 - O Happy Day - C.3 End of Song

17. WERE YOU EDIFIED?

18. Proper Tempo (contextually edifying)

19. 428 - O Happy Day - 1.1

20. 428 - O Happy Day - 1.2 End of Song

21. 428 - O Happy Day - C.1

22. 428 - O Happy Day - C.2

23. 428 - O Happy Day - C.3 End of Song

24. WERE YOU EDIFIED?

25. Knowing the Limitations of the congregation Simple (not complex)

26. Too complex (Possible Disaster)

27. 056 - All Creatures Of Our God And King - 1.1

28. 056 - All Creatures Of Our God And King - 1.2

29. 056 - All Creatures Of Our God And King - 1.3

30. 056 - All Creatures Of Our God And King - 1.4 End of Song

31. WERE YOU EDIFIED?

32. Song Leader’s Thoughts Don’t Sing it… Or: Make It Simpler (creating an environment for a successful song)

33. 056 - All Creatures Of Our God And King - 1.1

34. 056 - All Creatures Of Our God And King - 1.2

35. 056 - All Creatures Of Our God And King - 1.3

36. 056 - All Creatures Of Our God And King - 1.4 End of Song

37. WERE YOU EDIFIED?

38. Communication Between the Song Leader & Congregation (conductors hands and voice serve a purpose)

39. Little to no communication (Song Starter)

40. 048 - On Zion's Glorious Summit - 1.1

41. 048 - On Zion's Glorious Summit - 1.2

42. 048 - On Zion's Glorious Summit - 1.3

43. 048 - On Zion's Glorious Summit - S.1

44. 048 - On Zion's Glorious Summit - S.2

45. 048 - On Zion's Glorious Summit - S.3 End of Song

46. WERE YOU EDIFIED?

47. Effective communication (Song Leader)

48. 048 - On Zion's Glorious Summit - 1.1

49. 048 - On Zion's Glorious Summit - 1.2

50. 048 - On Zion's Glorious Summit - 1.3

51. 048 - On Zion's Glorious Summit - S.1

52. 048 - On Zion's Glorious Summit - S.2

53. 048 - On Zion's Glorious Summit - S.3 End of Song

54. WERE YOU EDIFIED?

55. Final Thoughts Both song leaders and the congregation can provide the “best” possible environment to sing praises to our God. What are you doing (song leader or worshipper) to make it happen?