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I’m writing this from the Key Men’s Invitational KMI) men’s conference, put on by the Oklahoma City Navigators. It’s an unusual conference in that everyone there is either discipling someone or being discipled by someone–hence, key men’s invitational.
One of the highlights is the singing. It’s one of the few times I’m in a crowd where nearly all are singing AND you can hear them! (Click here for a sample.)
I’m a strong proponent of John Piper’s view that the predominant musical sound in a congregation should be the people singing, and that matters more than whether we have a praise band or pipe organ.
It’s one thing to decide we want to hear the congregation singing and make the necessary sound board adjustments. In today’s culture, it’s another thing for the congregation to actually sing. I believe KMI illustrates a fundamental principle: people that are close to God in their everyday life are more apt to sing when they come together.
5 For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.
6 And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the LORD. (Psalm 27.5, 6, ESV)
1 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!
2 Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! (Psalm 100.1, 2)
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (Colossians 3.16, ESV)