Keith and Kristyn Getty, one of the most prolific and inspiring composers of modern hymns in the past two decades, were in Singapore recently! I attended one of their workshops and their awesome concert, and benefitted greatly from both.
These were my notes from the workshop:
- God has commanded us to sing. To not sing is a form of disobedience. ‘Praise the Lord in the gathering of the assembly.’ It is an expression of our oneness. Songs should be ‘rich’ in the Word of God. Sing with thankfulness.
- Because God has created us to sing. God has made us creative beings so our music should be beautiful. Not everyone can perform musically at a world-class level, but make sure you do your best. Make sure the songs we choose to sing have an authentic picture of the God of the bible, not just seek an emotional connection. Do not make songs ‘make you feel happy’. Include lament, express pain, repentance.
- The songs we choose should tell the gospel story. Talk abt eternity, judgement day when we have to give an account of our lives.
- What we sing affects our family life.
- (i) It begins with the leadership (pastors), (ii) sing songs that sing well (familiar to congregation) (iii) songs should respond to revelation of God’s word (iv) musicians should first and foremost want to help ppl to sing (v) ask yrself weekly how did your congregation sing.
- Make sure that the gospel msg is clear to unbelievers in the service.
The concert on Saturday evening was simply spectacular. More than 4000 of us gathered in a large concert hall, being invited to sing our hearts out together with the band unto the Lord – it was a very moving experience.
This year on September 4-7 2022, Keith and Kristyn Getty are hosting yet another gathering that focuses on the transformative power of gathered worship and prayer for all life. If you’re interested in learning more about standing on the great prayers of Scripture and rediscovering how the patterns of our worship cultivate our devotion to Christ, register today! (The ”Online Viewing Pass” is right at the bottom.) I already signed up to attend virtually on the night of their concert in Singapore. 🙂
I had also attended the Sing! Conference virtually in 2020 and benefitted immensely from the main plenary talks, as well as the smaller workshops on everything from vocal singing to parenting, missions to the urban poor and “praying the Word for those who are suffering” (notes below). Was happy to send in some recordings so that the tech-sound wizards in Nashville could mash them together to form a virtual choir ’background music’ to the live band’s singing in 2020 too.
The speakers and artists lined up this year are just as inspiring, not just for their accomplishments, but for their faithfulness as godly witnesses through the years.
May this build you up, so that you can build others up, in your family, your church community and beyond.
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