Abstract
The paper examines the significance of the selection, planning, and factors that affect the leading and singing of hymns in corporate Christian worship. While myriads of scholarly literature abound on hymnology, through bibliographies and an in-depth library search, the paper seeks to discuss the guidelines that engender the leading of congregation hymns and methods required for a dynamic leading of hymns. The research findings reveal that in some Nigerian churches where there are no trained music ministers, many untrained song leaders merely stand before the congregation to announce the hymns for the congregation to sing without performing a leadership role. Others merely stand to wave a hand. Leading congregational hymns requires training and vivaciousness in skill application. The three major areas of focus include planning, leading, and congregational response to hymn singing. The paper concludes that planning and selection of hymns are both spiritual and intellectual exercises that involve basic knowledge of the rudiments of music. The research will help the church musicians and academics in further research into church music and congregational hymn singing. Keywords: Song Leader, Hymn, Hymnody, Worship, Corporate Christian Worship
Highlights
Christian music is often generally grouped into two namely: church, and gospel music
While Christian music serves as the mother of all songs sung by Christians, church music is for a liturgical purpose and worship
This study has examined and reaffirmed the position of the hymn in worship and the role of song leaders in selecting and leading hymns
Summary
Christian music is often generally grouped into two namely: church, and gospel music. Hymns are called sacred songs, but the current hymns of the church that are harmonized have improved over the New Testament and early church hymns typologies that were entirely “one voice” or unison type In this context, the hymn is considered one of the most important forms of music for worship.. According to Janvier, the church needs a good song leader as: There are many people leading church music who do not know how to bring spiritual life into a service. They stand in front of the people and sing along with them rather than leading in the music ministry. Appropriateness question: Is it appropriate? It must be ensured that the hymns to use are relevant to the worship
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