Music in Sunday School

I've had several discussions recently with fellow editors at CPH about the role of music in Sunday School and what resources congregations need in this area. So I'm bold in this post to offer a couple of comments and then ask a few questions.

Music Is One of God's Gifts
Music is mentioned throughout Scripture, from Genesis (4:21, Jubal, "father of all those who play the lyre and pipe") to Revelation (5:9, "And they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are You . . ."). Paul writes some of my favorite words in Ephesians 5:19: "Be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and make melody to the Lord with your heart." God wants us to sing!

Music Teachs the Faith
Martin Luther, and scores of church leaders who came before and after him, recognized the power of music as a tool for teaching the Christian faith. Among his nearly 30 hymns, Luther included several intended to teach the six chief parts of the Small Catechism.

Music Is Integral to Worship
It is hard for me to imagine a worship service without music, and, for me, the sung liturgy and heritage of hymns in the Lutheran Church are some of its great treasures.

It makes sense then for us to use and teach music in Sunday School. So let me ask a few questions.

What is the connection between Sunday School music and worship music in your congregation?

Where will the next generation of Lutheran Christians learn the great hymns of faith? Will they?

What style of music to you prefer to use in your Sunday School? Why?

What music resources are your looking for to use in Sunday School? (I'd really love foryou to tell me about this. I'm in an improved position to address this kind of need.)

Blessings as you teach God's children His Word!