Music's Place in the Sunday School

The music of Christmas is ringing in my ears, literally and figuratively.

On this eve of the Nativity celebration, I've been to church every day for almost a week. I've heard traditional hymns accompanied by piano, organ, and orchestra; I've heard contemporary renditions of familiar and unfamiliar Christmas music sung by a guitar-led praise band and by a throng of children singing to a contemporary recorded accompaniment track. As I type this blog post, I'm listening to an eclectic list of Christmas music used as part of "The Advent Project," a devotional site produced by Biola University.

Where Are You Headed? Where Are You Going?
Note that these are two very different questions. The first is very intentional. The second allows considerably more latitude and indifference; the place you arrive is not necessarily your intention.

Have you considered what your congregation intends as it offers music in the Christian education program and opportunities for worship led by or for its children? It occurs to me that, for all too many families in our churches, the breadth of exposure to sacred music is extremely narrow. Music, especially the Church's music, may rarely be heard in the home, except as required in this season as sound track for the seasonal episodes of one's favorite TV series or program. This puts the Church in an interesting position on Sunday morning as it forms the perception and practice of sacred music for this generation and the next.

I will leave for another time the rationale for one kind of content over another. (I do caution though that, whether by design or accident, the Sunday School's choice of music will lead somewhere.) Let me offer though at least three things to consider as you choose Sunday School music, in this season and others.

• Variety: Through the centuries, thousands of musicians and song-writers have expressed their faith through music, in all kinds of settings, cultures, and circumstances. Use at least some of your Sunday morning music time to acquaint children with music expressions that are not new, but are new to them. 
• Accessibility: Provide opportunities for music participation that are geared to every age level and ability. Teach small children refrains and short segments of liturgy. Let those who cannot sing accompany music with percussion, hand chimes, and other musical instruments. Encourage participation by everyone, and join in with the children as they sing.
• Quality: Seek always to provide the best possible music experience, and challenge children to always contribute their best vocal and musical talent. Emphasize beauty, not just volume.

Martin Luther is quoted as saying, "He who sings prays twice." Let music express the Gospel, and remind the children you teach that our music is a gift of praise to God.

God's blessings as you teach God's children to sing His Word.