Congregational Singing (Winter 2025)
This course will survey the practice of congregational singing as exhibited in both Jewish and Christian liturgy beginning with ancient history to the present day. First, there will be an examination of group singing in both Testaments, and what commands exist. This will lead to understanding the role of choirs, instruments and praise in scripture. Second, we will discuss basic musical forms and their use in worship practices. With this basis we will do an assessment of congregational singing in history, from the early church through to contemporary use. Thirdly, we will review current practices in local congregations and discuss the considerations for constructing a service with a focus on congregational singing. Fourth, we will discuss music and its relationship to emotions, and what our music says about our theology of worship. Finally, there will be a project to design service orders that demonstrate a thoughtful liturgy of congregational singing coupled with the other Biblical elements of worship.
- Teacher: Philip Webb