A guest post by Whitney Permann from Mercy River
Updated 9/2/2022
A few weeks ago, I looked around my congregation during church. I was so surprised by how many people actually weren’t singing!
I know that some people sing out loud while others feel more comfortable singing within their hearts. I get it. I really do. But then why do the Psalms repeatedly tells us to “sing to the Lord”? (Psalm 98:5)
What does this mean for those who aren’t a great singer?
I’m glad you asked.
Here are 5 reasons you should sing in church…even if you “can’t” sing.
Singing is good for the brain.
Even if you don’t like to do it, singing is still good for your brain.
Singing uses both parts of the brain and releases oxytocin, dopamine, and endorphins (anti-depressants) which promote unity, trust, and joy.
It connects us to got and each other.
(God knows a little something about the brains and what it needs. 😆)
You might also like “Why Do We Sing So Much at Church?” A FollowHim Favorites by Hank Smith and John Bytheway
Music activates the spiritual attention centers of the brain. As a bonus, music is proven to outlast memories–especially as we age and so when we sing hymns, the lyrucs become written on (and stored in) our hearts.
Truly, singing makes “the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16).
You might also like “Getting Your Classroom to Sing” A Teaching Helps Podcast Episode by Hank Smith
Singing hymns is an act of fellowship. It’s not about you or your voice. Instead, make it about others.
When you sing, you add YOUR witness to the group.
You can lift and build those in your church family who are hurting…all from the safety of your pew.
You might also like “Hear Him: A Musical Fireside” by Wayne Burton
When you sing, you push pride aside and stop worrying “what do others think?”
And simply worship.
You show God you gratefully honor Him–more than your discomfort.
You offer yourself, no matter how flawed.
That is worship!
No one is listening to you sing.
Hint: Good singers love the sound of their own voice. You can sing by them because they are lost in their own little performance.
But truly, it’s freeing to drop insecurities. Let go of what you “think people think”.
So just sing for Jesus. Don’t worry about anyone else.
Just sing.
