Music In The Sunday School

Joey had gone to Sunday school for as long as he could remember. His class was the best ever because he thought his teacher was something special. The lessons were really interesting and showed a fellow how to live for Jesus every day, but the best part of all was the music. The songs made him feel like he could just burst with good feelings. He really enjoyed singing!

What about your Sunday school? Would Joey enjoy it? Do you make good use of music in your Sunday school? Although music may not be the most important part of Sunday school, it certainly has to be right up near the top of the priority list. Music appeals to our emotions, it can set a mood, can provoke feelings of joy or sadness; and a song can teach as surely as any lesson taught from our Sunday school curriculum. Good music is imperative to a good Sunday school.

Someone has suggested that there are 8 reasons for singing in Sunday school:

1. As a means of worship.

2. As a process of prayer.

3. To facilitate the teaching of facts.

4. As an aid to memorization.

5. To indicate desirable Christian behavior.

6. To encourage and give opportunity for participation.

7. To review or to reinforce truths.

8. As a means of introducing meaningful activity into the program.

Singing is mandated in God’s Word. In the Psalms we read, "Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing" (Psalm 100:2). Paul said, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord" (Colossians 3:16).

Since music is so important, let’s look at some ABC’s of using music in the Sunday school…

ALWAYS:

- Know the songs and choruses before you attempt to teach them to anyone else.

- Sing out well. A leader must do the leading.

- The leader sets the tempo and should be easily followed by the group.

- Sing a new song enough times for the group to feel familiar with it before you leave it to go on to something else.

BE SURE THAT:

- Children and young people, as well as adults, understand the message of any song that you sing.

- You choose songs that your students will enjoy singing because they are easy to learn and easy to sing.

CONSIDER:

- Using music to work out the excess energy in children. Action songs are great for this.

- That music can set the mood for prayer or the lesson time as well as to celebrate special occasions such as birthdays.

- That many songs present a thought in a more clear and concise manner than any other form of presentation.

Make use of special music in Sunday school. Encourage children to use their talents for the Lord and provide opportunities in Sunday school, or have special guests, such as puppets, present special music. Don’t forget that instrumental music is important, too.

Remember that rhythm bands are still excellent for use with pre-schoolers. Allow them to play along as you sing. Use marching songs as a change of pace.

Above all, enjoy the music that you use in Sunday school yourself. Then the students are much more likely to enjoy it, too. Music should be an expression of your inner joy and satisfaction in serving the Lord as well as an excellent teaching tool and an outlet for energy. Happy singing!