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History of Anabaptist/Mennonite singing: Some early Anabaptist/Mennonites expressed negative views of congregational singing, but by 1900, four-part acapella singing and singing schools were common among Mennonites, except for Old Colony Mennonites, Old Order Mennonites, and Amish.
My early memories of singing and singing at Bethel: My earliest memories of singing are prior to seven years old when we lived near South Boston for five years and attended Ebenezer. I thought the singing was heavenly. During the years 1950 to 1995, there were three people who had the most profound impact on singing at Bethel: Ernest Yoder, Arthur Brunk (10 singing classes in 1959 and 1960, and additional instruction in 1963), and Dave Gingerich. Both Ernest and Dave had similar music tastes: they leaned toward hymns. The first annual hymn sing at Bethel was held in September 1958. It was an outdoor service, and the acoustics were terrible because all the sound dissipated into thin air. The only non-congregational singing was a group from Ebenezer. The weather was warm and the road traffic was distracting, so the next year and ever since, the hymn sing has been held in the sanctuary on the first Sunday in October. I was 10 years old. Today is the 67th hymn sing.
Congregational singing (Eph. 5:15-21): Congregational singing should be worshipful, from the heart, and musical. The kind of songs a congregation sings influences its view of God and its spirituality. Congregational singing can encourage a sense of unity and belonging. It is focused worship.
Our lyrics should reflect the themes found in the songs in Scripture. 1) God is addressed and adored. 2) God’s mighty acts in salvation history are recounted. 3) God’s acts of judgment are rejoiced in. 4) Upright ways of living are encouraged. 5) The great doctrines and themes of Scripture should be sung, God’s attributes and acts and His saving work.
In preaching, one person speaks to all. In congregational singing, everyone speaks to God and instructs each other. Congregational singing is a living illustration of how diversity (of parts/notes/gifts) can produce harmony. Beautiful music and singing can touch and change a person deep in their soul.