Church music has been a constant, unmistakable presence throughout my life. My first experience of organized singing was in worship. In addition to the participatory nature of congregational singing, I remember being enthralled by all of the hymns in our hymnal, thumbing through them during the sermon and being fascinated by all of the musical symbols—a language as yet unknown to me!
I began singing in children’s choirs at church when I was in kindergarten. I began ringing handbells in fourth grade and began playing the trumpet in our instrumental ensemble when I was in seventh grade. I continued all of these ensembles through high school graduation. Each has played a part in my formation as a Christian musician. The love of church music was established and instilled in me early in life. That foundation prepared me for the rigors of music study in college and challenged me as I earned a Master of Divinity degree with a concentration in church music.
The music of the church was shared with me by exceptional, patient, and caring choir leaders. Through their diligence, I have experienced the love of Jesus as a present companion in worship, prayer, and daily life. The music of the church has helped me learn how to pray, helped me to commit countless scriptures to memory, and has shown me how to love as Jesus loves.
The music of the church has led me to open my heart and recognize Jesus in those among us. My guess is that I’m not alone in experiencing this transformation. Through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, we hear the voice of God in scripture, bringing Christ near. Singing music that has spanned the ages invites reflection, healing, and recognition of Christ’s presence in moments of joy, doubt, and renewal.
Many of those spiritual and musical gifts shared with me in my youth have come full circle in my life, as I now have the honor of sharing the same scriptures and the wealth of sacred music with another generation of young singers and ringers. The music of the spheres helps children learn how to recognize Jesus through sound, story, scripture, and repetition. What a responsibility and a privilege it is to share the Good News of Jesus with every new generation of musicians! Whether old or young, sacred music has the power to become a pathway for personal prayer and spiritual practice.
In writing of these experiences, I’m reminded of the text of this wonderful anthem by Janice Kapp Perry, I’m Trying to Be Like Jesus, which illustrates what we work to teach our children today:
I’m trying to be like Jesus; I’m following in His ways.
I’m trying to love as He did, in all that I do and say.
At times I am tempted to make a wrong choice,
But I try to listen as the still, small voice whispers,
“Love one another as Jesus loves you.
Try to show kindness in all that you do.
Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought,
For these are the things Jesus taught.”
I’m trying to love my neighbor; I’m learning to serve my friends.
I watch for the day of gladness when Jesus will come again.
I try to remember the lessons he taught.
Then the Holy Spirit enters into my thoughts, saying:
“Love one another as Jesus loves you.
Try to show kindness in all that you do.
Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought,
For these are the things Jesus taught.”
