The Role of Singing in Discipleship

How does singing contribute to the mission of making disciples? In this video, Scott Aniol discusses how every aspect of corporate worship, including singing, plays a crucial role in fulfilling Christ's command to make disciples. While the teaching and discipling effects of preaching and Scripture reading are often recognized, the powerfully-formative function of singing in corporate worship can be overlooked. According to Colossians 3:16-17, singing not only serves as worship to the Lord, but it also has a significant horizontal focus, enabling us to teach and admonish one another. Singing can be a means of discipleship in two ways. First, the lyrics of songs can teach and reinforce biblical truth, helping congregants remember and internalize sound doctrine. Second, the music itself can shape and disciple our hearts, forming and maturing our responses toward the Lord. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that both the lyrics and the music of our songs are faithful to Scripture and contribute to the discipleship of the congregation. Psalm 105:2 (NKJV): 'Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; Talk of all His wondrous works.'