What does the Bible say about the Singer's Voice?

The singing - and preaching- voice is often taken for granted. In all my years training worship teams, I have found the voice to be the least regarded instrument in the worship team.

​A Musician will take care of his or her's guitar or keyboard, making sure it is lovingly packed away in the case and put carefully in the boot or back seat of the car.  God forbid you reach out to touch it, in case the owner cuts you down with a withering glare that says: "I dare you?" 

​Only another musician can touch or help carry the heavy burden. LOOL  ( The Ark, anyone?)

The same can be said about drummers and the drum kit. Have you ever seen when a small child makes the innocent mistake of climbing on the rostrum, making towards the shiny, well tuned kit?  Lool.
They are often intercepted by an equally, well tuned, musician who steers them quickly back in the direction they came from, often with a frantic searching look for the parent. LOOOL.

Yes, the musical instruments in church are highly regarded and well looked after. 

Not only this, musicians spend time practising and honing their skills.
There is less of an expectation, that by, simply sitting behind a keyboard, one will be able to play it straight away. It is appreciated that, in order to play the keyboard skilfully and competently, the player has to learn and practice honing his or her ability.

And yet with the singers, the attitude towards the voice seems to be: I can speak so therefore, i can just open my mouth and a pleasant sound will automatically come out!       Alas, this is not always  the case.

But, of recent, many worship leaders are now realising the voice IS an instrument, and one far more precious than a keyboard or guitar because, if it breaks or damages, it is not an easy fix. 

Plus, the voice is the inbuilt, divine instrument given to us, by God, to share the Gospel, to prophesy, to communicate with Him and to SING His Praise.   The voice is God's first chosen form of communication and  so worthy of being trained and cared for like any other instrument. 
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So what does the Bible teach us about singing (using the voice)?
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What is it that we, as worship leaders, need to understand about preparing for ministry; caring and preparing the voice? 

Well as i mentioned earlier, it is God's first chosen form of communication.  The words Singing, Sing, Singers are mentioned or referred to over 200 times in the Bible  and 1 Chronicles and 2 Chronicles give us some insight into the structure and role of the worship leader ( singer).

Below are 10 things I noted about singing (use of the voice) and the role of the singer in the Bible
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​Were (vocally) skillful
1 Chron 15 v 22,  1 Chron 25 v 7

Sang (and played) strong, confidently and loud (uncompromising) 
1 Chron 15 v 16, Psalms 33 v 3, ll Chron 5 v 13

Trained
(to sing songs)
1 Chron 25 v 7

Mentored 
1 Chron 25 v 6

Masters of singing
(and playing)
Psalms 33 v 3 

IN ADDITION

Singers were also the musicians
 1 Chron 23 v 5,  1 Chron 25 v 6, ll Chron 5 v 12

Songwriters 
Eph 15 v19,  Psalms 33 v 3  

Team players 
ll Chron 5 v 13

Moved under divine inspiration
( Prophesied) 
1 Chron 25 v 1- 3

Put themselves before God continually 
[Prayer and fasting]
1 Chron 15 v 11, ​

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​​I wouldn't go as far as to say that lack of practice and disregard for your vocal instrument as a singer is sin, but I would ask:

            Is there more you could do?

                                                         

• Are you warming up before worship service?
• Could you spend 5 mins practising singing in your higher range or developing tone?
• what about working on your pitching and aural skills?
• Would it hurt to get mentoring with a Coach?
• Could you arrange to practice on a weekday, at church?
• What about learning an instrument or music theory?
• Could you increase your devotional time?

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​It seems to me that at the heart of a worship minister's growth is a willingness to practice and learn; constantly dedicated to the development of the voice as an instrument of praise. 

​If you think about it there is probably more you could do to help yourself to grow in worship and ministry.

Look at the suggested  list above. Try and see if you can incorporate one or two into your daily routine. 

To your Vocal Success

Dionne

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