Leading the Music Ministry #9 – Choosing and Preparing Lords Supper Songs

what’s going on?

When we celebrate the Lord’s Supper we’re remembering together what Jesus has done for us on the cross – that his body was broken for us, that his blood was poured out for us. We’re ‘feeding’ on his sacrifice, and proclaiming it until he returns. That means that Lord’s Supper is all about:

1)  Remembering and ‘feeding on’ Jesus’ sacrifice (by faith);

2)  Proclaiming what Jesus has done (to ourselves and to each other); and

3)  Remembering and proclaiming that Jesus will be returning soon (Jesus’ return is an often over-looked aspect of the Lord’s Supper).

what’s the go with songs during the Lord’s Supper?

There’s a couple of reasons we listen to songs during the Lord’s Supper. The main reason is that songs can help us to DO the above 3 things: a song about Jesus death will help us remember Jesus’ death – to put our faith in him – to remember his impending return – and to proclaim him to each other. The other reason is just that it takes time to distribute the bread and the juice, and it’s good to fill that silence with something that will help us to reflect on what’s going on.

what’s the criteria for Lord’s Supper songs?

Basically you want to choose something that focuses on one (or more) of the 3 things above, and that’s musically appropriate. A heavy-rockin’ song about the cross probably isn’t going to help people reflect. A great song about God (or Jesus or the Holy Spirit) that doesn’t focus on one of the above 3 things isn’t going to be helpful for what’s going on either. For example ‘Sons of God’ isn’t musically appropriate (too heavy) and it isn’t thematically appropriate either, since it’s about adoption, and not the cross or Jesus’ return. ‘Father’s World’ by Garage Hymnal is a biblical and cool song, but it’s not about the cross or Jesus’ return either. Same deal with ‘Blessed be Your Name’. A song like ‘Holy Father’ (for the cross) or ‘Soon’ (for Jesus’ return) will be much better. Try to avoid using a song just because you like it – make sure it’s because it’ll complement what’s happening with the Lord’s Supper (and if possible ALSO ties in with the talk).

Whether or not you do the song as an item or from the CD will be your call – obviously you’ll have to weigh up whether you’re able to find (or write) a chart for the song and rehearse musicians for it. It’ll depend on how many other items you’ve planned for the term. You can alway plan to use the CD and then decide to play it as an item later if you change your mind – you’ll just need to communicate it to everyone. Make sure you include your plan on the program (Eg: ‘Lord’s Supper CD: Soon’ or ‘Lord’s Supper ITEM: Soon’).

You’ll need to type up the song words for the Ministry Coordinator and give them a copy of the recording so they can listen to it as they copy it onto the Powerpoint display.

Burn a copy of the CD with no other songs on it to give to the sound team the morning of the Lord’s Supper. Giving them a CD with other songs on it just increases the likelihood for error at a key moment in the service. Make sure the PM sound guy knows what to do too. You can make a decision about whether the song gets added to the before/after-church music playlist too – most of the time it’ll be a good thing to add it and keep hearing it.

One other thing worth considering is: What’s the plan if the bread/juice are distributed and we’ve only listened to half the song? Does the sound team fade it out early, or do we listen to the whole song before we eat/drink? Obviously if the song’s being performed they’ll finish the song. But if it’s a CD I personally think it’s very distracting to fade a song out halfway, and that it’s taking away the opportunity for the song to help the congregation reflect on the cross/Jesus’ return. On the other hand if it’s been a long sermon then parents might be needing to go pick up the kids. Whatever you decide, make sure you have a talk with the Pastor, the Sound Team, and the Data Projector dude (who’ll be controlling the song words on the screen) before the service so that you’re all on the same page.