Almost everyone I ask believes that worship at his or her church needs improvement. Usually the changes they have in mind relate more to the songs that are sung and the style of music preferred than anything else.

As the title indicates, this is the third in a series of articles on ways to improve your church’s worship service, and in this article I write about reforming worship music according to the biblical phrase, “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.” For years I quoted, and yet overlooked, some of the most obvious teaching in Scripture about what we’re to sing in worship. And from my perspective as one who preaches and teaches in dozens of churches each year, most congregations would be blessed by a fresh look at this and other worship texts.

In addition, I offer some thoughts about “special music,” applause, using an overhead projector or PowerPoint vs. hymnals, and more. May it please the Lord to use this article to enhance the worship of Himself and the edification of His people in many local churches.

1. Sing psalms

Stunned. That’s how I’d describe my sudden awareness of how I had neglected a clear scriptural command. I’d been involved in the leadership of worship services for more than fifteen years before I realized what many Christians have long understood and entire denominational traditions have known for centuries: God commands us to sing psalms.

Because of Don's position as a seminary professor of Spiritual Formation, as well as writer and conference speaker on the subject, he is often asked questions about spirituality, the Christian life, and to comment on trends and current issues in this and related fields. The new Christian Life FAQ contains some of these questions and Don's answers. See below for a sample.

As you think about the rise of interest among evangelicals in spiritual formation over the past twenty years, what do you think has contributed to such an interest? In other words, why is "spiritual formation" a catchword among evangelicals?

There is an unprecedented interest in "spirituality" in the culture as a whole. A number of books on spirituality have been at the top of the bestseller lists in the last decade. The rise of curiosity about angels, neardeath experiences, psychics, etc., is further evidence. I read a survey where even a majority of atheists consider themselves "spiritual" people. Much of the reason for this interest is due to people getting more and more of the material prosperity they've always sought, and finding that it doesn't satisfy. The cost of this prosperity has also included a surge in the stress and complexity of life, and these pressures have caused increasing numbers of people to look for spiritual solutions.

Congregational worship is more edifying for the Christian than private worship, whether that worship takes place under the stars or on a couch with an open Bible, because we receive from more spiritual resources that are unavailable when alone. In the public worship of God we can experience the preaching of His Word, the spiritual gifts of other Christians, the prayers of our brothers and sisters in Christ, congregational praise, fellowship, and many other things that we cannot receive in private worship.

I recognize that many Christians are in churches where the congregational worship experience often lacks depth and substance. If this describes your situation, you may wish you could say to me—perhaps through tears, perhaps through clenched teeth—"The worship at my church usually isn't edifying at all. And it is rarely more meaningful to me than when I worship God privately."

Still, the potential is always present in congregational worship for greater edification than you could receive from private worship. Even in those churches where the Sunday morning ministry is of the flippant/entertainment variety or the dry/stiff sort, there are many opportunities for unanticipated breakthroughs by the Holy Spirit. Something from the sermon may be surprisingly nourishing to your soul. The words of a hymn, solo, or choral piece may strike you with unusual force. Someone may pray for you, or you may hear a prayer that conveys to God something in your own heart that has been longing for expression. The preacher, or a friend, or someone leading in worship, may be God's mouthpiece to say a word of encouragement or direction just for you. These are blessings you forfeit by absence from church.

[Taken from pages 7879 of Don's book, Spiritual Disciplines Within the Church.]