As I read Terry Johnson's chapter on Psalmody in the church, I began to realize how little of this I personally had experienced. Other than the fragments that are typical of contemporary music (some of which is biblical, edifying, and useful), and an occasional Watts paraphrase (the inclusion of which in a discussion on Psalms is open to question), I do not remember singing Psalms with a church body. To be honest, this never concerned me. It never approached the forefront of my inquiry. However, I believe that Mr. Johnson is correct is affirming the Psalms as an essential part of the church's praise to God.
Instead of continuing to speak about my personal experience (let that suffice as a background), I would like to pose a question: pending acceptance of Johnson's analysis of the causes behind the lack of hymn singing (ignorance, supposed lack of accessibility, assumption of the outdated nature of the music, fear of numerical decline, etc.), how do we, as future pastors, music leaders, and/or laymen influence the church local and universal positively toward singing Psalms consistently?
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I do not have an answer but only to say that since it should be done, it should be done at the first only gradually, and with the hope and expectation that it will be, in due time, well received, accepted, and endeared,though perhaps only endured at the first, as the Word of God has its way in our hearts and His blessing is wrought upon His faithful people.
Thoughts? Agree? Disagree? Is this merely an attempt at appeasement? Or is this perhaps an appropriate avenue towards leading Biblical church growth (growth in grace, unity, mind, and into the mature man, NOT in attendance)?
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