Colin Marshall and Tony Payne, On the Role of Music in the Worship Service

Singing is a form of emotionally super-charged speech. It consists of words that – in a way we don’t fully understand – pack more punch than words that are just spoken. … Singing is a form of testimony. It’s a chance for all of us to say, “Yes, here I stand! And this is what I believe.” This is encouraging, in the way that all life-example is encouraging. … This is why singing heartily is such an edifying thing to do in church – whether or not we have a good voice, and whether or not this particular song is to our musical taste.”