Here are ten tips for church singers in regards to communication. What is the best way to communicate the message of your music to a congregation? Here are some fabulous ideas from my teacher and mentor, Ray Gibbs.
- Your ministry begins when the congregation first sees you and doesn't end until the congregation doesn't see you any more.
- Everything you do is seen by the congregation. If what you do does not enhance the message it will detract from the message.
- Don't act out the message. Let the message act on you.
- If you have been chosen to minister in song, you are ordained of God for the purpose. Debilitating nerves mean that you don't trust God.
- If the congregation cannot understand the words of the message, they cannot be blessed by it.
- Sing the song. Don't let the song sing you.
- Hear and digest the words you are saying. When you hear the words, the congregation can hear the words.
- The congregation empathizes with your experience, not your intentions.
- Don't rehearse bad techniques or wrong notes.
- When you are singing in front of the congregation, it is too late to think about technique.
I hope that you are able to benefit from these words of wisdom about communication in church music. Please leave comments below if you have any additional thoughts.
Ray Gibbs received his first degree in Voice Performance at San Diego State University, and then earned a Master of Music degree in Opera Theater at Manhattan School of Music in New York City. He made his debut with the New York City Opera Company in 1968, before he was out of graduate school. He joined the Metropolitan Opera in 1970 as the youngest baritone on the roster, then three years later made his debut as a tenor in the role of Romeo (Gounod's Romeo et Juliette). He performed a number of leading roles at the Met and has sung with regional Opera Companies all over the United States as well as with many Symphony Orchestras. He served as Distinguished Professor of Voice at Memphis State University and as Artist in Residence at Pensacola Christian College. He continues his singing ministry in churches throughout America with his wife, Ann, and daughter, Christina, and continues teaching voice in his private studio. See more at his website, raygibbs.com.