Musical resolutions for 2024

Over the course of 1722-23 a 19-year-old Jonathan Edwards (the American pastor-theologian) wrote 70 resolutions.

They acted as a compass and guide for the man who would later become one of America’s mightiest theologians. With this being the New Year issue of en, let me offer a somewhat less ambitious list – to be read in good humour and understood with warm intentions:

Resolutions of the musician

I do resolve to serve the men and women of Christ’s church by not leading them in a vocal register that is entirely strange and alien to their souls at 10am on the Lord’s Day.

I do resolve to restrain my inmost being and sing the bridge but twice or thrice.

I am resolved in my song choices to encourage the entire, diverse and multifaceted people of God – not just the exceedingly ‘hip’ persons, who oft dwell in beanies and baggy dungarees.

When leading, I am resolved so to do with such clarity that God’s people can begin to sing before the third line of the song.

I do resolve to give thanks to God for the musicians He has given our church, yea, e’en Joseph and Joanna Bloggs.

Resolutions of the congregation

We do resolve to give thanks to God for the singers He has given our church, yea, e’en Barry (96).

We do resolve to regularly encourage our PA operators, for they too are made in the image of God and can only bear so many scornful looks from a distance.

We resolve to sing heartily the songs of most ancient pedigree, the songs of mid-age, and also the songs of youthful vigour – for they all seek to lead us to Christ.

We resolve to call to mind those sitting in our midst who need much encouragement; and when singing to raise our voices with heartfelt liveliness to remind them of the rich and varied promises of the gospel.

May 2024 be a year in which Christ ministers to you in the songs of His church.