HARMONISING WORSHIP: THE ROLE OF CHURCH MUSIC ADMINISTRATION IN PLANNING CONGREGATIONAL HYMN SINGING EVENTS IN LOCAL BAPTIST CHURCHES

Abstract

The study examines the role of church music administration in planning and organising congregational hymn-singing events in local Baptist churches, aiming to harmonise worship and foster spiritual growth. This research explores how effective music administration contributes to meaningful and engaging worship experiences. It addresses key research problems, including the challenges of managing hymn-singing events, balancing theological integrity with cultural relevance, and encouraging active participation in congregational worship. The scope of the study focuses on Baptist worship traditions and practices within local church contexts. The research adopts a qualitative methodology, employing primary data collection methods such as bibliographic reviews, oral interviews, and participant observation by the author, a practicing music minister. Secondary sources, including books, journals, and online resources, complement the data. The theoretical frameworks of the study hinged on functionality or role theory and the theory of transformative musicology, which Adedeji advanced. Findings reveal that successful hymn-singing events depend on strategic planning, theological understanding, and the ability to address logistical challenges. Recommendations include enhancing training for church music administrators, fostering collaboration between clergy and music teams, and adopting innovative approaches to enrich congregational hymn singing. The study underscores the interplay between administration, worship culture, and congregational engagement, advocating for robust music administration practices to harmonise worship and elevate the spiritual experiences of congregants.