The congregation is the voice of the church.
9Marks - "In many churches, the music can actually discourage singing, whether because so much of it is performed, or the accompaniment is so loud, or the music is hard to sing. We emphasize congregational singing because so many churches seem to neglect it. "
Captial Hill - "We strongly prefer congregational singing, which emphasizes the gathered body singing praise to God with one voice, over performed music, which tends to spotlight the abilities of some while encouraging passivity in the rest.""
Barry Leish - " Ensure that the people's song gets priority over individual or group performance. Most music directors would subscribe theoretically to the idea that the congregation is the first and most important choir. But if you look where they actually put their energy, you'll find it seldom goes into improving congregational response. Don't be fooled! When we fill up the service with the choir, the special music, or the worship team, to the point that we neglect the congregational response, we are teaching the people to be spectators."
