Musical message: Southside Baptist Church uses music to share the gospel at its 'Singspiration' events

Music is an integral part of most Sunday church services, as choirs and soloists use their talents to worship God and inspire congregants.

One church in Cape Girardeau has taken the love for music beyond Sunday morning, hosting an open mic "singspiration" event at 6 p.m. the first Saturday of every month.

The singing tradition started years before Bill Joyce became the pastor of Southside Baptist Church in October, having been in place for about five years, but it saw a decline in interest, which led to a three-year cessation. It was resurrected about a year-and-a-half ago, and according to the new pastor, it "seems to be going pretty well now."

During the singspiration, performers sing for those who have assembled to enjoy the Gospel music. It's very much a spontaneous event, requiring no preregistration. Interested participants simply arrive at Southside Baptist ready to share their musical talent, and the church makes sure they are taken care of. "We have a scheduler. She gets their name on a list, and guides them in order," said Joyce. Church member Joann Leadbetter is the scheduler.

It's open to all who want to come and sing, said the pastor, not just members of their church.

Chester Miller sings a song during the open mic night at Southside Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau Saturday, March 7, 2015. (Glenn Landberg)

"We try to have a group from another church ... that will come and start it at the beginning," Joyce said.

After the opening, the microphone is open, and the singspiration hits take off.

"Most of the music is like country Gospel and the old-time hymns," Joyce said, though all styles are welcome. He added that sometimes people bring instruments, including accordions, guitars and banjos. Rather than playing instruments, some singers bring recorded music for accompaniment.

Joann Leadbetter sits with a bass guitar during an open-mic night March 7 at Southside Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau. (Glenn Landberg)

The number of participants varies each month.

"Last time, we had about 15 who took part in the singing," he said.

Depending on how many others are there to participate, the most enthusiastic of performers "may sing multiple songs" during the event, which lasts about 90 minutes, Joyce explained.

Singspiration attendance has ranged from 25 and 60 and has broad appeal.

"We have all ages who come in at times. I'd say from low-20s up to 80. ... Occasionally, children come and sing," he said.

After feeding their appetite for music, all are invited to feed their natural appetite with finger foods during "a time of fellowship ... in [the] fellowship hall."