Word/Phrase Choice There are several different ways that content can be shaped within a hymn. The first is simply with what words are chosen to communicate the message. Words are important. How we put them together into phrases is important. Words and phrases are important because different words and phrases have different connotations—different “feelings” attached… Continue Reading
For many people a hymn is nothing more than some truth made pretty. But such an understanding would be like viewing a person as a soul with some pretty skin. Yet just as a human has a whole anatomy working together to make him what he is, so a hymn has many components that help… Continue Reading
Last time we observed the fact that we sing because the Bible commands us to sing. But let’s get a little bit deeper than simply singing because we’re told. Why, exactly, has God told us to sing in worship? We can certainly recognize why he commands things like preaching and praying and reading the Scriptures.… Continue Reading
When Christians discuss worship, they often focus on one primary element of worship above others—music. The church’s songs are without question the most controversial aspect of Christian worship. I am convinced, however, that some careful thinking about what Scripture has to say about our hymns, adequate understand of the purpose of power of Christian hymnody,… Continue Reading
My song is love unknown, My Savior’s love to me; Love to the loveless shown, That they might lovely be. O who am I, that for my sake My Lord should take, frail flesh and die? Sometimes they strew His way, And His sweet praises sing; Resounding all the day Hosannas to their King: Then… Continue Reading
There seem to be a lot of hymns being written today, and a lot of them are really pretty good. One of the reasons for that seems to be that pastors are beginning again to write hymn texts instead of just musicians or publishers. There is one relevant potential pitfall into which hymn writers today could easily… Continue Reading
I’ve heard a lot of teaching recently on what makes a good sacred congregational song, and among qualities listed, “accessibility” is inevitably among them. I wholeheartedly agree with this point: for a hymn to be congregational, it has to be, well, congregational! The congregation has to be able to sing it. In other words, there… Continue Reading
Before pastors discredit lines of hymns because they are “archaic” or “don’t make any sense today,” perhaps they should make sure that what they are complaining about isn’t a direct biblical allusion. I’ve recently heard several pastors — with theology degrees, leading large churches — complain about the word “Ebenezer” in the hymn “Come, Thou… Continue Reading
I’ve just finished a week of vacation with family, so I’m getting caught up on e-mails, comments, etc. There were some good questions and comments on my post on teaching children hymns, so I thought I’d follow up here a bit. First, I stumbled across the philosophy paper that I distributed to all of our… Continue Reading
I recently received the following question via e-mail: I am the youth pastor at _______ Baptist Church in _______. I really enjoyed your article “Train Your Child’s Heart Before His Head.” My wife and I have begun to teach hymns to our children’s programs. I guess I’m wondering what you did, how you did it… Continue Reading
by Chuck King, Pastor of Music and Worship, College Church in Wheaton, IL reprinted from “Knowing the Score,” Vol 17, No 26, April 8, 2009. Printed by permission. It is generally the words of a new hymn that will grab my attention. In only a few instances is this effective introduction tied specifically to a… Continue Reading
Text: Thomas Kelly, 1769-1854 Tune: Geistliche Volkslider, Paderborn, 1850 Stricken, smitten, and afflicted, See Him dying on the tree! ‘Tis the Christ by man rejected; Yes, my soul, ’tis He, ‘Tis the long expected Prophet, David’s Son, yet David’s Lord; By His Son God now has spoken: ‘Tis the true and faithful Word. Tell me,… Continue Reading
1. God’s Word — the Bible Thy Word Is Like a Garden Break Thou the Bread of Life How Firm a Foundation Holy Bible, Book Divine O Word of God Incarnate By Grace I Am An Heir of Heav’n God, in the Gospel of His Son 2. The Greatness of God Rejoice, the Lord is… Continue Reading
Chris Anderson has posted a new hymn by Paul Jones at ChurchWorksMedia.com: “What Manner of Love.” Be sure to check out two other new hymns by Paul Jones that we recorded on “God Himself Is With Us: The Gospel Proclaimed Through Hymns”: Lord, We Bow Before Your Glory (KIMARSONEVY) Text: Eric J. Alexander, b. 1932… Continue Reading
Dan Forrest just sent me a new hymn he recently finished. It’s a rich hymn about the Church. “Change Your Church, O God” Text: John Dalles Tune (SUBER ROAD): Dan Forrest Continue Reading
Note: this hymn has been updated, so I am republishing this post. I am thrilled to recommend a new hymn collaboration between Pastor Chris Anderson and Dr. Paul Jones. This is truly a wonderful example of a modern hymn that continues in a long tradition of rich hymnody. The text is profound doctrinally, intentionally gospel-centered,… Continue Reading
Many of us bemoan the fact that there really aren’t very many new, fresh, yet profoundly conservative hymns with rich, doctrinal texts and stable, lasting tunes being written today. There are some. The best I know of are being written by Paul Jones in collaboration with a few pastor/theologians. You can find those hymns here.… Continue Reading