Resource Search Results

How Hymnody Can Help Diversify Contemporary Worship

Contemporary-worship congregations are rediscovering hymns as treasuries of theological depth that express the full range of emotions and Scripture. Singing hymns together helps people connect across generations and cultures.

Feature Story | March 13, 2023

Jonathan A. Powers on Teaching Hymns Appropriate to Context

If your congregation experiences hymn singing as dull and lifeless, then try Jonathan A. Powers’ advice on finding, introducing, and teaching hymns that will resonate with your worshiping community.

Conversation | March 06, 2023

Katie J. Graber on Singing with Cultural Appreciation, Not Appropriation

Some congregations worry that singing songs outside their own tradition might be inauthentic or offensive. Ethnomusicologist Katie J. Graber gives reasons for using worship songs from other cultures and eras—and how to do so with proper appreciation and attribution.

Conversation | February 28, 2023

Herbert H. Tsang on the Beauty of Low-Tech Connections

COVID-19, “the triple pandemic,” and future universal health threats will continue to prevent many congregants, especially senior members, from attending worship in person. But for those willing to put up with some “holy messiness,” Herbert H. Tsang offers low-tech solutions to connect, sing, and worship together.

Conversation | February 23, 2023

Sharing Hymn Stories Invites Worshipers into Experience

Knowing more about the hymns they are singing helps worshipers feel more connected to God and each other in the universal body of Christ that spans all times and places.

Feature Story | February 07, 2023

William Phemister on Lively Piano Accompaniment for Hymns

Church pianists who apply William Phemister’s advice can introduce congregations to hymnody or more deeply immerse them in it. Typical worshipers may be surprised to learn that pianists don’t necessarily play every note as written in the hymnal—and there are good reasons why.

Conversation | January 13, 2023

David Lemley on Becoming What We Sing

David Lemley’s book "Becoming What We Sing: Formation through Contemporary Worship Music" recognizes that contemporary worship music [CWM] helps Christians around the world feel close to God. Lemley looks at whether or how CWM moves worshipers from adoration to participation in the mission of God’s church.

Conversation | September 14, 2022

Writing Hymnkus—Haiku Poetry Set to Music—for Christian Worship

Your congregation can make worship the work of the people when you use their words in worship. The hymnku form—haiku poetry set to music—works for in-person, hybrid, and online worship and can involve many ages.

Article | May 23, 2022

Singing the Congregation: How Contemporary Worship Music Forms Evangelical Community

We warmly encourage you to engage the book chapter content by posting your insights and wisdom on this page and to read and reflect on the responses posted by others. We look forward to being a global learning community.

Book Excerpt | December 02, 2020