With One Voice

You may have noticed that we sing several songs by Keith & Kristyn Getty in our worship services. If their names don't ring a bell, consider these titles that they have authored or co-authored:

"In Christ Alone"
"O Church, Arise"
"Jesus Is Lord"
"Every Promise"
"The Power of the Cross"
"There Is a Higher Throne"
"Across the Lands"
"Hear the Call of the Kingdom"
"Joy Has Dawned upon the World"

Basically, we teach about six to eight new songs to our congregation each year, and you can just about count on one or two of them being from the Gettys.

Leadership Journal recently held an extensive interview with the Gettys. I thought about just linking you to the article and leaving it at that, but I think I'll post several segments and make some comments on why I am drawn to their work. Here's our first installment (though if you just can't wait, you can read it all here).

LJ: What trends do you see in worship that compel you to write hymns?

Keith: They say that in every culture, the signs of the church on the slide are, first, that the church becomes decreasingly knowledgeable of God. Second, the church becomes increasingly obsessed with itself. Third, the church views every part of the spiritual walk for what they can get out of it—its therapeutic value. We see that happening today. So we want to write songs that address this shallowness by articulating the deep truths of the faith.

In addition, I think the goal of congregational worship is to be congregational.

We look for songs that bring all ages together because singing is an act of unity.

As the church's influence began to slip in Britain, the churches tried to use music to attract people. They moved music to the front, with professional choirs, and held well-developed and well-rehearsed services. In the short-term, it worked. But it ultimately distanced the front from the back, so that churches lost a sense of both community and what real worship is actually about. Worship music changed from something sung by the people to something done from the front by professionals.

Kristyn: That's why we have a lot of empty cathedrals and churches that are being sold as restaurants.

Keith: And although everything is contemporary in style in America, I think the pattern is dangerously similar. So we want to write songs that everyone can sing—songs that are truly congregational.

LJ: You're committed to the hymn. What are the musical and lyrical elements of a hymn?

Keith: There's no scientific difference between a hymn and a song. We just run with "hymn" because we couldn't think of a better word. For us it boils down to those two simple principles: songs that teach the faith and that the whole congregation can sing. So musically, a song has to be easy and inspirational to sing, and lyrically it has to teach the truth of God in a way that is emotionally engaging and poetic.

Kristyn: Not all old hymns have the same desire for content. They're not all singable. So we're not suggesting that a hymn is more sanctified or more holy. But there are creative and theological principles that have been thought through and worked out through the past that are worth considering and applying to a new generation. Every generation needs music in its own vernacular. But the principles of teaching people the faith and then giving them words to declare it are timeless.

Their convictions are clear: to write congregationally singable, doctrinally rich songs, so that the Church (i.e., the congregation) is able to declare, reaffirm, and celebrate the Faith in her singing, and thereby be taught and grow in that Faith.

Many (not all) old hymns are theologically rich, but have archaic words, flowery poetry, and/or stodgy melodies. They might still be good for enjoying as personal devotional reading, but they are not so good for corporate worship.

But many (not all) contemporary worship hits are doctrinally thin, have clumsy poetry and overly syncopated melodies. They might still be good for enjoying on the radio in the car, but they are not so good for corporate worship.

That's why it's always tricky for a worship leading pastor to retain the best of the old, and select the best of what's new. Keeping tabs on the Gettys helps.