For Your Consideration . . .

From March 19-21, 2012, Candler School of Theology presented "The Singing Church: Current Trends and Emerging Practices in Congregational Song."

One of the themes that emerged over the course of three days of worship and workshops was the idea that the texts of hymns must be more carefully considered in order to be effective and meaningful to spiritual development. 

John Bell, a hymn writer and worship resource leader from Scotland, noted:

"In North America, you have a particular affection for interlined text in music, or staff music."

"In Europe, it's more common to have the verses separate from the music."

"It puts as much value on the text (of the hymn) as the tune."

Though Bell provided a handout with hymns and psalms that were sung during his event, he began his presentation by teaching several texts and tunes directly to the crowd.

"I do that to remind people they don't need music in front of them to sing," he said. "There are choirs in this world who would find it an inconvenience to read music while they're singing. They feel if it's not inside them, then it means nothing to God. We sing with greater integrity the less we have to read."

Bell attributes our dependence on hymnals and handouts to our lack of faith in our memories.

          "How can your faith be shaped by worship if you don't know what you've sung?" 

           "How can you relate spiritually to music if you don't have the words. . ."

Bell advocates closer reading of the words that churches sing; he emphasizes that (hymn) texts must be as functional as they are beautiful.

"A hymn isn’t just the text of a gifted poet; it’s something to which people can say 

‘amen.’"

"If the people can’t say ‘amen,’ then it’s not appropriate for congregational song."