Who misses old hymns in church service?

[JoelH]

Hi brothers and sisters in Christ,

This is not to rehash old tired arguments, but who agrees here that they have not heard old hymns for ages and now starting to miss them in church service? I started to attend the current church about 8 months ago since relocating from Auckland and they never quite have traditional hymns in sevice - no, not even during Christmas. The "oldest" hymn I have seen they sing is Amazing Grace.

I grew up in Asian churches and usually the older denominations for Chinese-speaking churches will play old hymns while the non-denominational ones will play a mixture of old hymns and some of the more moderate praise and worship songs. So for instance, they may sing "One Way" at the beginning and then the Doxology near the end. I went to a friend's church's Christmas service when I went back to Auckland for Christmas and it is a Chinese non-denominational church, and they only have "Shout to the Lord" among all other traditional hymns such as "Angels We Have Heard on High" for the Dec 24 service. Piano and chorus, or organs are the norm in Chinese churches, and the most radical types of instruments you will ever get for "bands" are acoustic guitars and violins.

I personally believe they have a good balance of music, but I find that English-speaking churches don't have these. It is all "new praise and worship" music or just all traditional hymns. Can't we just have a middle ground: mix the praise and worship music and hymns, and use piano as the only musical instrument?

I would be interested to see what you think on this issue. :):

YBIC,

Joel

[carmen]

I miss the hymns, but my church does do a mix...I just with it was MORE mixed :lol

I like the other musical instruments, though. IMHO, the drums and guitar add a lot. I could do without the keyboard (we have both keyboard and piano) but that's personal preference I think :laugh

[JoelH]

I sometimes do hope they will introduce these in church service. These are good hymns, and it will be a great loss if they become lost in our generation:

1. Amazing Grace
2. As with Gladness, Men of Old
3. Angels we have heard on High (for Christmas)
4. Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus
5. This is My Father's World
6. Our God, Our Help in Ages Past
7. Sing Hosanna/Give Me Joy In My Heart

[soprano]

I sometimes do hope they will introduce these in church service. These are good hymns, and it will be a great loss if they become lost in our generation:

1. Amazing Grace
2. As with Gladness, Men of Old
3. Angels we have heard on High (for Christmas)
4. Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus
5. This is My Father's World
6. Our God, Our Help in Ages Past
7. Sing Hosanna/Give Me Joy In My Heart


:thumb

We also like:

Be Thou My Vision
Since I Have Been Redeemed
Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus
Beneath The Cross Of Jesus<---that last verse...wow.:cry

I enjoy most hymns in our church hymnal.

[Leuretha]

Who misses old hymns in church service?

Oh, Oh, (can you see me raising my hand?) Me, me, I do! You just can't beat:

The Old Rugged Cross
Blessed Assurance
Rock of Ages
In the Garden
Amazing Grace.

I know there are a lot more but those are the ones that just popped into my head.

[hindsfeet]

Our church sings a mix of old and new. It wasn't well accepted at first. My Dh and I are pastoring our first church. We didn't go and make a lot of drastic changes but one thing the people said they wanted was more families and kids. When we came here they pretty much sang just hymns and older choruses. Dh and I both love the old hymns but some of the newer songs are wonderful too. We knew that if this church wanted to attract families and kids that the music needed to change to reflect the needs of a wide range of age groups. Some of the local churches and even a few of our members said this would never work.

We have been told such foolish things as, "The old hymns aren't anointed anymore." "The old hymns are like old wine skins." " The old hymns are only for old people." And the people who only liked the old hymns were just as bad, just as stubborn, saying things just as silly about contemporary songs.:rolleyes

There are some older hymns I don't like such as one called "Joy bells" but most are awesome songs.

Nothing But The Blood
Victory
Victory In Jesus
Gloryland
Amazing Grace
The Old Rugged Cross

and many, many more.

It has taken a lot of work and persistence on my Dh's part along with our music department but we have beautiful worship services with a wonderful mix of new and old songs now.

A lot of churches out here in California have either done away with hymns and just have contemporary worship music or they have split their services into two separate services. A contemporary service and a traditional one. For myself, I don't really like that idea. It seems it would create two separate churches in one building. We are all one body. Yes we have different tastes, come from different eras but the thing we have to realize is---it isn't all about me or what I like or don't like. I may not like one song but my sister or brother does. And besides that, it isn't about the music either. It's about God. Is God less worthy of my praise if I don't like a song or a particular style of music?

These are just my own thoughts and I think I got a little off the O.P. but I tell you what, music is one of the biggest things that cause problems in the church. I remember when we first started this format in our worship services and you would look around and those who only liked the hymns would not worship during the more contemporary songs and the ones who only liked the contemporary music would not worship during the hymns. :doh :doh Now, though, God has worked out all these issues and for the most part everyone worships through all the music. Took lots of prayer and patience though, let me tell yah.

[Leuretha]

Our church sings a mix of old and new. It wasn't well accepted at first. My Dh and I are pastoring our first church. We didn't go and make a lot of drastic changes but one thing the people said they wanted was more families and kids. When we came here they pretty much sang just hymns and older choruses. Dh and I both love the old hymns but some of the newer songs are wonderful too. We knew that if this church wanted to attract families and kids that the music needed to change to reflect the needs of a wide range of age groups. Some of the local churches and even a few of our members said this would never work.

We have been told such foolish things as, "The old hymns aren't anointed anymore." "The old hymns are like old wine skins." " The old hymns are only for old people." And the people who only liked the old hymns were just as bad, just as stubborn, saying things just as silly about contemporary songs.:rolleyes

There are some older hymns I don't like such as one called "Joy bells" but most are awesome songs.

Nothing But The Blood
Victory
Victory In Jesus
Gloryland
Amazing Grace
The Old Rugged Cross

and many, many more.

It has taken a lot of work and persistence on my Dh's part along with our music department but we have beautiful worship services with a wonderful mix of new and old songs now.

A lot of churches out here in California have either done away with hymns and just have contemporary worship music or they have split their services into two separate services. A contemporary service and a traditional one. For myself, I don't really like that idea. It seems it would create two separate churches in one building. We are all one body. Yes we have different tastes, come from different eras but the thing we have to realize is---it isn't all about me or what I like or don't like. I may not like one song but my sister or brother does. And besides that, it isn't about the music either. It's about God. Is God less worthy of my praise if I don't like a song or a particular style of music?

These are just my own thoughts and I think I got a little off the O.P. but I tell you what, music is one of the biggest things that cause problems in the church. I remember when we first started this format in our worship services and you would look around and those who only liked the hymns would not worship during the more contemporary songs and the ones who only liked the contemporary music would not worship during the hymns. :doh :doh Now, though, God has worked out all these issues and for the most part everyone worships through all the music. Took lots of prayer and patience though, let me tell yah.

Cool Louise I am so glad for your Church. :clap

[Cocoa1080]

really (maybe this is because I am only 19 :B: ) I don't think it matters if the hymns are old or new, I think God only wants us to be into them with all of our hearts...

[hindsfeet]

really (maybe this is because I am only 19 :B: ) I don't think it matters if the hymns are old or new, I think God only wants us to be into them with all of our hearts...

AMEN :clap :thumb

[Resting In Him]

http://whosoeverwill.ca/hymns.html

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/tun/tun.htm

http://my.homewithgod.com/heavenlymidis/hymns.html

[Leuretha]

http://whosoeverwill.ca/hymns.html

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/tun/tun.htm

http://my.homewithgod.com/heavenlymidis/hymns.html

Thank you Resting In Him :hug

[Ajani]

Not sure why a mix is needed. That said, our church is about 95% "new" music, and the rest is hymns. More if you count Christmas carols as hymns. I like some of the hymns, but I get a fix if I go to another church in the area for one of the ecumenical services that they have a few times a year.

[Saint Louis]

We had lost them until a few years ago. We had just the praise band thing going... But then we just added them back. Now both kinds of music are significant parts of the service. Part of it is due to the fact that a very gifted pianist started coming to church some time ago. I play keyboards in our praise band, but I don't handle the hymns on piano quite like she does. Anyway, I LOVE these old songs - they are rich in meaning and beautiful to the ear - a congregation with some folks who can read and sing the harmony parts can really make something beautiful in praise to the Lord.

Since some were listing their favorites, here are mine...

It Is Well With My Soul
Nearer, Still Nearer
How Great Thou Art
My Jesus, I Love Thee
Sweet Hour Of Prayer
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
Praise Him, Praise Him
Jesus Paid It All
I Surrender All
When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder

WAY too many more to list... Forget it.

[angie]

Hindsfeet, Our church also went through a time of change and survived. We have a great blend of music and everyone joins in singing no matter whether hymns or contemporary.

During the time of change....another lady stated to me that "If God had wanted us to sing choruses He wouldn't have given us the hymnbook!" :faint

[Bystillwaters]

I love the old hymns and I'm sometimes offended by the new ones. Silent Night is such a deeply meaningful hymn that seems to only be sung around christmas times. Amazing Grace is one of the most moving Christian songs of all and yet I rarely hear it at church. There really are so many. Most of classical music at one time was devoted to worship. That seems to be gone too. You only hear it if you happen to have the albums. What can be more moving than Berliozs' Requiem? So moving.

[LisaAnn]

Our church does a mix as well, but I would still like it if it were heavier on the hymn's.

I teach Sunday School to the 6th graders once a month. Last month we studied Christ's death on the cross and I mentioned the hymn The Old Rugged Cross and all I got from the kids was a blank stare! They had never heard this hymn! :(:

The thing about the hymn's were the whole gospel was taught through them. If you got nothing from the sermon at least the lost would hear it through the hymn. That cant be said about most praise and worship music. Don't get me wrong, I like alot of the new stuff..........it is just missing 'something' for me. :sigh Funny thing is I was one of the biggest advocates for singing the contemporary music with the band yet now I find myself missing the older music some. I think what bugs me the most is my children arent learning these good songs. I cannot tell you how many times when I am facing a difficult time that an old hymn comes to me and comforts me. Just As I Am was the song going through my mind when I came to Christ. :)

I've had the hymn Learning To Lean going through my head alot lately :nod What a comforting song.

One thing I have noticed in our church is that when contemporary music is sung everyone does sing but when a hymn is sung everyone belts it out with all their might. I mean you can really hear the difference. I think what they are doing wrong is introducing too many "new" songs, sometimes 2-3 in one service. I think they should take at least a month or more to get people used to a song before they add a new one. People dont like to learn new things...........especially 2-3 new songs in one service. :tsk

[Enlightenment]

Hi brothers and sisters in Christ,

This is not to rehash old tired arguments, but who agrees here that they have not heard old hymns for ages and now starting to miss them in church service?

:nod

My church's music director left for another church. Now we have an interim music leader and the guy plays only contemporary songs. He even takes the classics like "How Great Thou Art" (and others), improvises the choruses and gives them a beat. He MUST be playing an instrument, either guitar or keyboard, can't simply lead the singing. He brought in his own musicians, er, band and they put on quite a show. The shame of it is that we have an awesome pipe organ and a talented organist, plus a grand piano, but they are gathering dust. Oh yeah, no choir singing songs anymore either.

Songs with repetitive praise lyrics just can't compete with hymns like this:

Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade,
To write the love of God above,
Would drain the ocean dry.
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.

OR

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

[Becky]

The old hymns are rich with wisdom. You get more of a feel-good worship style with the new praise songs. I miss the old hymns.

[Ladybug]

My church uses mostly contemporary songs and a P&W band. Occasionally they'll throw in a hymn. And on this hymn-raised girl, it can be lonely. :laugh But I have heard complaints by some of the other members (not the oldsters, but the family age members) about not having enough hymns. Hymns are more substantive than most of the P&W songs used in worship nowadays. :nod

[Galoutofdixie]

I'm particularly fond of the Old Hymns. Our Church does a mix of the Old and New and that is okay with me, but I'd be happy as a clam to just hear the Old ones. :D:

[Saint Louis]

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

Verse 3 from "It Is Well With My Soul" - my signature on RR for about a year now! Me like. :nod

[head1982]

The thing about the hymn's were the whole gospel was taught through them. If you got nothing from the sermon at least the lost would hear it through the hymn. That cant be said about most praise and worship music.

this is the reason I like hymns a lot more, the meaning and is not as emotional as P & W, which makes you feel good when worshiping but as some of you have said, the lyrics stay in your heart, and if you're not memorizing the Word of God enough, they come out in times of trouble and give you confort, as they contain deeper biblical content. I guess the purpose is to be filled with Scripture in our hearts and in our minds, and hymns are helpful in doing that.

The other reason i like hymns more is because before turning my life to Christ Music was my scapegoat (Rock & Metal) and hardly focus on the lyrics but just on the emotion and feelings it gave me.Of course, when walking with the Lord, i liked P & W a lot but also remained in worldly musice unti He showed me how wordly music and wrong emotions stealed me blessings and have gradually realized how much i love lyrics now that when a baby Christian, and of course reojoice more in hymns. so i can relate to a lot to this Lisa Ann post.

Funny thing is I was one of the biggest advocates for singing the contemporary music with the band yet now I find myself missing the older music some.

Anyway praise be given to our God Almighty and His son, our Lord Jesus Christ :thumb

[Enlightenment]

Verse 3 from "It Is Well With My Soul" - my signature on RR for about a year now! Me like. :nod

Yep, that's an awesome hymn.


And now, for something completely different....

http://i15.tinypic.com/46zs20k.gif

[Saint Louis]

And now, for something completely different....

http://i15.tinypic.com/46zs20k.gif

Yeah, I know that's just for me... :laugh :lol

Yer freakin' me out man...:freaked :wacko

[readytofly]

Our church does a traditional service at 8:30, with all hymns. At 11:00 we do a blended service of hymns and choruses. We also do a praise and worship service at 8:30 in our chapel. There's something for everyone. I love the old and new.

One of my favorites is the last verse of "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross". I can't sing it without crying. It speaks of how there is nothing we can give God that even begins to compare to the amazing grace He has shown us through the gift of his son, Jesus.

"Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small.
Love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all."

Okay, I have to go get a tissue. That song just speaks volumes to me.

[allforHim]

My church mixes them too and I love it! Last week it was cast you eyes upon Jesus, look full in his wonderful face, and the things of earth will go faintly dim, in the light of His glory and grace!! :sing How true! This week it was, trust and obey, for theres no other way, to be happy in Jesus, than to trust and obey! :becky I love them.

:hail AllforHim

[Moony2ns]

Verse 3 from "It Is Well With My Soul" - my signature on RR for about a year now! Me like. :nod

We sang this last Sunday and I always choke up on that verse... :drama

[JoelH]

Not sure why a mix is needed. That said, our church is about 95% "new" music, and the rest is hymns. More if you count Christmas carols as hymns. I like some of the hymns, but I get a fix if I go to another church in the area for one of the ecumenical services that they have a few times a year.

A few times of the year is still far too few by non-Western standards. Visit the Chinese churches around here, they will sing hymns in addition to P&W every week. And over here, church service it is choosing between either relatively good biblical teachings with no hymns or mushy liberalism with hymns, so it basically means no choice at the end. :D:

[AnyDayNow]

I like old hymns of almost very kind...but especially those that "cook". You know, the ones where the congregation and the piano player are exhausted and almost sweating when they're done singing them.

"Sing the Wondrous Love of Jesus, sing His Mercy and His Grace...In the mansions Bright and Blessed, He's prepared for us a Place...When we All get to Heaven, what a day of Rejoicing that will be..."

The song leader better start on the right octave for that song, or we won't "all see Jesus". :nod

[jtcornpone]

I attend a singles group at a neighboring church (not my own). They have some nice people there, but I've generally been disappointed at the depth and quality of the teaching.

On one occasion, the worship leader chose to perform a set of six old hymns--deep, stirring songs that were overflowing with theological significance. I loved it, and I commended him on his selection.

At it turned out though, he had been asked not to repeat such a stunt again. Apparently, the pastor in charge didn't like that.

What a shame.

[antsinmypants]

Pick me, pick me!

I miss them too :(

[CanuckMedic]

I just about cry when I sing amazing grace every time. I haven't heard it in years though.

[WCoastBeliever]

I love the old hymns!

[jtcornpone]

I'm not a particularly old-fashioned guy, and I certainly don't think that contemporary music is necessarily bad. However, I would much rather hear the musty old hymns than listen to insipid lyrics like "Yes, Lord, yes, Lord, yes, yes, Lord. Yes, Lord, yes, Lord, yes, yes, Lord. Yes, Lord, yes, Lord, yes, yes, Lord, Amen." Sigh.

[allforHim]

They seem to have such a power to them, that some of the newer ones, while lovely, miss.Dont get me wrong some of the newer one can bring me to tears too, but not as many. Amazing Grace, is so God inspired, I dont know anyone saved, that isnt touched by it!

:hail AllforHim

[Enlightenment]

I'm not a particularly old-fashioned guy, and I certainly don't think that contemporary music is necessarily bad. However, I would much rather hear the musty old hymns than listen to insipid lyrics like "Yes, Lord, yes, Lord, yes, yes, Lord. Yes, Lord, yes, Lord, yes, yes, Lord. Yes, Lord, yes, Lord, yes, yes, Lord, Amen." Sigh.

:nod

[lostinHislove]

I LOVE the hymns! That is the only thing we sing at our church. We have no instruments either. The whole congregation (approx 400 people) sings together accapella--four part harmony--it's breath taking!! "It is Well With My Soul" and "The Love of God" are two of my favorites. Actually, the more I think about it, I have lots of favorites!:laugh

That said, there are a lot of contemporary christian, praise and worship, southern gospel songs...etc that I LOVE too!! I get my fix of those types of music from my collection of cd's and from Christian Radio.

[BHiles]

Do not miss them at all. I get a steady diet at church as well as my own listening and personal worship.

I have a personal Hymn book that is the second book next to the word of God in my walk.

Eph 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

[CountryPerson]

On the website, www.oldchristianmusic.com you can order CD's of sacred music some of which are excellent! I ordered Vicki Duim's "Whispering Notes" (piano); Linda McKechnie's "Hymnworks"; and "It is Well" by Jonathan & Nathan Reed.
There are plenty to choose from. Since I enjoy sewing/quilting, I can listen to one of these CD's while sewing and enjoy the beautiful sacred sounds from these talented musicians.

[ifnot4him]

All we sing at our church are the old hymns and I'm so thankful because I love them. They're what I grew up on. :clap

[Medic911]

DEFINATELY!

I like the newer CCM, but it's getting a little old. I haven't been to a church in years that sang any hymns at all. not even a blended mix. :(:
I'm really, really missing the old hymns.

[Mitsy]

I have been a professional singer in Choir, Musicals and contemporary soloist. I can say that I prefer a good Hymn over any contemporary Christian songs sung in Churhes today. Hymns are so scriptural & based on sound doctrine. I find them so inspirational to sing, so God/Jesus focused. Some Hymns are hard for the average person to sing but a good musician can always play them in a range that suits most voices.

I also like "Scripture in Song" songs as they are almost always simple and easy to remember all the words so you can sing them to yourself during your day. I often recall a "Scripture in Song" tune when I'm doing my Daily Bible reading and as part of my prayers sing them to the Lord.

[Sweet4Christ]

I miss them too :( Our church used to sing them all throughout my growing up years.....but in my early 20's they switched almost exclusively to CCM worship songs/style......I feel it as a great loss......the Lord's Spirit really ministers to my soul and spirit through those "older songs"...........

I've been thinking lately how nice it would be to sing "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" with a group of brothers and sisters in the Lord.........:) Anyone else?? :).....:)

[Galoutofdixie]

I like old hymns of almost very kind...but especially those that "cook". You know, the ones where the congregation and the piano player are exhausted and almost sweating when they're done singing them.

"Sing the Wondrous Love of Jesus, sing His Mercy and His Grace...In the mansions Bright and Blessed, He's prepared for us a Place...When we All get to Heaven, what a day of Rejoicing that will be..."

The song leader better start on the right octave for that song, or we won't "all see Jesus". :nod

:lol That statement that I just highlighted really tickled me. Thanks for the wonderful chuckle and a loud AMEN! :clap

[tygerkittn]

I prefer real hymns, but none of the churches around here have them, just that backstreet boys sounding stuff.

[SetApart]

WHAT ABOUT
~when i survey the wonderous cross
~it is well with my soul
~sanctuary
~precious LORD take my hand
thank you Lord for such beautiful music...
they lead me to you..connect me to You....make me feel You

i need that

[jtcornpone]

Hymns are so scriptural & based on sound doctrine. I find them so inspirational to sing, so God/Jesus focused.
That's right.

As I often emphasize, I don't think that contemporary music is necessarily wrong. However, this music often centers on the singer rather than the supposed object of worship. It might be perfectly good Christian music, but when conducting worship, we need to ensure that the focus is always on the Lord.

[Enlightenment]

That's right.

As I often emphasize, I don't think that contemporary music is necessarily wrong. However, this music often centers on the singer rather than the supposed object of worship. It might be perfectly good Christian music, but when conducting worship, we need to ensure that the focus is always on the Lord.

Amen. I ENJOY listening to contemporary christian music on the radio or on CD's, I just don't think many of them are suitable for worship services. Some, but not many.

[jtcornpone]

I'm glad that you feel that way, Enlightenment. I've come to appreciate that about you and other like-minded folk.

I've found that very few "Christians" understand, though. When this subject comes up, there is usually a chorus of people who chime in by saying, "What do you have against contemporary music? There's nothing wrong with it!" or "Are you saying that it's wrong to use musical instruments? Even David played the lyre!" or similar nonsense. They fail to grasp the nature of our objection -- namely, that worship music must always be reverent, and that it must always be focused on the Lord. This music can be contemporary (heck, I often prefer contemporary tunes!), and it can certainly make use of instruments. Even the use of audiovisual effects is okay, if it's done in a reverent fashion and does not draw undue attention to itself. The Lord must always be the focus though, and that's seldom found in contemporary Christian music today.

[jaycee]

I am/was in music ministry for years, I ALWAYS enjoyed a mix of traditional and choir music. I listen to contemporary all the time at work and on my CD's at home, but in church I love to hear the hymns, spirituals, choir and congregational numbers. My husband and I sung at my bosses church, our songs were up to date numbers that were well received, but when their service began the congregation sang hymns, that mix left me full!

[Light]

The fact is that many of the old hymns (or at least the ones that have survived the years) were anointed and many of the new P&W's are just junk, theologically and musically. We recently had to endure some monstrosity that yammered on about the "transcendent earth" (our pastor has embraced the Emerging Church model--New Agey junk and all). Can anything compare to "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God"--yes, yes, I know Martin Luther set the words to what had been a barroom ditty.

[toddlemom]

I like the old hymns because -- I dunno -- they have a beat adn you can dance to 'em ;):

But seriously, the words and tune are often easier for me to learn and remember. Vivid, too. There are mountains, gardens, rugged crosses, lost sheep, shipwrecks (lots of shipwrecks, seems like) But to me a lot of the contemporary stuff is so forgettable. Sort of like "Feelings ... whoa, whoa, whoa ... feelings ..." :noidea

I'm not a very good music critic because I also think country music needs more rodeo and truck drivnig songs and less drivel about divorce in the suburbs :noidea

Our church does a mixture and sometimes does an up-tempo version of old hymns. I think that's a good compromise. But, when you can hear one piano and 300 voices belting out the hymns in harmony -- I really enjoy that.

YSIC
ann

[head1982]

I'm not a very good music critic because I also think country music needs more rodeo and truck drivnig songs and less drivel about divorce in the suburbs

LOL :rofl

well nobody's perfect, but it's just another sign of the times (divorce), just like the other day i hear about a divorcee party (reverse bachelor pary), imagine that !!!

[Mitsy]

I like the old hymns because -- I dunno -- they have a beat adn you can dance to 'em ;):

But seriously, the words and tune are often easier for me to learn and remember. Vivid, too. There are mountains, gardens, rugged crosses, lost sheep, shipwrecks (lots of shipwrecks, seems like) But to me a lot of the contemporary stuff is so forgettable.
YSIC
ann

That's a great observation. Singing Hymns are vivid and really do evoke worship for me. I find I can readily remember a Hymn over any of the contemporary tunes we regularly belt out at church these days. :thumb

I'm sadden to say we rarely sing hymns at our church today. :cry Just like good clean Bible teaching it has been eroded.

We will be singing Praises to the Lord forever in Heaven. I bet the songs up there will be fantastic.:sing

[Enlightenment]

That's a great observation. Singing Hymns are vivid and really do evoke worship for me. I find I can readily remember a Hymn over any of the contemporary tunes we regularly belt out at church these days.


Hymns have messages. Most contemporary songs are repetitive praise. Not only that, and this is important, many contemporary songs could be sung in any church, any denomination, EVEN IN PLACES THAT DON'T ACKNOWLEDGE JESUS AS THE SON OF GOD. How so? They use the word Lord or God and not Jesus or Saviour. Thus, given the lyrics, some of these songs could be sung in a Jehovah Witness service, or a Unitarian service, or even a Jewish service. Next time you sing or hear a CC song, give it my acid test--listen for Jesus, or Saviour, Christ. Really consider the lyrics.

[tygerkittn]

BIG QUESTION:
if the overwhelming majority prefer hymns, why does the majority of churches reject hymns?

[jtcornpone]

BIG QUESTION:
if the overwhelming majority prefer hymns, why does the majority of churches reject hymns?
I don't think it's true that the majority of churchgoers prefer hymns. Quite the opposite; I'd say that most churchgoers don't care for them much.

The thing is, threads like this tend to be self-selecting. You can expect that most respondents would chime in to say, "Sure, I love hymns!" Precious few people would admit that they don't care for the old classics.

It's kinda like asking, "Do you think that black people are irritating?" (or Hispanics, or Asians). It's a safe bet that most respondents would say, "No, of course not!" Very few people would be candid enough to say otherwise, no matter how strongly they felt.