November 2007
Introducing Modern Hymns	Show Menu

James Pasley

A couple of years ago a few of us formed a church band called "Wing and a Prayer" and we now play each month at the family service in Lucan. From the start I was keen that we play a mixture of traditional hymns, children's hymns and modern hymns, but what modern hymns should we use? The congregation were accustomed to very traditional hymns – by that I mean that we never strayed outside the Church (of Ireland) Hymnal. I wanted to ensure that whatever the band did we would bring the congregation with us, so it was important that we chose carefully. Everyone in the band felt strongly that we should judge our success in terms of congregational singing.

All my previous experience was as an organist – so I had hoped to find someone who could advise me on what to do with a church band. A list of suggested hymns would have been very useful. That didn't happen, so I had to do my own research. This consisted of some trial and error, lots of CD purchases and faithfully watching Songs of Praise for a couple of years. As a result, we now have a number of modern hymns in our repertoire with which I am very happy. If you find yourself in a similar situation, I hope this list of hymns will help.

The new Church Hymnal (are we still allowed to call it the ‘new book’?) contains a large number of modern hymns. Our experience has been that these are a safe bet. Having worked our way though most of the modern hymns in the book, I have to say that those who selected them for the hymnal obviously understood the typical situation in which they would be used. Among our favourites are: 138 Soon and very soon, 195 Shine, Jesus Shine; 325 Be still, for the presence of the Lord; 606 As the deer pants for the water; 112 There is a Redeemer; and 219 From heav'n you came.

Stepping outside the hymn book, we've found a number of hymns that work really well. We started with a couple of very old hymns for which new tunes have been written. Ian Hannah has written a new tune for O the deep, deep love of Jesus which is a real favourite. The tune is heavily syncopated so it needs a little practice as there is a tendency for people to sing it in a church style – giving it a more regular beat. Lex Loizides's new tune to William Booth's (of Salvation Army fame) Send the fire also works well. Two new hymns people like are In Christ Alone and the Easter hymn See what a morning both by Stuart Townend & Keith Getty. I think the fact that these modern tunes are still structured in a similar way to traditional hymns helped us during this transitional phase.

Now that we have a number of modern hymns in our repertoire, I hope to become a little more adventurous and plan to introduce some of the following over the course of the rest of this year: Light of the world (Here I am to worship) by Tim Hughes, King of kings, Majesty by Jarrod Cooper, Lord reign in me by Brenton Brown, Blessed be your name by Beth & Matt Redman, Giver of grace (You are good to me) – Stuart Townend and When I was lost (There is a new song) – Kate & Miles Simmonds.

These are just a few hymns which I think would work well with a congregation used to singing more traditional fare. They are also firm favourites of my own and the sheet music for most is available at www.kingswaysongs.com. You will also find audio files there so that you can listen to a portion of each song before deciding to purchase.

I've written this article partly in order to share our experience, but also because I would love to hear suggestions of hymns from others. We are still feeling our way and I hope this article will prompt others to share their experience of introducing modern hymns as part of Sunday worship.

James Pasley is one of the organists in the Leixlip & Lucan group of parishes and is a member of the Church Music Committee.

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