hymnody
The word hymnody in many congregations is equal to a four letter word; one that embodies stale tradition, or medicine you are forced to take because of a cold.
Now a discussion of contemporary and traditional music is not something I’m interested in. I believe every church music program should have its own identity and be flexible within that identity. However, no matter what style of music you choose, hymnody provides a standard that music ministers should not overlook.
Marilyn Houser Hamm is a worship and music specialist in the Mennonite Church. She has worked on several hymnals including the 1992 Hymnal: A Worship Book. In an interview with Dr. Ian Loeppky published in the August 2009 Choral Journal, she states this about hymnody:
“Hymnody is like a folk tradition. Its richness must be recreated, loved, and passed on from generation to generation through participation. Hymnody is not a lifeless entity or a dusty book on a distant shelf. It is ordinary and extraordinary people from every place and time engaged in the praise and worship of God. The word ‘hymnody’ speaks of a living tradition that transcends time and place, and anticipates the future. This word should evoke variety and exploration, diversity and unity, what is easily attained and what will take commitment of time to achieve its fullness.”
Whether your Church uses a contemporary ensemble or an organist, does the music that is chosen fit this description?
Thanks Matthew. Along the same lines is this complaint that I sometimes hear: “I don’t like organ music.” To which I always want to reply: “Which organ? Which song? Which organist? In what context?” It’s not about the instrument or the musical style. As you suggest, the measure of good liturgical music is how well it engages the assembly in praising and worshiping God.