Neglected Song Themes – The Persecuted Church
When taking Hymnology class in seminary, Dr. Crookshank challenged us to write hymns on themes that are neglected in most hymnals. Since the role of suffering has always been on my heart, I decided to begin composing hymns on the subject. This was the impetus behind Songs for Suffering Saints.
Beginning this evening, I plan to post a hymn a day on a neglected topic that, while neglected by hymnody (at least, in my humble opinion), has biblical president for being to topic of the church's song. Tonight's hymn is on the persecuted church. To follow will be hymns on suffering (in general), lament over the condition of God's church, and hell.
Over at An Infant in a Cradle, I've been blogging on the arrest of Abdul Rahman (see here and here) and events such as North Korean Freedom Week. With the persecuted church weighing heavy on my mind, I want to sing about it. The second verse of this simple hymn has been on my mind.
Let Me Be a Blessing
Let me be a blessing
To my suff’ring friends,
Sharing in their burdens
Even to the end.
In the midst of trials
And their darkest...
Let me be a blessing
To my suff’ring friends,
Sharing in their burdens
Even to the end.
In the midst of trials
And their darkest...
On Weekly Communion – Eric’s Response
I like your thoughts on weekly Lord's Supper. I think the benefits far outweigh the potential dangers. Besides, I think the dangers are there regardless of frequency.
I have a question for you on application: How might pastors/congregations implement this without 'upsetting the apple cart' too much, especially for congregations that take the Lord's Supper only quarterly or monthly?
Dr. Crookshank on John A. Broadus as Hymnologist
Dr. Esther R. Crookshank was my hymnology professor in seminary. Had I not taken her class, it is likely that I would not be writing hymn texts today. She had a tremendous impact on my desire to write hymns and to write them well (which I'm still working on). Her faculty address, "The Minister and His Hymnbook: John A. Broadus as Hymnologist", is both challenging and edifying. A must listen for pastors, in my opinion.
Institute for Christian Worship Lectures
The Institute for Christian Worship at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary has its lectures available online. I remember being particularly impressed with Timothy Dudley-Smith when he was on campus during my seminary days. His lecture, "Words for Worship," is available on the site.
The Effectiveness of Traditional Hymn Tunes: Eric’s Response 1
Thanks, David, for sharing this email. It is thought provoking as it touches on a number of important issues, issues that I think will strike at the heart of Doxologue.
First of all, I would like to acknowledge how important loving yet critical feedback is to our theological and spiritual formation. Proverbs 27:6 states, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” I would rather have a friend who wounds me to my face in love and then praises me behind my back than an enemy who does the opposite. I hope that Doxologue is more than a blog of mutual backslapping. I hope it is a place where we can lovingly disagree as we seek the glory of God in the good of the church. Friction is necessary when “iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17). I know that the critical feedback of both of you has only served to improve my hymns (and my humility).
"The Critic" writes (throughout I'll quote him in italics):
First of all, I would like to acknowledge how important loving yet critical feedback is to our theological and spiritual formation. Proverbs 27:6 states, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” I would rather have a friend who wounds me to my face in love and then praises me behind my back than an enemy who does the opposite. I hope that Doxologue is more than a blog of mutual backslapping. I hope it is a place where we can lovingly disagree as we seek the glory of God in the good of the church. Friction is necessary when “iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17). I know that the critical feedback of both of you has only served to improve my hymns (and my humility).
"The Critic" writes (throughout I'll quote him in italics):
I love the old tunes and find them easy to sing and rich in melody.
It is important to acknowledge that many do love the ‘old tunes’ and find great enjoyment...
Reformed Praise presents Martin Luther's setting of Psalm 130 in a fresh, reflective, piano-driven setting suitable for a wide range of worship music styles.
