Reader’s Corner: Transform your life by singing

Recently I discovered a little book that made me wonder, “How did this book exist for nearly nine years before I got a copy and started reading and learning from it?”  That book is “Sing! How Worship Transforms Your Life, Family, and Church,” by Keith and Kristyn Getty. 

For anyone not familiar with the Gettys, they hail from Northern Ireland but divide their time between there and Nashville, Tennessee, where they are actively involved in the music scene. They host the annual Sing! Conference, which brings together Christians from a variety of backgrounds to worship as a member of the audience or in the event choir, learn some new music, and hear inspirational speakers. 

The Gettys are often referred to as “modern hymn writers,” perhaps best known for “In Christ Alone,” co-written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend. They cross musical genres to reinvigorate interest among younger generations in hymns as a way to teach Christian doctrine. 

And no, this little book does not bash modern worship music. It does, however, challenge readers to make sure what we are singing is truly sing-able and accessible to all worshipers, to avoid the risk of the worship time seeming like a performance by professionals, and to make sure our hymns and worship songs include sound doctrine. The book also calls attention to the vibrant sense of community that is possible when Christians gather to sing. 

Chapters explore different aspects of why, what and how we sing, with titles like “Created to Sing,” “Commanded to Sing,” and “Compelled to Sing,” along with the challenge to make sure we are engaged with our whole heart and mind. There are practical suggestions for singing with your family as well as with your local church, regardless of whether you consider yourself a talented singer, and a celebratory chapter of the radical witness possible when Christians build their unity through shared singing. Bonus material includes helpful suggestions tailored for pastors and elders; worship leaders and song leaders; musicians and choirs; and songwriters and other creatives. 

The comments and testimonials represent a wide spectrum of leaders in music, art and ministry, expressing gratitude for the renewed inspiration. Kirk Cameron’s comment sums it up well: “[The book] is a treasury of lost principles discovered for a new generation of worshipers. “Sing!” reminds me and my family that God uses music and the Word to transform the world, and that our part in His process of renewing all things is to open our mouths.” 

This little book is available through the Getty Music website and is a great jumpstart to remembering that our singing is not just about our circumstances, but about the One we serve. What are you waiting for—crank up your phone speaker or car stereo, sit down at your piano or grab your guitar, and start singing!