Keith Getty believes the reality of what we sing is as important as, if not more important than, what we speak. The Christian singer-songwriter states, “We are commanded by God to sing–so we must do it” (Getty, 2020). When describing what types of repertoire churches should be selecting, Getty emphasized the necessity for songs to be both rich in doctrine and content, meaning the song lyrics, while also pursuing excellence in craftsmanship or composition. Getty interestingly spoke of some songs having “dull theology”, where music is about “theology for theology’s sake” alone, rather than making excellent, beautiful art. Getty says, “I think a lot of it is living beautiful theology. Lots of conservative churches, I think in their zeal, and in their relief to find worship songs that are more theological, they’re going, ‘This is great, this is sung theology,’ and it is, but there’s so much more than that and there has to be…It’s not just music that’s lyrically accurate.”
We are commanded by God to sing–so we must do it.
The primary goal of creating excellent music for the church that is doctrinally sound is to help the congregation sing. Getty explains, “It can do other beautiful things too but the primary role is to help the people sing.” In several of their publications, Keith and Kristyn Getty highlight that the leadership of a church is ultimately for the purpose of facilitating congregational song, honouring the Lord together. And in this purpose, individual musicians are called to pursue excellence in their skill to facilitate congregational worship. Getty articulated, “And so secondarily then, as people created in God’s image, we all ought to do what we do excellently. So whatever our relative level of excellence … the job is to help everyone sing as loud as possible, accompanying the singer.”
Redeemer University strives to focus on how faith informs every square inch of our lives. Whether in the church or outside, the Word of God will move through song. As Getty summarized, “As I read the Bible and look at church history, it seems people need God’s Word in their language, they need God’s word taught to them, by the pastors who care for them, but they will take the Word of God out of church by the songs they sing. The songs are not marketing, the songs are not an emotional reaction, but they are the way that God has made us to help us understand and worship and glorify him.” Getty’s workshop and interview pointed to the significant role that church musicians, worship planners and leaders have in both selecting repertoire and facilitating congregational song to the glory of God. As the church sings, so it goes forth.
As I read the Bible and look at church history, it seems people need God’s Word in their language …
This is an exciting time for Redeemer’s music program as the revised Music and Worship stream was launched late last year. The purpose of the new Music and Worship program is to focus on the development of well-rounded musicians who have a strong musical foundation to engage in, and facilitate, excellent music-making to the glory of God. Highlights of the new program include increased internship opportunities, capstone recitals/presentations, involvement with chapel, and courses with theological, liturgical, and practical aspects. Several new courses such as “Worship Music Leadership” and “Worship Band Instrumental Skills” will be introduced this upcoming 2025-2026 academic year. Through the program as a whole, music faculty aim to teach students what it means to facilitate excellent music-making in the church, helping the congregation sing. Music is a gift from God, and as Getty succinctly shared, songs help us understand, worship and glorify him.