Who is creating the next generation of hymns for the Church? And greater still, has the unique formula of the hymn been abandoned on the back pew of the praise and worship movement? Irish composers and artists Keith and Kristyn Getty don't believe so, and they're on a mission to revive the art of hymnody for a new generation.
"There are two reasons we write modern hymns," explains Keith. "First, it's to help teach the faith. What we sing affects how we think, how we feel and ultimately how we live, so it's so important that we sing the whole scope of truth the Bible has given us. The second reason is to try and create a more timeless musical style that every generation can sing, a style that relates to the past and the future."
"In the Church, the purpose of singing is to express the community we have as the Body of Christ," Kristyn adds. "To try and search for the melodic ideas and song structure that might bring more people in, that's what we're trying to investigate. Is there a way to bring everyone together musically?
"When we write, we should be thinking all the time of the person who puts the CD on as they head off to work on a Monday morning.
"After listening to a song like 'Hear The Call of the Kingdom,' how wonderful to walk into work thinking, 'the King has called me to live for Him with the person who sits at the desk beside me.' That excites us—people taking the words into work."
"We've always talked to church leaders and practical theologians to get insight on subjects we want to write about, what's important to convey, or the next priority for the Church," Keith says. Case in point: "Beneath The Cross of Jesus," a song the Gettys composed following one such conversation.
The Gettys and Stuart Townend are currently on a UK tour and will be appearing with the New Irish Choir and Orchestra in the Millennium Forum, on Sunday, June 21 at 7.45pm. Tickets, costing £18 are available from William Houston, 22 Sperrin Bawn, Claudy, BT47 4GH , by email, inchristalone@live.co.uk or online at www.newirisharts.com