Like many congregations, San Diego Reformed Church is embracing hymnals again. Members practice reading music and singing hymns every Sunday before the service, guided by associate pastor Sean Kinnally. This practice is part of a broader movement to reintroduce printed hymnals in churches, offering a more structured and traditional form of worship.
Kinnally notes that the congregation has experienced significant growth in their singing abilities. Hymnals, he explains, offer permanence in a rapidly changing musical landscape. This shift back to hymnals is often an intentional choice for churches, especially those moving away from using lyrics projected on screens.
Why Churches Are Embracing Hymnals Again
Dan Kreider helped design the upcoming Sing! Hymnal believes hymnals provide a deeper sense of stability in worship. Unlike popular songs that cycle quickly through churches, hymnals offer a tangible link to Christian traditions, allowing congregations to preserve meaningful hymns over time.
Kreider also emphasizes that hymnals create a stronger musical identity for churches. He notes that printed hymnals help churches focus on the content of the lyrics, making worship more intentional.
New Projects Aim to Reignite Hymnal Use
Many hymnals being produced today, such as the Scripture Hymnal and The Gospel Story Hymnal, are designed to help Christians reconnect with sacred traditions. These projects reflect a broader desire for permanence in worship, providing something lasting and tangible in contrast to the fleeting nature of modern worship trends.
For some, like Randall Goodgame, who created the Scripture Hymnal, hymnals uniquely deepen Christians’ relationship with Scripture through song. Whether in small or large congregations, hymnals are helping churches reshape their musical identities.
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