“Am I singing good worship songs?” For many, whatever they hear on the radio and whatever they sing at church is what they believe is “good” worship music – or at least the standard. Sadly, there is a good majority of songs we sing that actually don’t help us worship God at all. That’s why we got a hold of Keith Getty (one of the songwriters behind “In Christ Alone”) to work through the question, “Am I singing good worship songs?” You may not agree with everything he says in this conversation, but what he says will definitely get you thinking not only about the songs you sing, but the seriousness behind singing.
Who’s Our Guest?
Keith Getty (and his wife Kristyn) occupy a unique space in the world of music today as preeminent modern hymn writers. In re-inventing the traditional hymn form, they have created a catalogue of songs teaching Christian doctrine and crossing the genres of traditional, classical, folk and contemporary composition which are sung the world over.
Episode Links
The book that Keith and his wife wrote is called Sing! How Worship Transforms Your Life, Family, and Church.
Also, make sure to check out gettymusic.com for other resources.
Read It
*Below is an edited transcription of the audio conversation.
With me today is Keith Getty. Keith is a songwriter for the church and has spent many, many years now along with his wife Kristyn and others to write songs for the gathered church to sing. As you’re listening right now, you’ve most likely sung at least one or two of his songs in a church setting. One of his most popular being, “In Christ Alone”. But anyways, it’s great to have you on the show today, Keith.
Honoured to be here, thank you so much, indeed.
The first thing is just, help us know who you are, a little bit. Who are you? How did you meet Jesus? What is your life look like day-to-day right now?
Well, I group up in Ireland. I grew up in a Christian home, musical parents as well. And I came to know Christ when I was young. Music was a huge part. It’s been a huge part of my life. As I was finishing high school, went into professional music.
And then in my mid-20s … Well the concern with what was being sung in church is sort of the reinventing the hymn form. And the first song that we wrote was called “In Christ Alone” which some of you will know. And that really was the start of it. Then by 30, I got married. Married by just before I was 30. And at 30 we quit the music industry to focus entirely on writing hymns and being stewards of those hymns. So that’s what we’ve been doing ever since.
That’s awesome, and you’re right now, I mean, the conference was down in Nashville. Now is that where you reside now or …
That’s right. We live in Nashville from September to June. We’re kind of like students that never grew up. So, September to June, we actually live in the university in Nashville would you believe.
And then June until September we head back to the coast of Ireland where our little small home by the beach that we all just hang. And we ease up for decompressing, and then also for quite a lot of writing.
And of course, all our families are there. So, it allows our kids just to be with their grandparents and their cousins and stuff so it’s cool.
That’s so good.