I did not grow up regularly going to church and was not familiar with church hymns. Once I placed faith in Jesus and attended a Bible college, I was surprised to hear the various opinions of others about worship music in the church.
Many students had encountered difficulty trying to integrate hymns with a predominantly younger membership. Likewise, the older demographic seemed resistant to contemporary praise music.
Although churches are now less likely to engage in the notorious “worship wars,” there remains the challenge of introducing young people to classic hymns.
How do we help them get past the older language that they find confusing and unappealing? Is there a way to help the young people in our lives appreciate these songs?
Something that is often missing in discussions about worship music is fellowship. We have all heard of instances in which congregations split over the style of music in church.
But when have we heard of believers seeking to have a conversation with each other about praise songs that have impacted their lives? Maybe the way to help youth appreciate hymns is to get on their level in the context of fellowship.
In this article, I suggest a few ways to help you engage with youth on a personal level to discuss the significance of hymns.
1. Discuss Why Hymns Matter to You
Most believers have a favorite hymn. You could easily sit down with the older members of your church and ask them to point to a favorite song in the hymnal.
I’m sure you would hear many stories of God’s faithfulness or how He used a song to speak to their heart during a painful time. Often, hymns relate to the stories in people’s lives.
If you are seeking to help a young person in your life appreciate hymns, then sitting down with them to discuss why the songs matter is a way to connect with youth.
Seeing the practical connection between a hymn and another believer’s life could encourage him or her to consider the benefit of using these songs in worship. No longer is the concept purely theoretical, but real and impactful in someone’s life.
Sometimes churches have been so focused on separating individuals into groups for age-appropriate learning that we forget that youth can learn from elderly members, and vice versa.
Older, biblically mature believers should be involved in discipling young believers (Titus 2:4-6).
Hymns are teaching tools like all worship songs are intended to be, and they can be helpful discipleship tools for teaching other believers about biblical truths.
2. Delve into the Biblical Background of the Song
Young people need to learn to practice discernment when they encounter any new information or ideas, regardless of whether it is in music or other media. Most worship music has a basis in the Bible, but that does not mean every song has correct theology or teaching value.
Helping the youth in our churches discern the scriptural basis behind solid hymns is an invaluable tool, as is the practice of comparing everything to God’s Word.
For instance, the song “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!” has a strong basis in Scripture. The lyrics are inspired by the four living creatures who continually offer this praise to the Lord (Revelation 4:8).
Other images from Revelation are present in the hymn, including the saints casting their crowns before the throne of God (Revelation 4:10-11). The song also conveys the biblical truth of the Trinity.
Of course, hymns do not replace the need to read Scripture, which is the only book that is God-breathed — completely true and without error (2 Timothy 3:16).
However, the Bible does encourage us to “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19, BSB).
All Christians, young or old, can benefit from scriptural hymns that help us learn more about God and provide us with songs to exalt Him through music.
3. Examine the Song’s Meaning Together
Some of the words in hymns are challenging for modern audiences. “Thou,” “Thee,” “wert,” and “fetter” do not come easily to people today because these are not words we regularly use.
Unless the person regularly reads the King James Version or loves studying Shakespeare’s works, he or she is going to struggle to connect with the songs because of instances of archaic language.
To help young people engage more deeply with the song, offer to examine the hymn’s meaning together. Break out the hymnals or print off pages of the songs and read over the lyrics together.
Defining difficult words, providing clarification on old words such as “Thou,” and delving into the history behind the song are all ways to encourage youth to appreciate hymns.
Also, identify the year the hymn was written and the author of the work. Well-known hymn writers in history like Fanny Crosby, John Newton, and Philip Bliss have impactful stories that all believers can learn from.
Connect the hymn to their personal stories by viewing a movie or show about their lives, or by reading a biography about them. Doing so will add another element of learning and encourage application.
Finally, consider finding a book, article, or other resource that goes into detail about how the hymn speaks to life today. Hymnary.org has informative resources to accompany most hymns.
Although these are designed for worship leaders, all believers can gain a greater appreciation for the songs by studying these notes and learning how the song speaks to circumstances they are experiencing or will encounter in the future.
4. Consider Using Modern Expressions and Renditions of Hymms
In addition to discussing the significance of the hymn and examining the meaning and words together, you can also help a teen or young adult appreciate these classic songs by encouraging them to listen to modern renditions and expressions of the hymns.
Some bands have used snippets of lyrics from old hymns in their songs. Others have sought to create contemporary versions of the beloved classics. In either case, these modern expressions can introduce the younger generation to the beauty and depth of hymns.
An example of a group that has done this is Celtic Worship, a band from Scotland that incorporates their cultural heritage and sound into worship music. The band’s discography includes old hymns, psalms, and new songs to add to Christian worship music.
Through their music, I developed an appreciation for hymns. Take a listen to their Scottish-infused versions of classic hymns, such as “Come Thou Fount,” “Be Thou My Vision,” and “Turn Your Eyes.”
Some other modern renditions to consider using to introduce young people to hymns are: “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)” by Chris Tomlin, “Because He Lives (Amen)” by Matt Maher, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” by Shane & Shane featuring Hannah Hardin, and “Pensive Doubting Fearful Heart” by Indelible Grace featuring Emily Deloach.
Getting on the level of youth in regard to music style and sound could help them better connect with the timeless hymns that so many believers cherish.
5. Be Willing to Listen to the Young Person’s Music
After you have spent time discussing hymns with the other person, you need to take time to listen to him or her. Teens and young adults will have specific songs that have impacted them as well. They may want to share how these songs ministered to them during a difficult time or reminded them of God’s love. Be open to hearing the songs and discussing them.
Some of us are quick to assume that hymns are superior to modern music because they are traditional. However, there are biblical and beautiful contemporary worship songs that exalt Jesus just like many old hymns do.
Sure, there are songs in Christian contemporary music that display faulty theology, but the same is true of some hymns. Let us be more prone to pause, listen, and think about a song’s lyrics before passing judgment.
As we engage in a conversation with the youth in our lives about the importance of hymns, seeking to help them appreciate these beloved songs, we may also find new music that will encourage us in the Lord.
All generations of believers can learn from each other if they are willing to take the time to listen.
Why Does This Matter?
Hymns are not the same as Scripture, but they have endured throughout time, bringing comfort and reminders of God’s truth to countless believers. Since these hymns have greatly blessed Christians in the past, they can bless the youth in our churches and homes today.
To help young people appreciate hymns, we can share how the songs have impacted our lives, study the meaning of the hymns together, delve into the biblical background, and use modern renditions that appeal to youth.
In each instance, we need to approach the task with a willingness to listen and in the context of fellowship.
For further reading:
7 Inspiring Hymns about Communion
What Is the Purpose of Singing Hymns?
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