From “O for a Thousand Tongues” to “The Blessing”: Why Hymnals Are Making a Comeback in Churches Today
In 2019, the United Methodist Church approved an exit plan that allowed congregations to separate from the denomination over its position on sexuality and same sex relationships. This decision triggered a major split, leading to the loss of about 25 percent of its congregations in the United States and the formation of the Global Methodist Church.
For many churches, this transition was not just administrative. It required rebuilding identity, redefining doctrine in practice, and in some cases, sourcing entirely new worship materials such as hymn books.
Why Churches Are Replacing Hymn Books
Some branches of the United Methodist Church advised departing congregations to stop using its official hymnals. While enforcement has not been strict, many churches have voluntarily chosen to adopt new hymn collections that better reflect their theological direction and renewed identity.
This situation is not entirely foreign in Nigeria. Across Lagos, Ibadan, Abuja, and other cities, churches that move between denominations or evolve into independent ministries often rethink their worship style, music, and liturgical structure. One of the most visible changes is usually in music, whether shifting from choir led hymns to contemporary worship or vice versa.
A growing number of churches globally are now embracing a new hymnal titled Our Great Redeemer’s Praise.
A New Hymnal Reviving an Old Tradition
Our Great Redeemer’s Praise is the first ecumenical Wesleyan hymnal published in over 30 years. Developed by Seedbed in partnership with Asbury Theological Seminary, the project began in 2019 and was released in 2022.
Since its publication, it has been widely adopted across churches with Wesleyan roots, including those now affiliated with the Global Methodist Church. The hymnal has already gone through multiple print runs, showing demand far beyond expectations.
Andrew Miller, publishing director at Seedbed, noted that interest in hymn singing is far from declining. In fact, it is resurging.
A Shift from Screens Back to Books
One interesting trend is the gradual move away from screen dependent worship. Many churches are rediscovering the value of holding a physical hymn book during services.
This is particularly relevant in Nigeria, where power supply challenges and inconsistent internet connectivity can disrupt digital worship systems. A printed hymnal provides reliability and creates a more immersive worship experience.
Matt O’Reilly, a pastor whose church transitioned from the United Methodist Church to the Global Methodist Church, explained that hymnals are more than song collections. They are theological tools that shape belief and spiritual formation.
Historically, early Methodists did not focus heavily on writing systematic theology. Instead, they expressed doctrine through sermons and hymns. This makes hymnals a critical part of teaching and discipleship.
The Wesleyan Heritage of Hymn Singing
The Methodist movement, founded by John Wesley and Charles Wesley in the 18th century, played a major role in popularising congregational singing.
The first official Wesleyan hymnal, published in 1780, included the well known hymn “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing”. This tradition quickly spread across England as believers gathered not only in churches but also in informal fellowship groups to sing and worship together.
Charles Wesley, in particular, wrote hundreds of hymns, many of which are still widely sung today across denominations. Songs like “Christ the Lord is Risen Today” and “Jesus, Lover of My Soul” remain foundational in Christian worship globally, including in Nigerian churches.
What Makes This Hymnal Different
Unlike traditional denominational hymn books, Our Great Redeemer’s Praise was developed through collaboration across multiple Wesleyan traditions. Church leaders were consulted on which hymns should be preserved and which should be excluded.
For example, patriotic songs were intentionally removed to maintain a purely worship focused collection. At the same time, theological concerns were carefully addressed to ensure doctrinal balance.
The hymnal includes 100 hymns written by Charles Wesley, significantly more than most modern collections. It also blends historic hymns with contemporary worship songs.
Interestingly, the collection begins with “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing” and concludes with “The Blessing”, a modern worship anthem that gained global popularity during the COVID 19 pandemic.
Why This Matters for Nigerian Churches
In Nigeria, where church growth is rapid and worship styles are constantly evolving, this renewed interest in hymnals presents an opportunity.
Many younger congregations have leaned heavily towards contemporary worship, sometimes losing touch with the depth and theological richness found in traditional hymns. At the same time, older churches are seeking ways to remain relevant without losing their heritage.
A balanced approach, combining timeless hymns with modern expressions of worship, can help churches maintain both spiritual depth and cultural relevance.
The Future of Hymn Singing
Despite the rise of digital worship tools, hymn singing is not fading. Instead, it is being rediscovered by a new generation seeking authenticity, depth, and connection.
Julie Tennent, managing editor of the hymnal, observed that people are genuinely excited about returning to printed hymn books. For many, it is not just about nostalgia but about experiencing worship in a more tangible and meaningful way.
Final Insight
The revival of hymnals like Our Great Redeemer’s Praise shows that tradition and innovation can coexist. For churches in Nigeria and beyond, this could mark the beginning of a more grounded and holistic worship experience, one that honours the past while embracing the present.
