Sovereign Grace Hymns

We are in the process of compiling a hymnal suited to churches that preach the gospel of God's Sovereign Grace. As hymns are prepared for publication, we are posting them to the web site. I list of hymns presently available is here.

If you would like to help with this project, please contact Joe Terrell. Those who wish to be involved should be committed to the gospel of God's free and sovereign grace in Christ. We need help in the following areas:

1. New compositions and lyrics. This is a non-commercial endeavor. No royalties will be paid, but, all work will acknowledge the author and composer.

2. Typesetters. We are using Finale notation software. Anyone who has access to this program and would like to help with the work of notating the songs for publication, please let me know.

3. Proofing and Critcism Since it is our desire to produce a hymnal that is not only doctrinally sound but of good quality and usable by common congregations (not just choirs), it would be good to have input from any who actually try using the songs. It will be quite some time before the hymnal goes to press, and until then changes can be made. If you find any errors in the text or any tunes or harmonies you consider difficult to sing, please let us know.

4. Information from those in the know concerning printing and publication issues.

Below, find the "mission statment and specifications for the hymnal:

Mission Statement:
To provide a hymnal of doctrinally accurate, singable hymns.

Specifications:

A. Doctrine: Every hymn shall be consistent with Scriptural truth. In particular, every hymn shall be consistent with:

1. Calvinistic Doctrine

2. Baptistic view of the ordinances

3. The believer’s freedom from the jurisdiction of the Law of Sinai.

4. The doctrines of the true Divinity and humanity of the Lord Jesus Christ.

• Themes: A variety of Scriptural subjects and themes shall be incorporated.

• Text: Lyrics shall be composed of good poetry with attention to grammar, meter and rythming scheme. Room shall be made for poetic license so long as such license does not obscure the meaning of the lyric or draw more attention to style than substance. Where necessary, archaic words and phrases shall be updated. Words which have changed meaning over the years shall be altered to fit present definitions. Where needed, minor alterations shall be made to remove objectionable doctrine in those hymns which have gained popularity over the years. Where possible and practical, full versions of the original text shall be used. Hymns by authors whose other works are contrary to sound doctrine may be used so long as the hymn in question is of sound doctrine.

• Music: The music shall show variety of style, tempo, mode and key signature and shall be consistent with the lyric it accompanies. Music shall be suitable for congregational singing. Complicated key signatures and melodies shall be avoided to facilitate both accompanist and singers.

• Copyrights: Copyrights shall be honored in all cases. Every attempt shall be made to determine that the lyrics and music used are in the public domain or permission has been granted for the use of the material.

• Hymnal Appearance: The hymnal shall be of suitable size to allow for readable text yet small enough so as to be easy to hold. The main portion of the hymnal shall have the lyrics and music published together, but there may be a section containing only lyrics at the end of the hymnal.