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Sing!: How Worship Transforms Your Life, Family, and Church
Sing! has grown from Keith and Kristyn Getty’s passion for congregational singing; it’s been formed by their traveling and playing and listening and discussing and learning and teaching all over the world.
And in writing it, they have five key
• to discover why we sing and the overwhelming joy and holy privilege that comes with singing
• to consider how singing impacts our hearts and minds and all of our lives
• to cultivate a culture of family singing in our daily home life
• to equip our churches for wholeheartedly singing to the Lord and one another as an expression of unity
• to inspire us to see congregational singing as a radical witness to the world
They have also added a few “bonus tracks” at the end with some more practical suggestions for different groups who are more deeply involved with church singing.
God intends for this compelling vision of His people singing—a people joyfully joining together in song with brothers and sisters around the world and around his heavenly throne—to include you. He wants you,he wants us, to sing.
And in writing it, they have five key
• to discover why we sing and the overwhelming joy and holy privilege that comes with singing
• to consider how singing impacts our hearts and minds and all of our lives
• to cultivate a culture of family singing in our daily home life
• to equip our churches for wholeheartedly singing to the Lord and one another as an expression of unity
• to inspire us to see congregational singing as a radical witness to the world
They have also added a few “bonus tracks” at the end with some more practical suggestions for different groups who are more deeply involved with church singing.
God intends for this compelling vision of His people singing—a people joyfully joining together in song with brothers and sisters around the world and around his heavenly throne—to include you. He wants you,he wants us, to sing.
149 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2017
204 people are currently reading
1084 people want to read
About the author
Keith Getty
72 books20 followersKeith and Kristyn Getty occupy a unique space in the world of music as modern hymn writers, international worship leaders, and conference speakers. Perhaps best-known for the modern hymn, “In Christ Alone” (written by Keith with Stuart Townend and performed by Keith and Kristyn), the Gettys have reinvented the traditional hymn form and created a catalog of songs teaching Christian doctrine and crossing the genres of traditional, classical, folk, and contemporary composition. Keith and Kristyn live between Northern Ireland and Nashville with their daughters, Eliza Joy, Charlotte, and Grace.
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March 17, 2025
First sentence: We are a singing people because it is how God has created us. It’s what we do. And when we do, we’re simply joining in with what the rest of creation is doing.
It's September. The year isn't over yet. But I'm thinking Sing! may be my favorite book of the year. We'll see. What is it about? Why should you read it? Why should you read it with others? I hope to do the book justice and answer your questions.
Intended Audience: Any believer. Also: Pastors. Elders. Worship Leaders. Band Musicians. Fathers and mothers. Sunday school teachers. Song writers. Anyone who has ever suffered at any time. Anyone who has ever struggled with depression at any time. Anyone who wants to be happy.
What is it about? It's about singing. It's about congregational singing in local churches. It's about singing at home with our families. It's about individual and corporate singing. Chances are you haven't thought of singing as a spiritual discipline. Yet IT IS. So just as you'd read a book about how to pray or how to read the Bible, the Gettys have given us a book on how to sing.
Why was it written? The Gettys' five point aim in writing Sing!
1. To discover why we sing and the overwhelming joy and holy privilege that comes with singing.
2. To consider how singing impacts our hearts and minds and all of our lives.
3. To cultivate a culture of family singing in our daily home life.
4. To equip our churches for wholeheartedly singing to the Lord and one another as an expression of unity.
5. To inspire us to see congregational singing as a radical witness to the world.
Why should you read it? God designed us to sing praises. Singing praise to the Lord is one of God's ultimate purposes for our lives. Singing is so intimately connected with joy; we are to delight in the Lord and find our satisfaction, our happiness IN HIM.
What did I love about it? I loved, loved, loved everything about this one. I thought it was packed with truth and insight. I thought it was biblical. I thought the authors were persuasive. I loved the passion and enthusiasm. I loved the organization and layout. I loved how practical it was. Also how concise the book was. And I really LOVED the discussion questions. There's also four additional bonus tracks--chapters.
Some of my favorite discussion questions:
1. How has singing played a role in your spiritual development?
2. Can you recall an example of a memorable occasion where you enjoyed singing in church? What about that event made an impact on you?
3. What is the link between thankfulness and singing?
4. What psalm or other Scripture passage resonates with you as your “Song of Salvation”? Why?
5. What song would you consider to be your personal “testimony” song?
6. Is there a hymn, or hymns, from your past that acts as a “milestone marker” for your walk with Christ? Why is it still significant and how does it speak to your heart today?
7. What modern song (new to you in the past few years) has connected with you in such a way that you believe it may become a “milestone” hymn for you in the future?
8. If you grew up in a Christian home, what songs from your childhood do you most remember? What hymns do you know? What Bible verses and stories do you know because of songs? What hymns do you want to pass down to your children?
9. If I were a visitor to your church and knew nothing of the gospel, what would your church music (selections, presentation, and congregational engagement) convey to me about your faith and understanding of the gospel?
10. Do your favorite songs that you love to sing give a broad and deep picture of the character and nature of God? Can the same be said of how we think about God and how we pray to Him?
The book wasn't just about singing in church--at church. It was about singing seven days a week and really living out what you're singing.
Favorite quotes:
It's September. The year isn't over yet. But I'm thinking Sing! may be my favorite book of the year. We'll see. What is it about? Why should you read it? Why should you read it with others? I hope to do the book justice and answer your questions.
Intended Audience: Any believer. Also: Pastors. Elders. Worship Leaders. Band Musicians. Fathers and mothers. Sunday school teachers. Song writers. Anyone who has ever suffered at any time. Anyone who has ever struggled with depression at any time. Anyone who wants to be happy.
What is it about? It's about singing. It's about congregational singing in local churches. It's about singing at home with our families. It's about individual and corporate singing. Chances are you haven't thought of singing as a spiritual discipline. Yet IT IS. So just as you'd read a book about how to pray or how to read the Bible, the Gettys have given us a book on how to sing.
Why was it written? The Gettys' five point aim in writing Sing!
1. To discover why we sing and the overwhelming joy and holy privilege that comes with singing.
2. To consider how singing impacts our hearts and minds and all of our lives.
3. To cultivate a culture of family singing in our daily home life.
4. To equip our churches for wholeheartedly singing to the Lord and one another as an expression of unity.
5. To inspire us to see congregational singing as a radical witness to the world.
Why should you read it? God designed us to sing praises. Singing praise to the Lord is one of God's ultimate purposes for our lives. Singing is so intimately connected with joy; we are to delight in the Lord and find our satisfaction, our happiness IN HIM.
What did I love about it? I loved, loved, loved everything about this one. I thought it was packed with truth and insight. I thought it was biblical. I thought the authors were persuasive. I loved the passion and enthusiasm. I loved the organization and layout. I loved how practical it was. Also how concise the book was. And I really LOVED the discussion questions. There's also four additional bonus tracks--chapters.
Some of my favorite discussion questions:
1. How has singing played a role in your spiritual development?
2. Can you recall an example of a memorable occasion where you enjoyed singing in church? What about that event made an impact on you?
3. What is the link between thankfulness and singing?
4. What psalm or other Scripture passage resonates with you as your “Song of Salvation”? Why?
5. What song would you consider to be your personal “testimony” song?
6. Is there a hymn, or hymns, from your past that acts as a “milestone marker” for your walk with Christ? Why is it still significant and how does it speak to your heart today?
7. What modern song (new to you in the past few years) has connected with you in such a way that you believe it may become a “milestone” hymn for you in the future?
8. If you grew up in a Christian home, what songs from your childhood do you most remember? What hymns do you know? What Bible verses and stories do you know because of songs? What hymns do you want to pass down to your children?
9. If I were a visitor to your church and knew nothing of the gospel, what would your church music (selections, presentation, and congregational engagement) convey to me about your faith and understanding of the gospel?
10. Do your favorite songs that you love to sing give a broad and deep picture of the character and nature of God? Can the same be said of how we think about God and how we pray to Him?
The book wasn't just about singing in church--at church. It was about singing seven days a week and really living out what you're singing.
Favorite quotes:
We are commanded to sing the Word of God—the truth revealed in the Scriptures, the story of redemption. Fundamentally, we’re to sing about God, revealed in Christ and supremely in His suffering and His glory, since that’s what the Word of God is all about (Luke 24:26–27).
The songs we sing should not brush along the surface, or pluck phrases out of context, or focus exclusively on ourselves, or describe Jesus in a way His Word does not (or, still worse, to speak in contradiction to His Word). Every part of a lyric should link together to bring a wonderful, thoughtful, deep expression of Scripture to every singer.
Worship comes as a response to revelation. Praise is prompted by—compelled by—the revelation of something glorious. And the gospel is the revelation of the most glorious truth in history.
Singing gives voice to a heart that deeply knows the gospel of grace. It is the overflow of a heart captivated by the gospel. In as many voices that join together to sing there are as many hearts that are called to know Christ as Lord and Savior. From that place there is a genuine and rich overflow of praise.
People say you are what you eat. Well, songs are food for the soul. What you sing, and don’t sing, changes you. Your heart and mind require a good, balanced diet of gospel truth that will build you up for your working week, your times of trial, and for each season of life.
If we are to be prepared to live for Christ in the whole of life, we need to be singing about the whole of life.
If our songs are not giving us a balanced, rich, nutritious diet, we will not be spiritually healthy people.
Our singing can prepare us for every season of life, and sustain us through every season of life. We don’t need a musical escape from our lives; we need to gaze on the Savior of our lives—our refuge and help and comfort.
We need to make singing Bible truths second nature to our children, a “second language” in our homes. Sing about those truths when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down, and when you get up. Sing with your kids as you put them to bed at night, or you sit down for dinner, or as you drive in the car with a CD on. Sooner or later, they’ll start singing unprompted. Join in with them.
Songs help us train children in the “language” of the Christian faith. What we want to teach our kids travels deeper inside them when we sing it rather than only speak it to them.
While our faith must be taught, it is also “caught” in our homes, through what our kids see and hear from us. And singing is catchy. So sing with your kids. You don’t need to be able to sing well. Our singing always remains more important than the sound it makes.
Our singing casts a light after we are gone. We each bear responsibility in the singing legacy we leave behind us. We should sing with a mind toward those younger than us who are listening in and learning from us. Someone took the time to share hymns of faith with us and we are to be faithful in doing the same.
As you stand and sing in your church this Sunday, you do not know who is listening, and you can never imagine what the Lord might be doing.
March 20, 2024
Great book! I liked how this brought light to proper thinking during worship no matter what “part” of the worship you fall into. Also introduced avenues and reasons for worship that were helpful and have already greatly impacted my worship of God and my understanding.
January 10, 2021
Li a versão em português da Editora Fiel. Tenho algum problema com as traduções da editora, embora seja grato a Deus pelas obras que eles lançam. Cante! é um ótimo livro para aqueles que trabalham com o canto congregacional, e embora seja mais prático que teórico, ainda serve como recurso para estudos dirigidos. Minha maior crítica é quanto ao uso de referências de segunda mão (citações encontradas em livros aos quais os autores tiveram acesso, mas sem referências às fontes primarias). De qualquer forma, a obra musical de Keith e Kristyn é suficiente para provar que seu legado à igreja é atemporal, e esta obra certamente é útil, não apenas a quem está iniciando no ministério da música, mas também para quem já serve há muitos anos.
August 5, 2023
SUCH a wonderful book!
December 29, 2023
LOVED this book!! I recommend it to any christian- it makes me excited to get to sunday worship, really listen to the words I’m singing, and play hymns enough that the words will stick with me throughout the day! I realized my posture towards worship definitely needed a refresh!
March 12, 2025
A wonderful book that teaches you the importance of singing as God’s people, and inspires you to sing!
This is a very practical book that gives many ways to bolster singing in the Christian life (that should lead to strong and convictional congregational singing)
Pastors and church members would benefit from reading this book.
This is a very practical book that gives many ways to bolster singing in the Christian life (that should lead to strong and convictional congregational singing)
Pastors and church members would benefit from reading this book.
October 28, 2019
A book written mainly regarding congregational singing...I don't know that this subject matter would have caught my attention. Several years back, our song leader came back from the Getty's "Sing!" Conference and handed me this book. I'm glad I didn't wait any longer to read the book!
From the introduction, the book had my attention. Although I absolutely love to sing (and usually loud), it is apparent in speaking with others and watching others, that singing for many Christians is something they just get through. Here is what the Gettys said in the intro, "The New Testament implies that our singing is important. It's been said that Christians are a singing people - but often, many of us are really more of a mouthing-along-with-the-words kind of people." I totally agree.
When reading books on music in the Christian world, I have found that music can generally be a lightning rod! However, this book is far from that. I believe I could hand a copy of this to nearly any Christian, regardless of their view on music, and they would be blessed by the content.
The Gettys really do lobby and attempt to persuade their reader of the importance of the singing congregation. Not the soloist...not the duet...not the quartet or the music special on stage. An although they address choirs, this book is not about any type of music being "performed" on the platform of a church or any other venue. It really is about the singing of the congregation. In matter of fact, they ask this question (a question I have not ever been asked or seen asked in a book), "How did the congregation sing?" This question really made me stop & think. Just because I, as a pastor and someone who is passionate about singing, love to sing and sing heartily unto the Lord, doesn't mean that our congregation does.
A few things I love about the book - 1) the book is full of Scriptural admonitions regarding singing along with a focus on the gospel, 2) the book gently reminds the reader that for the sake of the gospel and the sake of others, there are times we have to sacrifice our preferences when it comes to musical styles for the sake of others and the church. This last point is a much needed one in the Bible-believing community that I have been a part of much of my life. 3) The book is a short one. Clocking in at a mere 146 pages, it will give hope to the most novice reader among us to be able to read it in good time.
The chapters are as follows:
Chapter 1: Created to Sing!
Chapter 2: Commanded to Sing!
Chapter 3: Compelled to Sing!
Chapter 4: Sing! with Heart and Mind
Chapter 5: Sing! with Your Family
Chapter 6: Sing! with the Local Church
Chapter 7: The Radical Witness When Congregations Sing!
Postlude: Will You Sing?
The practical "Bonus Tracks" at the end of the book are worth the price of the book for anyone involved in the music of their church (pastors should be involved in the music and these last few "tracks" are quite helpful).
I love the section in the first chapter that answers the oft-asked question, "What if I can't sing?" It is an excuse I often hear from fellow Christians that have no heart for singing. The Gettys answer this in several ways. Here are a few snippets from this section:
"If you can speak, you can physically sing."
"God's far less concerned with your tunefulness than your integrity. Christian singing begins with the heart, not on the lips (Eph. 5:19)."
At the end of the first chapter entitled "Created to Sing!" the Gettys give some good instruction:
"Don't sing primarily because you love singing, or keep quiet because you do not. Sing because you love who made you, and formed you, and enables you to sing."
The following are some of my favorite sections/quotes from the remainder of the book:
"Christian singing is far more than doing our duty, but it is never less."
"It is hard - impossible, in fact - to sing what you are excited about in your spirit and grateful in your heart in a way that is tepid, tentative, and withdrawn. Deeply felt thankfulness produces a sound from our voices that is robust and enthusiastic."
"So as we obey the command to sing, we are (or should be) unleashing a congregational sound of conviction - whether there are a dozen of us or thousands of us. If we aren't, our children or visitors looking on have every right to wonder if what we are singing is truly important to us. In this sense, our singing betrays the truth about us, for better or for worse."
"Sing to yourself what you sang on Sunday, for what you sing shapes your heart, your mind, your soul."
"The church should be a feasting place for singable songs, and the appetite for it is nurtured at home."
"Singing the gospel changes hearts, and singing the gospel prepares hearts."
"At the heart of encouraging your kids to sing is having a heart for singing the songs yourself."
"We have noticed many times that when parents, and particularly fathers, do not sing, it often leads to older kids inheriting similar tepid responses that sadly often go far beyond just the singing. Be a parent who sings with joy, and pray that your kids, of whatever age, would follow you - not just in the singing, but in the faith that brings such joy."
"We believe that singing is transformative."
"The church is (and has been throughout history) an incredible breeding ground for musical training and expression."
"Inspire your kids with different instruments, sounds, and languages, and by speaking positively about all these things yourself."
"Don't view singing with church as an opportunity to sing in a way that sounds like the culture you live in, or like a past era you wish you lived in - come to sing to lend your voice to the timeless, boundless sound of the congregational voice singing to the One who is eternally worthy of our praise."
"Not all singing churches are healthy churches, but all healthy churches are singing churches."
"The sight & sound of a congregation singing praise to God together is a radical witness in a culture that rejects God and embraces individualism."
"Your singing is always a witness. The question is: Is it a good witness or not?"
From the introduction, the book had my attention. Although I absolutely love to sing (and usually loud), it is apparent in speaking with others and watching others, that singing for many Christians is something they just get through. Here is what the Gettys said in the intro, "The New Testament implies that our singing is important. It's been said that Christians are a singing people - but often, many of us are really more of a mouthing-along-with-the-words kind of people." I totally agree.
When reading books on music in the Christian world, I have found that music can generally be a lightning rod! However, this book is far from that. I believe I could hand a copy of this to nearly any Christian, regardless of their view on music, and they would be blessed by the content.
The Gettys really do lobby and attempt to persuade their reader of the importance of the singing congregation. Not the soloist...not the duet...not the quartet or the music special on stage. An although they address choirs, this book is not about any type of music being "performed" on the platform of a church or any other venue. It really is about the singing of the congregation. In matter of fact, they ask this question (a question I have not ever been asked or seen asked in a book), "How did the congregation sing?" This question really made me stop & think. Just because I, as a pastor and someone who is passionate about singing, love to sing and sing heartily unto the Lord, doesn't mean that our congregation does.
A few things I love about the book - 1) the book is full of Scriptural admonitions regarding singing along with a focus on the gospel, 2) the book gently reminds the reader that for the sake of the gospel and the sake of others, there are times we have to sacrifice our preferences when it comes to musical styles for the sake of others and the church. This last point is a much needed one in the Bible-believing community that I have been a part of much of my life. 3) The book is a short one. Clocking in at a mere 146 pages, it will give hope to the most novice reader among us to be able to read it in good time.
The chapters are as follows:
Chapter 1: Created to Sing!
Chapter 2: Commanded to Sing!
Chapter 3: Compelled to Sing!
Chapter 4: Sing! with Heart and Mind
Chapter 5: Sing! with Your Family
Chapter 6: Sing! with the Local Church
Chapter 7: The Radical Witness When Congregations Sing!
Postlude: Will You Sing?
The practical "Bonus Tracks" at the end of the book are worth the price of the book for anyone involved in the music of their church (pastors should be involved in the music and these last few "tracks" are quite helpful).
I love the section in the first chapter that answers the oft-asked question, "What if I can't sing?" It is an excuse I often hear from fellow Christians that have no heart for singing. The Gettys answer this in several ways. Here are a few snippets from this section:
"If you can speak, you can physically sing."
"God's far less concerned with your tunefulness than your integrity. Christian singing begins with the heart, not on the lips (Eph. 5:19)."
At the end of the first chapter entitled "Created to Sing!" the Gettys give some good instruction:
"Don't sing primarily because you love singing, or keep quiet because you do not. Sing because you love who made you, and formed you, and enables you to sing."
The following are some of my favorite sections/quotes from the remainder of the book:
"Christian singing is far more than doing our duty, but it is never less."
"It is hard - impossible, in fact - to sing what you are excited about in your spirit and grateful in your heart in a way that is tepid, tentative, and withdrawn. Deeply felt thankfulness produces a sound from our voices that is robust and enthusiastic."
"So as we obey the command to sing, we are (or should be) unleashing a congregational sound of conviction - whether there are a dozen of us or thousands of us. If we aren't, our children or visitors looking on have every right to wonder if what we are singing is truly important to us. In this sense, our singing betrays the truth about us, for better or for worse."
"Sing to yourself what you sang on Sunday, for what you sing shapes your heart, your mind, your soul."
"The church should be a feasting place for singable songs, and the appetite for it is nurtured at home."
"Singing the gospel changes hearts, and singing the gospel prepares hearts."
"At the heart of encouraging your kids to sing is having a heart for singing the songs yourself."
"We have noticed many times that when parents, and particularly fathers, do not sing, it often leads to older kids inheriting similar tepid responses that sadly often go far beyond just the singing. Be a parent who sings with joy, and pray that your kids, of whatever age, would follow you - not just in the singing, but in the faith that brings such joy."
"We believe that singing is transformative."
"The church is (and has been throughout history) an incredible breeding ground for musical training and expression."
"Inspire your kids with different instruments, sounds, and languages, and by speaking positively about all these things yourself."
"Don't view singing with church as an opportunity to sing in a way that sounds like the culture you live in, or like a past era you wish you lived in - come to sing to lend your voice to the timeless, boundless sound of the congregational voice singing to the One who is eternally worthy of our praise."
"Not all singing churches are healthy churches, but all healthy churches are singing churches."
"The sight & sound of a congregation singing praise to God together is a radical witness in a culture that rejects God and embraces individualism."
"Your singing is always a witness. The question is: Is it a good witness or not?"
February 20, 2025
Phenomenal.
The book abounds in practical suggests for singing as individuals, as families, as small groups, and as churches. Worth reading by pastors and congregants alike!
While they could have spoken about more about the actual singing of Psalms (as compared to utilizing the Psalms as a framework for the content churches should aspire to sing), the book in general resonated with my heart for the church I pastor. We were made to sing, and the health of our churches, in large part, can be measured by congregational singing.
The book abounds in practical suggests for singing as individuals, as families, as small groups, and as churches. Worth reading by pastors and congregants alike!
While they could have spoken about more about the actual singing of Psalms (as compared to utilizing the Psalms as a framework for the content churches should aspire to sing), the book in general resonated with my heart for the church I pastor. We were made to sing, and the health of our churches, in large part, can be measured by congregational singing.
October 21, 2018
Beautiful theological insight into congregational singing. It’s a short read but impactful. I already had the utmost respect for the Getty’s. This book is simply fantastic.
June 14, 2018
So good. Can’t wait to release this in French.
September 15, 2017
My new favorite book on singing for laypeople and worship teams. It currently has a spot on my Fav5 for 2017 list. This book and Doxology & Theology stand heads and shoulders above all others.
What I love is the narrow focus: congregational singing. Not worship. Most books on worship go into a “worship is all of life” thing (which is true but unfocused). This book is short and sweet and wins the discussion on what should be the loudest thing in church: the people’s singing voices.
Btw, the authors narrate the audiobook I listened to, though she reads the book and he reads the bonus materials at the end. Hearing Irish narration was a joy.
If I had the money I would buy a copy of this book for every family in my church. It’s that good and worth it.
What I love is the narrow focus: congregational singing. Not worship. Most books on worship go into a “worship is all of life” thing (which is true but unfocused). This book is short and sweet and wins the discussion on what should be the loudest thing in church: the people’s singing voices.
Btw, the authors narrate the audiobook I listened to, though she reads the book and he reads the bonus materials at the end. Hearing Irish narration was a joy.
If I had the money I would buy a copy of this book for every family in my church. It’s that good and worth it.
August 1, 2018
This is the shortest book on worship I have read and yet I believe it to be the most impactful book on worship I have read. The Getty’s make great points and they make them strikingly direct, convincingly, and concisely. I would recommend this book for literally everyone. Seriously, if you don’t have it, go get it and read it. You could easily read it in a day if you intended to. Loved it and will always reference it and read through it again and again. Would be a good book study as a group or as a church as well. Go get it!
July 9, 2024
Great book on the importance singing in corporate, family, and personal worship. I'll be honest, until very recently in my faith I was one of those Christians who proudly attested to loving the preaching of God's word but not being "into" singing or corporate worship. It wasn't until the Lord brought me through a dark season of life that I suddenly grew a love for singing (despite having a voice that the Getty's would describe as being "confessional" whilst nowhere near "professional").
The Getty's basic thesis in the second chapter is that just like other spiritual disciplines like prayer and the reading of scripture, we are "commanded to sing" (Psalm 149:1). In fact, they write that there are "more than four hundred references to singing in the Bible and at least fifty direct commands." Hence, it ought to be joyously cultivated like any other spiritual discipline. Another compelling point was what the Getty's considered to be the #1 question that every church should ask themselves regarding corporate worship: "How is my congregation singing?" (what a contrast to the typical questions of music type, style, etc). The Getty's assert that how a congregation sings is a key measurement of the overall health of the church.
Finally, they offer some very practical advice or "bonus tracks" to pastors, worships leaders, and songwriters in the appendixes.
Here are a few of my favorite quotes:
"He's far less concerned with your tunefulness than your integrity. Christian singing begins with the heart, not on the lips (Eph 5:19)."
"Our singing is not like prayer - it is prayer. And the great sixth-century church father St. Augustine is reputed to have said that we pray twice when we sing."
"Our children or visitors looking on have every right to wonder if what we are singing is truly important to us. Our singing betrays the truth about us, for better and for worse."
"As He walked toward His arrest, Jesus sang. In the depths and heights of His passion, Jesus sang. Imagining the Lord singing with His followers a few short hours before the agony of the cross is an incredible and humbling thought. Even as He approached the darkest hour, our Savior was singing and leading these men in singing. Even on the cross itself, He famously quoted from a song, a psalm..."
CS Lewis - "I think we delight to praise what we enjoy because the praise not merely expresses but completes the enjoyment; it is its appointed consummation."
"The medieval church made the error of treating the Lord's Supper as something for the congregation to watch as the professionals at the front participated. Might we not be in danger of doing the same with our music today?"
The Getty's basic thesis in the second chapter is that just like other spiritual disciplines like prayer and the reading of scripture, we are "commanded to sing" (Psalm 149:1). In fact, they write that there are "more than four hundred references to singing in the Bible and at least fifty direct commands." Hence, it ought to be joyously cultivated like any other spiritual discipline. Another compelling point was what the Getty's considered to be the #1 question that every church should ask themselves regarding corporate worship: "How is my congregation singing?" (what a contrast to the typical questions of music type, style, etc). The Getty's assert that how a congregation sings is a key measurement of the overall health of the church.
Finally, they offer some very practical advice or "bonus tracks" to pastors, worships leaders, and songwriters in the appendixes.
Here are a few of my favorite quotes:
"He's far less concerned with your tunefulness than your integrity. Christian singing begins with the heart, not on the lips (Eph 5:19)."
"Our singing is not like prayer - it is prayer. And the great sixth-century church father St. Augustine is reputed to have said that we pray twice when we sing."
"Our children or visitors looking on have every right to wonder if what we are singing is truly important to us. Our singing betrays the truth about us, for better and for worse."
"As He walked toward His arrest, Jesus sang. In the depths and heights of His passion, Jesus sang. Imagining the Lord singing with His followers a few short hours before the agony of the cross is an incredible and humbling thought. Even as He approached the darkest hour, our Savior was singing and leading these men in singing. Even on the cross itself, He famously quoted from a song, a psalm..."
CS Lewis - "I think we delight to praise what we enjoy because the praise not merely expresses but completes the enjoyment; it is its appointed consummation."
"The medieval church made the error of treating the Lord's Supper as something for the congregation to watch as the professionals at the front participated. Might we not be in danger of doing the same with our music today?"
June 18, 2020
Sing! How Worship Transformed Your Life, Family and Church by Keith and Kristyn Getty
Our homegroup meet weekly. We choose and went through this book, chapter by chapter, stopping at chapter 7. I went on to read the next chapter 'Postlude: Will You Sing?', which I thought was the best chapter. I also thumbed through additional chapters, called 'Bonus Tracks'. There were bonus tracks for Pastors, Worship Leaders, musician and song writers (the creatives).
When the book was introduced to us for study, I was very reluctant, like one other person in the group. I been to churches with 'standard', habitual singing, and churches where the Spirit was present during the service, including the worship and singing. My pastor from one of the churches I attended would sing from the pulpit, facing the congregation, eyes tightly shut. It broke his heart to see people in the congregation not singing! This book explores the need and importance for congregational singing.
Why would I be uncomfortable with this book on singing? My concern was that the book would reek of legalism, making claims that shouldn't be made, or twisting scripture. I AM very glad I was WRONG!
The book was excellent when it came to being used as a study by our group. Questions at the end of each chapter brought out different thoughts concerning what scripture said concerning singing. Being mindful of our worship time, purposeful, why singing was important to ourselves, the church and those in the congregation. There was a lot to be gleamed. Keith and Kristen Getty do practice what they preach. While I had not heard of them, a few at our church did. A couple of weeks ago, we installed a new pastor at our church. Different people offered congratulations, prayer and thanksgiving for our church, and our leadership, and there was Keith and Kristen, who sang a song Kristen wrote, offering praise to our holy God and describing the blessings of his (God's) love.
Don’t hesitate to pick this book up and read it. We are always striving to glorify God with our lives, and this book offers dozens of steps towards that goal. The book would remind us of what we should already know, and how singing is what is needed for the proper Glorification of God.
Oh my, I bought this book and owe no one a review except to glorify God by pointing to Him in everything I do.
Our homegroup meet weekly. We choose and went through this book, chapter by chapter, stopping at chapter 7. I went on to read the next chapter 'Postlude: Will You Sing?', which I thought was the best chapter. I also thumbed through additional chapters, called 'Bonus Tracks'. There were bonus tracks for Pastors, Worship Leaders, musician and song writers (the creatives).
When the book was introduced to us for study, I was very reluctant, like one other person in the group. I been to churches with 'standard', habitual singing, and churches where the Spirit was present during the service, including the worship and singing. My pastor from one of the churches I attended would sing from the pulpit, facing the congregation, eyes tightly shut. It broke his heart to see people in the congregation not singing! This book explores the need and importance for congregational singing.
Why would I be uncomfortable with this book on singing? My concern was that the book would reek of legalism, making claims that shouldn't be made, or twisting scripture. I AM very glad I was WRONG!
The book was excellent when it came to being used as a study by our group. Questions at the end of each chapter brought out different thoughts concerning what scripture said concerning singing. Being mindful of our worship time, purposeful, why singing was important to ourselves, the church and those in the congregation. There was a lot to be gleamed. Keith and Kristen Getty do practice what they preach. While I had not heard of them, a few at our church did. A couple of weeks ago, we installed a new pastor at our church. Different people offered congratulations, prayer and thanksgiving for our church, and our leadership, and there was Keith and Kristen, who sang a song Kristen wrote, offering praise to our holy God and describing the blessings of his (God's) love.
Don’t hesitate to pick this book up and read it. We are always striving to glorify God with our lives, and this book offers dozens of steps towards that goal. The book would remind us of what we should already know, and how singing is what is needed for the proper Glorification of God.
Oh my, I bought this book and owe no one a review except to glorify God by pointing to Him in everything I do.
July 3, 2024
"We are a singing people because it is how God has created us to be. It's what we do. And when we do, we're simply joining in with what the rest of creation is doing."
This book gave me both a deeper appreciation for singing praise and a stronger desire to write songs of praise. I appreciated all the different angles they view singing from (congregation, worship leader, band members, senior pastor etc.) and that they leave no room for those who don't sing well to not sing at all lol. You may not like your voice, but God loves it and your church needs it.
I also really liked the call to sing with your children and teach them good songs, and if God should ever bless me with a family of my own it's a habit I hope to implement.
But I think one thing I appreciated most from this book was the call to sing doctrinally rich songs and skip the shallow, overly repetitive songs. The threat of shallow songs made me reluctant to attend church for awhile, so I definitely resonate with their exhortation here and am encouraged that our church follows many of the suggestions laid out in this book (it's almost as if our worship leader has read this book or something lol).
Highly recommend!
This book gave me both a deeper appreciation for singing praise and a stronger desire to write songs of praise. I appreciated all the different angles they view singing from (congregation, worship leader, band members, senior pastor etc.) and that they leave no room for those who don't sing well to not sing at all lol. You may not like your voice, but God loves it and your church needs it.
I also really liked the call to sing with your children and teach them good songs, and if God should ever bless me with a family of my own it's a habit I hope to implement.
But I think one thing I appreciated most from this book was the call to sing doctrinally rich songs and skip the shallow, overly repetitive songs. The threat of shallow songs made me reluctant to attend church for awhile, so I definitely resonate with their exhortation here and am encouraged that our church follows many of the suggestions laid out in this book (it's almost as if our worship leader has read this book or something lol).
Highly recommend!
January 23, 2024
Wow, I absolutely loved this well thought out and helpful book on the importance of singing in the life of the believer and the family of God. I have been apart of churches where you could here the congregation sing from the street and congregations where you can’t hear anyone around you singing. My most cherished church experiences were loudly proclaiming Christ along side the family of God and this book put to words for me as to why that is. If you are a part of the music ministry in your church in any capacity, this book is a must read!
January 30, 2025
Such a great book for the ordinary people of the church to help us think through why we sing, what we sing, and how we should sing. For those responsible for helping lead music at your church (pastors and elders, worship and song leaders, musicians and production teams, songwriters and creatives) do not skip over the bonus tracks at the end.
July 25, 2025
This book is a must-read for any church congregant, but it is especially helpful for those involved in leading or supporting worship in any role.
The Gettys are humble in their writing and are very clear that they are coming from a specific background and context, and they are unashamedly pushing the gospel to the forefront of each of their chapters. They write, "The gospel is the church's central lyrical distinctive. We should not be shy about it."
I appreciated the chapters at the end that are designed for worship leaders, musicians, and production teams, especially this reminder of what to ask when we review the songs that are sung on Sundays: "Did the congregation sing well? Was the Word proclaimed? Was it honoring to the Lord?"
The Gettys are humble in their writing and are very clear that they are coming from a specific background and context, and they are unashamedly pushing the gospel to the forefront of each of their chapters. They write, "The gospel is the church's central lyrical distinctive. We should not be shy about it."
I appreciated the chapters at the end that are designed for worship leaders, musicians, and production teams, especially this reminder of what to ask when we review the songs that are sung on Sundays: "Did the congregation sing well? Was the Word proclaimed? Was it honoring to the Lord?"
October 25, 2024
Read to discuss with our worship team and for professional development as director. The audiobook read by Kristyn Getty is delightful. It’s quick, practical, & insightful & posed great discussion questions.
February 27, 2020
“God is the ultimate musician. His music transforms your life. The notes of redemption rearrange your heart and restore your life. His songs of forgiveness, grace, reconciliation, truth, hope, sovereignty, and love give you back your humility and restore your identity.” Paul Tripp
March 1, 2020
For anyone who Sings: pastor or church member
Always love the Gettys! We have a reason to worship our great God and sing we must. The words and the musicality both serve a purpose
Always love the Gettys! We have a reason to worship our great God and sing we must. The words and the musicality both serve a purpose
November 14, 2021
Really helpful walk through of why and how we should sing when we gather as churches. It is very easy to read and is suitable for any member of the congregation. The practical chapters at the back were particularly valuable.
March 22, 2023
A great book on the importance of congregational singing.
The discussion questions at the end of each chapter were wonderful for personal reflection.
I recommend listening to this on audio so you can hear Kristyn sing!
The discussion questions at the end of each chapter were wonderful for personal reflection.
I recommend listening to this on audio so you can hear Kristyn sing!
March 6, 2023
What a wonderful resource! I assumed that "Sing!" would be a good and enjoyable read, but I was not prepared for the rich encouragement found in every chapter. Keith and Kristyn share the theology of worship, the nature of music and singing, and how singing is meant to unite our hearts together in praise to the Lord. I was freshly challenged to view the ministry of worship in a more magnificent and Biblical way. I also recommend listening to the audiobook, so you can hear the Getty's sing as they narrate the book.
Just a handful of my favorite quotes:
"We are a singing people because it is how God created us. It's what we do; and when we do, we're simply joining in with what the rest of creation is doing."
"To sing is written into our human DNA. It is part of God's design."
"Your ability to sing is fearfully and wonderfully made. Around the 12-week mark, the vocal cords of a baby growing in the womb are in place, and have been shown to work long before the baby is born. We may sound different, but each of us has the same vocal apparatus - you, us, Bono, Paverati, Sinatra - breath flowing up from our lungs. By breathing through vocal cords in our throat and pushing sound out through the articulators of our mouths, tongues and lips, singing is not merely a happy byproduct of God's real intent of making us creatures who can speak. It is something we are designed to be able to do."
"God designed our psyche for singing. When singing praise to God, so much more than just the vocal box is engaged. God has created our minds to judge pitch and lyric; to think through the concepts we sing; to engage the intellect, imagination, and memory; and to remember what is set to a tune... God has formed our hearts to be moved with depth of feeling and a whole range of emotion as the melody-carried truths of who God is and whose we are sink in.”
"Our singing should sound like Him, look like Him, and lead our hearts to Him."
"(God) is far less concerned with your tunefulness than your integrity."
“Your voice may not be of professional standard, but it is of confessional standard.”
Just a handful of my favorite quotes:
"We are a singing people because it is how God created us. It's what we do; and when we do, we're simply joining in with what the rest of creation is doing."
"To sing is written into our human DNA. It is part of God's design."
"Your ability to sing is fearfully and wonderfully made. Around the 12-week mark, the vocal cords of a baby growing in the womb are in place, and have been shown to work long before the baby is born. We may sound different, but each of us has the same vocal apparatus - you, us, Bono, Paverati, Sinatra - breath flowing up from our lungs. By breathing through vocal cords in our throat and pushing sound out through the articulators of our mouths, tongues and lips, singing is not merely a happy byproduct of God's real intent of making us creatures who can speak. It is something we are designed to be able to do."
"God designed our psyche for singing. When singing praise to God, so much more than just the vocal box is engaged. God has created our minds to judge pitch and lyric; to think through the concepts we sing; to engage the intellect, imagination, and memory; and to remember what is set to a tune... God has formed our hearts to be moved with depth of feeling and a whole range of emotion as the melody-carried truths of who God is and whose we are sink in.”
"Our singing should sound like Him, look like Him, and lead our hearts to Him."
"(God) is far less concerned with your tunefulness than your integrity."
“Your voice may not be of professional standard, but it is of confessional standard.”
May 23, 2019
Filled with many good reminders on why congregational singing is important. The first part is more theological, the second part more practical - but all of it is good.
February 1, 2022
This was really repetitive and could have made the same point just as well as a magazine article. I feel like I had gotten the point well after the second chapter.
June 1, 2023
Reread with students. Still a wonderful, concise read on the rationale for singing!
February 1, 2018
Several months ago, to my utter surprise and delight, Keith and Kristyn Getty came and did a performance in our small Ozarks town, and I got to hear Keith speak at an afternoon event for pastors and worship leaders. Having learned from that experience what a way with words he has, I wasn't surprised that his and Kristyn's first book likewise held my attention from start to finish. I pretty much agree 100% with his position on the importance of congregational singing, especially vs. the worship band/spectator audience model that seems to have evolved in many Western churches. It really excites me that I may get to see a resurgence of singing in the church in my lifetime, supported by the contributions of Christ-centered creatives like the Gettys. (And, I should probably add as a full disclosure, In Christ Alone is pretty much my favorite song of all time!)
March 12, 2018
A very simple, accessible reminder of the importance of congregational singing and its benefits . Really everyone should read it. The authors write with fresh perspective the beauty of an old tradition that is truly precious and crucially vital. I found myself singing even more than usual(which is a lot) on purpose to soothe, rebuke, coax and encourage myself. And I was aware—that’s the thing about music. So
Often we are unaware of its charms. This book very simply tells us what we know inside but don’t think about purposefully—singing is required, commanded, and encouraged for so many reasons. Of course someone like me felt these ideas intrinsic to my way of life, but i benefitted from looking at the meta-concepts and the questions we should ask surrounding our singing. Wanted even more in-depth material, but they hinted that was on the way in another book.
Often we are unaware of its charms. This book very simply tells us what we know inside but don’t think about purposefully—singing is required, commanded, and encouraged for so many reasons. Of course someone like me felt these ideas intrinsic to my way of life, but i benefitted from looking at the meta-concepts and the questions we should ask surrounding our singing. Wanted even more in-depth material, but they hinted that was on the way in another book.
February 16, 2023
This book gave me a new perspective on singing in worship and challenged me. It is Biblically sound and inspiring. Chapters 1-3 explain we were created to sing, commanded to and the compel people have to sing. These make up the main points. It's a short read but the book ends up seeming slightly repetitive towards the end. The other "complaint" I would say I have was it almost seemed to elevate singing as higher than it should be. The Authors quote a lot of beautiful hymns and encourage the reader to incorporate singing as part of everyday life. The "Bonus Tracks" section has helpful tips for leaders and musicians in the pose of questions. All in all, I would recommend.
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