Stories behind the hymns

Teachers

Clint Davison Preacher

Adam Clark Teacher

JM

John McCarthy

Dave Rich Teacher

ET

Eric Thompson

Dana Patterson Teacher

Lesson Summary

The class opened with prayer and a reflection on the congregation’s experience learning new songs since the pandemic, noting that 79 hymns have been added to the repertoire since 2015. The teacher then introduced the quarter’s theme—exploring the stories behind the hymns—by questioning why believers gather to sing and what purpose music serves in worship. Using 1 Corinthians 14:15 as a biblical foundation, he emphasized the need to sing both with the spirit and with understanding. He presented five reasons for singing, beginning with the concept that God Himself sings in Zechariah 3:14‑15, inviting believers to imitate Him. He traced the biblical tradition of song from the Psalms and Old Testament canticles through New Testament hymns, reinforcing that Scripture affirms singing as a central act of worship. Finally, he highlighted the personal and communal benefits of hymns, citing Proverbs 16:24, and set the stage for a series of lessons that would examine hymn composers’ lives and lyrical meanings, encouraging members to sing with informed reverence and joy.

Key Scriptures