Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs

Monday, May 03, 2010

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In two different passages of Scripture, the Apostle Paul admonishes believers to sing three distinct types of songs: psalms, hymns and spirituals songs.

"Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord."

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."

Let's take a closer look at each of these three diffent types of songs:

Psalm: a song taken from the book of Psalms in the Bible, or based directly on the words of Scripture

Examples:

Hymn: a song of praise typically addressed to God, meant to be sung by a congregation; often has no chorus/refrain; extols the virtues of God

Examples:

Spiritual Song: a more personal, emotional expression concerning a Christian's walk with God

Examples:

The singing in your church ought to have a good variety of the diffent types of songs. All are important in a well-rounded church music program.

Well Said
The definitions of those terms are very well stated. Thanks for creating such a needed source of great information on conservative Christian music in a day when it is so needed!
8/6/2010, by David Langham

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Curtis Hollembeak

Curtis holds a bachelor's degree in Bible with a music minor, as well as a master's degree in Sacred Music, having studied under Dr. Frank Garlock, president of Majesty Music, and Ray and Ann Gibbs, well-known Christian singers. He has served as music director and jr. high/high school supervisor at Grace Baptist Church of Mankato, Minnesota; school music director at the Franklin Road Christian School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee; media engineer for the Sword of the Lord in Murfreesboro, Tennessee; and, full-time music director at Second Baptist Church and Twin City Christian Academy in Festus, Missouri. He is currently self-employed and serves in the music ministry of the Berean Baptist Church in Rockford, IL. Curtis is co-founder and President of the Asaph Music Co. He regularly sings bass with the Bible Truth Chorale on recordings produced by Bible Truth Music at Faith Music Missions.