News
When Evangelical Journalists Sang a Cappella, Something Unexpected Happened
Faith Facts
- Christian journalists from various evangelical denominations united in a cappella worship at the Evangelical Press Association conference in Franklin, Tennessee
- Songwriters Keith and Kristyn Getty, co-writers of “In Christ Alone,” led the group in singing the classic hymn “Holy, Holy, Holy” without instrumental accompaniment
- Getty advocates for churches to sing three traditional hymns for every modern song, emphasizing that great hymns provide lasting spiritual gifts across generations
FRANKLIN, TENN. — When journalists gather for a professional conference, you expect panel discussions, networking, and perhaps a keynote speaker. But an impromptu a cappella worship service? That’s something altogether different.
Yet that’s exactly what happened at this year’s Evangelical Press Association conference in the Nashville suburb of Franklin, where representatives from Baptist, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, and other evangelical publications found themselves united in unaccompanied song.
Three representatives from The Christian Chronicle attended the conference—a testament to how the publication has grown in recent years. Managing editor Calvin Cockrell traveled from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, while intern Ephraim Rodenbach came from nearby Murfreesboro, where he studies at Middle Tennessee State University.
The conference opened with contemporary Christian music. Singer-songwriter Jason Gray performed several pieces, including a timely song about navigating today’s culture wars titled “Jesus Loves You (And I’m Trying).”
But the evening session brought an unexpected turn. Keith and Kristyn Getty, the Northern Ireland songwriting duo who collaborated with Stuart Townend to create “In Christ Alone,” were scheduled to present their latest project—”The Sing! Hymnal,” a comprehensive collection of 900 worship songs spanning centuries of Christian tradition.
Rather than a typical presentation, Keith Getty asked the room to turn to hymn number four: “Holy, Holy, Holy.” The song, penned in 1826 by Reginald Heber, represents what Getty called “the perfect hymn” in terms of lyrics, structure, and theological balance.
Then came Getty’s surprising request.
“And can we do this a cappella?”
The room—filled with representatives from denominations spanning the evangelical spectrum—answered with enthusiastic agreement. What followed was a moment of profound unity as voices blended without instrumental accompaniment, creating what participants described as an absolutely heavenly sound.
Getty’s impromptu lesson extended beyond that single hymn. He shared his conviction that churches should maintain a three-to-one ratio of traditional to contemporary hymns in worship.
“The great hymns are a 50-year gift to people, whereas a modern hymn is a five-year gift,” Getty explained.
His wife Kristyn added that newer hymns tend to be “more transient” in their impact and staying power.
Getty illustrated his point with hymn number 434, “Be Thou My Vision.” Based on a 10th-century Irish poem and adapted into hymn form in the early 1900s by Mary Elizabeth Byrne and Eleanor Hull, the song takes believers through life’s journey—from seeking purpose and wisdom in youth, through the temptations of middle life, to the hope of eternal rest.
Getty emphasized the creative and formative power of sacred lyrics.
“God created with words, and words have creative power. They can speak new realities into existence,” he said.
Good hymns, he explained, communicate “truth beyond the scratches on the paper.”
The rest of the conference addressed contemporary challenges facing Christian media—artificial intelligence, covering controversial topics, and bridging generational divides. But it was the opening session’s emphasis on timeless truths expressed through traditional hymnody that set the tone.
Throughout the conference, attendees found themselves humming melodies—some by the Gettys, some by Jason Gray, and some by songwriters who lived centuries ago. These songs, both ancient and modern, served as a constant reminder of the eternal truths that unite Christians across denominational lines.
In an era of rapid cultural change and church division, the spontaneous a cappella moment demonstrated something powerful: when believers focus on the unchanging character of God expressed in timeless worship, unity becomes natural. The journalists present may have represented different traditions and publications, but they shared one voice in praise.
That’s the enduring gift of great hymns—they remind us who we are as children of God, transcending the temporary divisions that too often separate us.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Faith Facts
- Over three million homes across battleground states have received visits from pro-life volunteers seeking to inform voters about abortion policy.
- Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America is mobilizing grassroots supporters to protect unborn life at both state and federal levels.
- Faith-driven activism is shaping the midterm conversation on protecting the sanctity of human life.
Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America has announced that its volunteers have completed more than three million home visits in key battleground states. The effort comes as voters prepare to cast ballots that could determine the direction of abortion policy nationwide.
These visits are part of a broader push to engage citizens directly on the sanctity of life. Organizers say the conversations are centered on protecting the unborn and restoring a culture that values every human life from conception.
“We are reaching voters where they live because the lives of unborn children depend on it,”
Local volunteers have reported strong interest from families who are grateful for the information and encouragement. Many households have expressed concern over recent court rulings and legislative efforts that continue to threaten the unborn.
The organization believes that personal, face-to-face outreach remains one of the most effective ways to build lasting support for pro-life policies. As the midterms approach, these efforts are intensifying in states where abortion-related measures may appear on ballots.
“Every visit plants a seed of truth that can grow into a vote for life,”
With millions of homes already contacted, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America plans to expand its reach in the final weeks before Election Day. The group is urging Christians and others who value traditional family principles to stay engaged and vote their convictions.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Faith Facts
- Scripture teaches believers to submit to governing authorities as established by God for the good of society (Romans 13:1).
- Christian teaching calls for peaceful conduct and respect for lawful order even when disagreements arise.
- Faithful citizens are encouraged to pray for leaders and seek justice through orderly, lawful means.
Delhi Police detained the founder and two senior leaders of a youth protest movement aboard their plane Saturday, Oct. 10, as authorities shut dozens of metro stations, canceled more than 250 trains and deployed tens of thousands of officers to keep protesters away from the capital’s designated protest ground.
The decisive steps came amid a dispute over voter rolls that had prompted the group to call for large demonstrations in India’s capital.
By grounding flights, restricting rail travel and closing key transit points, officials signaled their determination to prevent disruptions in the heart of the nation.
Christian and conservative observers note that stable governance and the rule of law remain foundational to protecting families, communities and the freedoms that allow faith to flourish.
Supporters of the measures argue that safeguarding public safety and preventing unrest serve the common good.
Critics maintain the actions limit citizens’ ability to voice concerns over electoral integrity.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Faith Facts
- Grand Canyon University is a private Christian university in Phoenix, Arizona.
- The university is establishing a new law school that integrates legal training with a Christian worldview.
- Phoenix attorney James L. Williams has been named the founding dean of the law school.
Grand Canyon University is advancing plans to open a law school that will train future attorneys in both legal excellence and a biblical foundation. The Phoenix-based Christian institution announced the appointment of local attorney James L. Williams as the school’s first dean.
The decision reflects a growing desire among Christian families and leaders for legal education that upholds traditional values rather than progressive ideologies. Williams will guide the development of curriculum and faculty that prioritize truth, integrity, and religious liberty.
“The university is moving ahead with a law school that it says will combine legal training with a Christian worldview.”
Supporters see this as a timely response to cultural shifts in the legal profession, where many institutions have distanced themselves from biblical morality. GCU’s initiative aims to equip students to defend constitutional freedoms and religious rights in the courtroom.
“The university named Phoenix attorney James L. Williams as the school’s first dean, according to a press release from GCU on Oct. 8.”
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