John Hallett U

Continuing in

John Hallett: From A to Z

U= Up with Gospel Songs and Hymns

When John Hallett spoke in seminars and conferences, his subject matter included such things as conducting and arranging, to the leadership and music ministry. In whatever he did, John always wanted to exalt Jesus Christ. His life and ministry were not about performance for performance’ sake. This you will be evident in the following un-dated article: Up with Gospel Songs and Hymns. (click on image to enlarge)

Today, I have put in an article in his own typing with all of the added handwritten notes, underlining for emphasis, including one great note on p. 4 that says “repeat.” I guess he wanted to emphasize that point!

These notes are John’s originals, scotch-taped to pages he put in his notebook. By this time the scotch-tape has lost its adhesive and yellowed the pages, but you are able to read the thoughts of a man who lived in an era of change (most likely the 1970s). So, “change” is nothing peculiar to 2009.

To read the whole article, click on the image of the page you want to read and it will be enlarged.

Here is the major portion of the text.

(page 1) “In this ‘anti’ generation, it is popular to protest, march and raise the banner against numerous issues of the day. This action has pervaded our churches and its ministry in general. Lone time is spent in dialogue, condemning and criticizing the church and its many facets of ministry. The Church of God must be a divine institution to have remained to this present day. No business or organization could have withstood such a beating. Of course, Where Christ has been the foundation and Chief Cornerstone, the church as flourished and carried out its Divine task. The Church that has failed in this mission has noticeably lost the power and the blessing of God…."

At the end of page 1 John asks:

“Why have many churches omitted Gospel singing from their services?” Church musicians (page 2) admit they are not challenged musically and Gospel songs do not afford them opportunity to demonstrate their ability.” Then, John wrote in the sentence: “Should this be our purpose?” “When we perform Gospel music, we witness to our fellowman; we “sing the Good News”. These are often called ‘heart songs’ for they are (he later added handwritten numbers)

1. born in the heart of an author and composer redeemed by God’s grace
2. living in, and sung from the heart of the regenerated performer
3. to the heart of saved and unsaved alike.

“gospel songs differ in style and form. You tell of your conversion much differently than another Christian would witness of His experience. And thus, Gospel musicians have found new and varied mediums of presenting the Gospel story, but all with the sold purpose of witnessing to others of the Redeeming Christ. We have been called to witness. God’s Word says, “Ye are my witnesses” “Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel, etc.” [Then in his own handwriting John adds] “God has called me to preach the gospel through gospel songs.”

“From the very beginning of the founding of Gospel songs, a battle has been waged to discredit this God-given ministry. The controversy was heated in Moody’s ministry concerning the use of this “unfit music of the lower working class.” So the slandering dialogue, debates, and lecturing still goes on today over the use of Gospel songs in our churches. True, not all songs are proper in text and music, but then is it right that we should do away with all Gospel songs, because of the weak few? Not all oratorios, (page 3) cantatas, and so called ‘serious music’ is the epitome of integrity. [handwritten] But we do not discredit all because of a few.

“It would be time well spent in learning the correct use of Gospel music rather than debating and criticizing its very existence.”

Later on in page 3 he moves to the future:

“Now as to its future. In this wonderful and exciting jet age where everybody and everything is on the “move” we are not at all surprised at the change, innovations and new forms of Gospel music presentations. That which is good will remain and will continue to be blessed by God. That which is lacking in sound theology and is musically weak, will meet with little success. In this century we have found numerous new mediums of presenting Christ and witnessing to our fellowman. Where the music and message of our songs are truthfully wedded together in a Christ exalting manner and “He” becomes (page 4) center and circumference of our Gospel presentation, we will see the blessing of God. There are many new forms of presenting our Lord in Song:”

“…Not everything performed in the name of the Church or Cross should be condoned. But we should have an open, sincere and understanding mind and hear, and a sympathetic ear tuned heavenward to His voice and leading. Gospel music degenerates into a purposeless, aimless act when it entertains rather than exalts.

Instead of opposing and criticizing, why not ask God where you might be used to witness to others in this rewarding Gospel Music ministry.

We need to pray much over all our music, for it is an offering to God and an admonition to the people, “Let the Word of God dwell in your 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.” Col. 3:16

Two concluding questions:

1. May I ask sincerely, if each time we present a Gospel song that we are filled with the Holy Spirit and are spiritually as well as musically prepared for our present to God and His People. We are to be “Filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” Ephesians 5:18 & 19.

2. Secondly, Is the purpose of my Gospel song presentation to reflect Christ and His power; and to do “all to the glory of God?” “Whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God” I Corinthians 10:31