Date

5-20-2026

Department

School of Music

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Worship (PhD)

Chair

Lori Danielson

Keywords

hymn, music, traditional worship, blended worship, contemporary worship

Disciplines

Liturgy and Worship | Music

Abstract

This research set out to understand the past, present, and future value of hymnody in select Baptist churches in Texas. The research addresses the critical concerns in Baptist worship: the shift from traditional to contemporary music and the potential loss of theologically sound songs that have historically grounded the faith of believers. The primary purpose of this study is to discover the depth and breadth of hymn usage in worship and understand how hymnody is perceived to shape believers theological understanding and spiritual formation. This study was undertaken as a multi-site case study of five select churches, with five people interviewed through semi-structured interviews at each church. This study analyzes how future generations are being instructed on and impacted through the value of hymnody. Ultimately, this research provides an overall deeper understanding of the enduring power of hymnody and its lasting value for the modern Baptist church, and the church universal.

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