Book Review: Sing by Keith and Kristyn Getty

Keith and Kristyn Getty are a well known husband and wife duo that has led worship for many churches and conferences. They are also known for writing many worship songs that most churches sing today. There most famous song is "In Christ Alone", which has been featured a time or two on this blog.

The Getty's have put together a book that calls for the church to worship the Lord not just in the church, but also in life and family. The book is titled, Sing. One of the purposes of this book is to show the church the importance of singing. Many in the church do not like to sing not because they don't like the song, but that they don't have an eloquent singing voice or other various reasons. The Getty's write about the importance of singing because the church has been known as a singing people. If you read through the Bible, you will see various songs (most of them in the Psalms), where the people of God celebrated what the Lord has done. 1 Peter tells us we are God's special possession declaring his excellences of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.

The Getty's echo what the Lord said in Isaiah 43:7 that we are created to for God's glory. We are created to sing the praises of God. Not only that we are commanded to sing. Many time in the Bible, we see the people of God commanded to sing to the Lord. In the New Testament we are commanded to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, making music in our hearts to the Lord. We are also compelled to sing. When the Israelites crossed the Red Sea and saw what God did to deliver them from Egypt, they sang a song.

Christians are called to sing to and with one another, but we are also called to sing in everyday life. Hopefully, you attend a church that cares about the songs it sings because those truths can resonate in our hearts as the work week begins. The Getty's wrote the Psalms are the best tool for teaching us what to sing and how to apply the gospel in everyday life. The Getty's wrote about the importance of singing with your family. Whether it is with an instrument or not, families in the home can sing unto the Lord. We are called to sing with our brothers and sisters in the local church as the Bible clearly shows. The church not only sings to exhort one another, but show witness to the lost whether they are in the church building or out with us in the world. The church is a singing people.

The Getty's have four appendixes in the book called "Bonus Track" (sounds right for musicians) on how the church can encourage singing and lead worship. There is one for pastors and elders. Another on worship leaders and musicians along with a church choir. Finally, instructions for songwriters.

I have been a fan of the Getty's for a few years now. I have really enjoyed their music. So when I heard they were writing a book, I knew it was going to a good one and I was right. This is one of the best books on worship I have read. It not only deals with an individual Christian, but the church in general.

Thanks B&H Publishing for letting me review this book.