How Shall They Hear the Word of God Meaning, History, and Theology
"How shall they hear the word of God"
- Written
- 1976
- Category
- Hymn
- Tune
- Standard Tune
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Story
How Shall They Hear the Word of God is a modern hymn by Anglican priest Michael Arnold Perry based on the biblical message of Romans 10. The hymn reflects on the church's responsibility to proclaim the gospel so that others may hear and believe. Rooted in themes of mission and evangelism, it calls believers to participate in God's work of sharing the good news.
Overview
How Shall They Hear the Word of God is a mission focused hymn that reflects on the church's calling to proclaim the gospel. Written by Anglican priest and hymn writer Michael Perry, the text draws directly from the apostle Paul's teaching about the necessity of preaching the message of Christ.
The hymn presents a series of questions that challenge the church to consider its responsibility to share the good news. These questions echo the biblical call to witness and emphasize the importance of faithful proclamation.
Through its scriptural language and direct tone, the hymn encourages believers to see evangelism and mission as essential aspects of Christian discipleship.
Historical Background
Michael Arnold Perry wrote How Shall They Hear the Word of God during a period of renewed interest in mission and evangelism within many churches in the late twentieth century. Perry was closely associated with the Jubilate Group, an organization devoted to enriching congregational worship through new hymn texts and songs.
As a priest and editor, Perry believed that hymnody should connect biblical teaching with the practical mission of the church. His texts frequently address themes of proclamation discipleship and Christian witness.
The hymn reflects this vision by transforming the apostle Paul's rhetorical questions in Romans into a congregational prayer and call to action.
Biblical Foundations
The hymn is rooted primarily in Romans 10, where the apostle Paul describes the chain of proclamation that leads people to faith. According to Paul, people cannot believe unless they hear the message of Christ, and they cannot hear unless someone is sent to proclaim it.
This passage builds upon the broader biblical theme of mission. The prophets celebrated those who bring good news, and Jesus commissioned his disciples to proclaim the gospel to all nations.
The hymn echoes these scriptural themes by reminding believers that the message of salvation must be shared through faithful witness.
Verse Explanation
The opening stanza poses the central question drawn from Romans asking how people can hear the word of God unless someone proclaims it. This establishes the theme of mission.
Subsequent lines expand the question by emphasizing the need for messengers who carry the gospel into the world. The text highlights the chain of witness that connects believers across generations.
The hymn moves from questioning to affirmation as it encourages the church to respond faithfully to its calling.
The concluding stanza expresses confidence that God continues to work through those who proclaim the good news.
Theological Reflection
One central theme of the hymn is the responsibility of the church to proclaim the gospel. Faith does not arise in isolation but through the hearing of God's word.
Another theme is vocation. The hymn suggests that believers are called to participate in God's mission by sharing the message of Christ through word and action.
The text also emphasizes the communal nature of faith. The church serves as the body through which the gospel continues to be proclaimed in every generation.
Church Impact
How Shall They Hear the Word of God has been included in several modern hymnals that emphasize the missionary calling of the church. Its direct use of biblical language makes it particularly effective for teaching the theological basis of evangelism.
The hymn is often used in services that focus on mission outreach or the commissioning of ministers and missionaries.
Through its scriptural questions and clear message, the hymn continues to challenge congregations to participate in God's work of proclaiming the gospel.
Musical Notes
Because the hymn text is written in common meter, it can be paired with several traditional hymn tunes. This flexibility allows congregations to sing it using familiar melodies.
Common meter tunes provide a steady rhythmic structure that supports clear proclamation of the text's message.
When sung in worship, the hymn's strong poetic rhythm emphasizes the urgency and importance of sharing the gospel.
Application
- Recognize the importance of sharing the message of Christ with others.
- Support the mission of the church through prayer service and generosity.
- Reflect on personal opportunities to bear witness to faith.
- Encourage congregations to participate actively in global and local mission.
- Allow worship to renew commitment to proclaiming the gospel.
Discussion Questions
- What questions does the hymn raise about the responsibility of the church?
- How does Romans 10 shape the message of the hymn?
- What does it mean for believers to participate in God's mission?
- How can churches proclaim the gospel in contemporary society?
- What barriers might prevent people from hearing the message of Christ today?
Teaching Tips
- Read Romans 10 before introducing the hymn to highlight its biblical foundation.
- Discuss the meaning of Christian mission and evangelism.
- Encourage reflection on ways congregations share the gospel locally and globally.
- Use the hymn during services focused on mission or church outreach.
- Invite participants to consider personal callings to witness and service.
Sources
-
The Canterbury Dictionary of Hymnology
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Hymnary.org
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The Oxford Handbook of Hymnology
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Jubilate Group hymn resources
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The Dictionary of Hymnology by John Julian
Lyrics
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