We are convinced that the essential spiritual communication of a hymn is found mostly in its words. Consequently, we have emphasized the use of hymn texts that are understandable and acceptable to our generation, restating significant concepts in language which communicates effectively with those in and outside the church. We have also offered a number of hymns that appear as poems, and may be read in corporate, as well as in personal, worship. We believe that printing them without music, and with a new standard of capitalization and punctuation, directs attention to the words and clarifies their meaning. Most of these texts may also be sung to familiar tunes that have been suggested on the printed page.
Every church is made up of persons with differing tastes in music.
The 'amens' traditionally placed at the conclusion of certain hymns have been omitted, because many leaders feel they are not appropriate in contemporary worship. Also drops other language archaisms that are not generally understood. The hymnal does NOT change any of the masculine images for God given in the Bible. Imprints can only be stamped at the center of the bottom of the outside front cover. Imprinting charge is in addition to the item being imprinted and is not available on some items.