But when hymn singing is announced, every one becomes alert and eager to join in, either to learn a new song or to savor some beloved familiar hymns that reverberate in the soul. I am not belittling the importance of the sermon, the Scripture and prayer in the life of Christian communities, nor the need for inculturation in all these aspects. In fact, all these must be contextualized or inculturated in order to be effective if the Gospel is to change the life of a community or individuals. There has been a rapid church growth since its revival in 1979. The total number of worshippers is conservatively estimated to be over fifteen million.
Most congregations spend about half an hour in hymn singing before and during services.
Many newcomers are attracted to the church by hymn singing. Most Christians are accustomed to and prefer Western hymns and gospel songs. Many foreign visitors have observed that almost all the hymns sung in the services are those that are quite well known in the West. O Master Let Me Walk with Thee , Rock of Ages , Jesus Loves Me , etc. Even the use of Chinese instruments as accompaniment or solo during worship services is thought too secular.