Gather Into One

the long version

In this volume C. Michael Hawn explores the work of five of the most influential global church musicians found in North American hymnals: Pablo Sosa (Argentina), I-to Loh (Taiwan), David Dargie (South Africa), Patrick Matsikenyiri (Zimbabwe), and John Bell (Scotland). Hawn discusses the biographical background of each of these composers and elucidates the meaning of their music within their respective cultures. Having studied global song himself on site throughout the world, Hawn sees this music as a valuable gift from other cultures to our own ₇ sung prayers that can broaden the ways we pray and sing together in corporate worship. His extensive research leads to some intriguing proposals, with Hawn encouraging diverse expressions of worship, endorsing the church musician as a worship ₃enlivener,₄ and making a case for ₃polyrhythmic worship₄ in our churches. A unique resource, Gather into One demonstrates the spiritual riches to be gained through multicultural worship and makes a concrete contribution toward realizing the worldwide unity of the Christian church.