Hymns for the Christian Life is the latest project from modern hymn writers Keith and Kristyn Getty.
Known around the world for their creedal hymns and worship music written for the church, the Gettys’ new collection of songs is their most personal album to date as it explores themes such as work, family, money, community and social action.
The concept for this project began two years ago when Keith and Kristyn took a break from touring and settled in Nashville, Tennessee. During this time the couple had their first and long-awaited child, Eliza Joy. They also began to connect with their local community.
“This unique pause in our schedule allowed us to engage with our church family, band members, neighbors and local musicians about how the gospel story touches every part of life,” Keith says. “Amid conversations around our dinner table and on our front porch, we discussed questions such as: What does it mean to succeed in your job but not make it your god? How do I handle doubt? In what way should I pray for my children? These new songs are a reflection of those conversations.
Hymns for the Christian Life include fresh collaborations with new co-writers, artists, arrangers, band members, church friends and neighborhood musicians.The hymns also glean musical influences from both the Gettys’ Irish heritage and the traditions of bluegrass and country music so prevalent in Nashville.
“Irish music essentially gave birth to folk music,” Keith says. “Having lived in Ireland and now in Nashville, we can harness the best from both musical styles in our songwriting for the church.”
The Gettys are set to share this new project with Celtic and American audiences throughout the next year. Beginning this spring, Keith and Kristyn will visit the northern Celtic Islands on a 10-date tour. Afterward, they’ll tour across the States before returning to the U.K. next autumn to visit cities on the Southern Celtic Islands tour.
Each concert will begin with hymns for the Christian life and conclude with the Gettys’ songs and reflections on the life of Christ. Members of the Gettys’ band will offer unplugged performances in the foyer after each concert. A limited edition, five-track recording of songs heard from the tour also will be available at each event.
Produced by Charlie Peacock and Ed Cash, the forthcoming Hymns for the Christian Life album will feature the legendary voices of several Nashville friends, including Alison Krauss and Ricky Skaggs.
Gettymusic will release the complete album in the coming year, along with an accompanying songbook. Keith and Kristyn also plan to release additional hymns associated with the project as they continue to expand on similar themes in their songwriting.