Proclaiming God’s Love In Song – Eugene Walsh

The first curiosity of this indispensable book is that the ‘In Song’ - part of the title seems to have been added as an afterthought.  The text should be required reading for anyone who has anything to do with religious music, not just music liturgists or music leaders.  There are more than a few useful instructions for other churchgoers too – from presider to flock, and the book never strays from the message in the first three words of its title.

If only we all had the single-mindedness to apply all – or even part – of what this book has to offer, who knows what could be achieved.

 In less than 100 pages it bursts with facts and many a surprising yet brilliant innovation – such as ditching child altar servers in favour of adults – but more importantly it backs up these ideas with solid reasoning.

 Walsh’s simplistic approach to building a community emphasises his indomitable energy (a word he uses frequently).  Would that we all had such a leader in our own communities!  He speaks of parish ‘conversion’ and instigating ‘revolutionary change’ in the way churchgoers behave, perhaps suggesting that, once we have all become a more actively caring, sharing community, the hurdle of practicing good worship through singing should become almost second nature and relatively easy to accomplish.

 There is a clear vein of American thinking here which may help to explain the book’s unerring optimism and somewhat rose-tinted outlook.  The suggestion is that by adding Walsh’s strategy to your own church ministries, great things will happen.  We all know it’s not as simple as that, but the book scores in making you believe that - just maybe - greater things really are possible.

 All aspects of music as worship are covered – from how to rehearse songs and teach others, to final delivery.  The essential work of other ministries is also examined.