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You may think you don't know Keith & Kristyn Getty, the Irish modern-day hymnists who released "In Christ Alone" in February, but chances are you do know their music.
Their anthemic hymn "In Christ Alone" has been recorded by 200 different artists, and popular artists like Avalon, Newsboys, and Natalie Grant are covering their songs as well. Click here to read the Suite review of "In Christ Alone." Suite: First off, I know your hymn-writing has found a very favorable response in the UK, and you’re now committed to a 2 year stay in the US. What do you hope to accomplish in those 2 years? Kristyn: Our aim in these two years is to travel to churches, conferences and Christian organizations to introduce our hymns for local churches to sing, and also to build partnerships with these groups. That means a lot of travel as we go out to teach the songs to congregations and also carve out time to continue to write. Suite: How difficult is it to sustain your spiritual energy while on this extended visit away from home, family, home church support? What do you do together to stay focused on God? Kristyn: It can be a challenge because patterns are hard to work-in when every day is different. Each year we work out a plan of action for our daily devotions but we are definitely not perfect students! This year both of us are going through the one year Bible, journaling our thoughts and using a basic prayer guide we individually add to week to week. Most days we try and pray together – always when we are performing and leading. One of the great advantages of visiting all the churches and conferences we do is that we often get to sit under great teaching. I think if they would permit it, we would have enough credits for a seminary degree! Keith: When we moved to America we chose our home based on a local church we could call home, hence our move from the Swiss Alps to Cleveland, Ohio! Parkside Church has become our family for at least these first two years and we have really appreciated their pastoral support and friendship as we travel. When you travel it is good to have a church community behind you, praying for you. We also have a small group of Christian friends that we are accountable to and who pray for us weekly, and of course many of those on our web mailings represent individuals and churches praying throughout the world. Suite: What do you see as the difference between hymns and our current style of worship song? Keith: There is no scientific definition, but St. Augustine said a hymn was an expression of praise to God. We have two aims in the writing of ‘modern hymns’: First, we want the lyrics that feed our souls with the truths of God to put words in congregations’ mouths, hearts, minds and emotions, to help them understand the great depths of the Christian faith. Secondly, we aim to write melodies that are both sing-able and cross-generational. Our desire is to see the whole church--young and old--be able to sing together in a communal expression of worship to God. The hymns we write work in most contemporary formats but can also work in simple contexts, or with organ, choir or orchestra. Suite: Are there any artists you’ve met over here whom you’ve found to be particularly inspirational or helpful? Kristyn: I have enjoyed the few times I’ve met Fernando Ortega. I love his voice and his settings of the older hymns, as well as his newer material. Keith: The person I have learned most from is Stuart Townend, who I co-write with. I have also found great synergy with Michael Card, who really tries to teach the faith from the position of a singer/songwriter. Many of our ideas for songs over here have come from regular conversations or sermons, or working with our producer, John Andrew Schreiner. Suite: Here’s an easier lob: what book is on your nightstand right now? Kristyn: I’m working my way through the great American classics this year and at the moment I’m reading “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” (I had just finished “The Scarlet Letter” so I needed something a little lighter!) I’m also reading William Wilberforce’s book “A Practical View of Christianity” which is very inspiring. Keith: I have just begun Wilberforce’s “A Practical View of Christianity”. He has been a hero of mine long before the “Amazing Grace” movie was made (although I would recommend the movie highly!). What I like most about him is that he believed equally in learning and defending the great doctrinal truths of the Christian faith, and in radical, creative Christian expression and witness.
The copyright of the article Keith & Kristyn Getty Interview in Christian Music is owned by Kevan Breitinger. Permission to republish Keith & Kristyn Getty Interview in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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