How should Reformed churches approach the selection of psalms and hymns for corporate worship? In this video, Camden Bucey offers a rich, pastoral, and practical guide for choosing music that reflects the theological and liturgical shape of a service. Drawing on years of ministry experience, Camden explains how to align musical selections with Scripture texts, sermon themes, and the redemptive-historical movement of the liturgy.

This talk goes beyond personal preference or musical taste. Learn how thoughtful hymnody and psalmody can serve the worship of the triune God by reinforcing Scripture, guiding the congregation’s response, and cultivating reverence, joy, and theological depth.

Key Topics

Theological principles guiding music selection
Aligning songs with the sermon text and liturgical moment
Balancing musical accessibility with doctrinal richness
The role of repetition, variety, and congregational familiarity
The emotional and redemptive-historical flow of a worship service
Special considerations for sacraments, transitions, and unique services

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Chapters

00:00 – Introduction and Context
01:15 – Why Song Selection Matters in Reformed Worship
02:45 – Letting the Sermon Text Guide the Service
05:23 – Matching Music with Liturgical Placement
07:16 – Knowing Your Congregation and Musicians
09:18 – The Role of Records and Repetition
13:28 – Attention to Tune, Tempo, and Emotional Tone
17:45 – Maintaining a Redemptive-Historical Flow of Worship
21:05 – Strategic Placement: The Post-Sermon Hymn
23:14 – Special Elements and Transitions
28:36 – Conclusion: Cohesive Worship for the Glory of God

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