Selecting Psalms and Hymns for Worship
July 1, 2025 · with Camden Bucey
Listen to this episode on reformedforum.org.
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
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
Participants: Camden Bucey