OUR MISSION

We formed our partnership, Hymns, Etc. LLP, to make the music and other resources we have created accessible and available for use in local churches, and to connect us to as many others in the field of church music as possible.

The nature of music sung and played in our churches today continues to change.  Over the last thirty years, there has been a clear drift from the traditional sacred musical styles to more simplistic and emotional styles, often lacking in theological depth.  Publishers have contributed to this trend, convinced that such "disposable" music is what is marketable and therefore, profitable.  Many are still publishing, distributing, and widely publicizing music aimed primarily at churches that use quickly learned (and quickly forgotten) compositions.  This has precluded the publication of longer, more complex and substantive works. Hymns, Etc. LLP was born out of a conviction that, though the market may be too small to interest major publishers, there are still church musicians who look for worthy compositions and congregations that find them meaningful.

In the last two decades, we have attempted to write texts and music that not only have strong appeal in our present culture but also possess a sense of integrity and relevance that is much needed in our churches today.  Both of us continue our active involvement in local and wider ministries and maintain continuous contact with a great variety of church musicians, educators, and pastors.  Our work reflects our understanding of needs we have observed and experienced in today's church.

We believe that music of a lasting nature should permeate church music programs.  We value the ability of listeners and singers alike to discern and internalize elements of the Christian faith through well-crafted hymns and anthems.  We strive to write eloquently-stated texts and well-conceived tunes that will communicate the messages of biblical scripture and theology to today's believers in a way that makes sense in a rapidly changing world. We invite you to explore what we have to offer through Hymns, Etc. LLP.

                                    John D. Horman and Mary Nelson Keithahn, Partners
                                    Hymns, Etc. LLP