Resounding Body

Andy Thomas' book explores the transformational role of church music, and delivering that when the resources are less than ideal. This slim book of about 100 pages is an easy read, aimed at anyone and everyone in the congregations where most of us find ourselves, yet it also challenges, encouraging us to think in ways we may not be accustomed to.

His experience, particularly in forming a choir in a diverse London congregation, made up of several different nationalities, and the theologically liberal and conservative, provides the introduction to each chapter. The frustrations and challenges he encountered are honestly explored, along with the lessons these taught him. For him, how lives are transformed is more important than producing music to the highest standard.

If this background suggests little of relevance for congregations where the choir has been disbanded in favour of a praise band, that would be to misjudge this book; it's not about style or technique, it's about music as a ministry. The questions for discussion at the end of each chapter, in which congregation, clergy, Session and music team are invited to participate, are in keeping with the hymn, Brother, Sister, Let Me Serve You, which concludes by reminding us to have the grace to let others serve us too.

This is not the only book that should be in the library of the church musician, but one that deserves a place there for its attention to the most important function of the role. Also, for anyone in the pew with an opinion on the music, he provides a useful yardstick against which to measure that.