Cultivating a Culture of Worship: Missionary Attitudes Toward Indigenous Hymnody Development

This paper explores the development, value, and acceptability of indigenous hymnodies as missionaries have sought to develop them around the world in the last few centuries. The paper focuses on the musical, cultural, and linguistic characteristics of various hymnodies as they developed. To investigate the technical characteristics of developing hymnodies, the paper provides a collection of case studies and testimonials of hymn development. Hymnodies in new languages are often made up of translations of other languages’ hymns, which are then supplemented with music that resonates with local traditions and musical styles. The paper addresses both methods of songwriting and the value and drawbacks of each. Going beyond a description of how indigenous hymnodies are developed, the paper also addresses the perceived spiritual and cultural value of indigenous vs. imported hymnodies by compiling first-hand reports from missionaries. It evaluates the effects of indigenous musical style on memorability, spiritual engagement, cultural identity, beauty, singability, and pedagogical value. Perspectives from both missionaries and local recipients are investigated to assess the value of different development practices. This paper serves as an interdisciplinary exploration of the ways that musicology and cultural anthropology can influence missions strategy through hymn development in a way that serves and comes alongside local churches in minority cultures well.