ABSTRACT
In Churchgoing and Christian Ethics the author explored a mass of new data showing that churchgoers are distinctive in their attitudes and behaviour. Worship is a key element in the new identity of all those called by God 'in the name of Jesus Christ' with 'the gift of the Holy Spirit'. Specifically Christian worship involving 'the breaking of the bread' is a distinctive feature of their new fellowship. The social webs surrounding live music making – travel, transport, company, interval eating and drinking, encores, departures, and shared memories – are important parts of its enjoyment. Hymns offer a clue about the distinctiveness of churchgoing and the specific ways that it might shape Christian identity. This chapter compares Rejoice and Sing with the 1999 edition of Complete Mission Praise, a hymn-book which has been more widely used in many, especially evangelical, Anglican and Free Church congregations in Britain.
