by Don Chapman
The results are in – we now know the most beloved hymns in 2023 according to an informal poll by Thom Rainer at Lifeway. After compiling over 2,000 responses, the top 20 hymns showcase a mix of classic and modern worship favorites.
Leading the pack is the iconic “It Is Well With My Soul,” followed by other perennial hits like “How Great Thou Art,” “Amazing Grace,” and “Blessed Assurance.” The top 10 shows that historic hymns still resonate strongly with believers today.
Yet as we examine the full list, changes are afoot. Making their mark are more contemporary selections like “In Christ Alone” (#12), “Because He Lives” (#14), and “Victory in Jesus” (#9). While popular in contemporary churches, these songs are not technically hymns according to the strict definition.
What makes a hymn a hymn? Experts point to features like longevity over generations, horizontal lyrics (talking about God, not to God), and composition styles that lift up theological truths. By this standard, the top three non-hymns are:
- “Victory in Jesus” – A gospel song penned in 1939, it has more of a revival spirit compared to historic hymns.
- “In Christ Alone” – This modern worship anthem was written in 2001 and has a contemporary sound.
- “Because He Lives” – A beloved gospel ballad from 1971, it does not yet have the longevity of historic hymns.
The fact that these more modern songs now rank among the top 20 hymns shows how Christians continue to embrace new worship music. Songs that may have once been considered contemporary are entering the pantheon of classics passed down to future generations.
While old favorites still top the charts, the landscape of church music is evolving. The hymns of 2023 provide a snapshot of these ongoing changes in Christian worship and musical expression. As we lift our voices each Sunday, let’s honor historic hymns alongside new songs that resonate in fresh ways with believers today – and that’s exactly why I’ve created hymncharts.com!
Thom Rainer’s Top 20 Hymn List for 2023
- It Is Well With My Soul
- Great Is Thy Faithfulness
- Amazing Grace
- How Great Thou Art
- Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
- Blessed Assurance
- Holy, Holy, Holy
- Be Thou My Vision
- Victory in Jesus
- The Old Rugged Cross
- A Mighty Fortress
- In Christ Alone
- And Can It Be
- Because He Lives
- The Solid Rock
- When I Survey the Woundrous Cross
- I Stand Amazed in the Presence
- All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name
- To God Be the Glory
- There Is a Fountain
4 Comments. Leave new
If I subscribe for a year and downloaded multiple items, will I still be able to use them even streaming our service with those items if we decide to cancel our subscription?
Yes, you can use the arrangements and stream them if you decide to not renew your subscription.
Don, your arrangements are lovely. When will you do one for How Great Thou Art?
Thank you! Unfortunately I can’t arrange “How Great Thou Art” because it’s still under copyright. I can only publish public domain hymns and my original music here at Hymncharts.