Untangled Faith 152: Old Hymns and Forgotten Pathways to an Authentic Faith. Guest: Andrew Osenga
Feb 3, 2026
Andrew Osenga, musician and author behind the Anchor Hymns project and How to Remember, discusses rediscovering older Christian practices and widening worship vocabulary. He talks about developing new artists, why some hymns endure, and how faith and doubt coexist. Conversations include music’s role in hardship and keeping worship simple and communal.
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What We Lost By Outsourcing Practices
- Modern American Christian practices often outsource or replace ancient practices, losing depth, beauty, and wisdom.
- Re-engaging old prayers, creeds, and songs can unlock centuries of spiritual insight for contemporary believers.
Hymnals Revealed Denominational Character
- Touring at 19 exposed Andrew Osenga to Baptist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, and charismatic churches and their distinctive hymn traditions.
- Collecting hymnals revealed each denomination's priorities and showed how the whole church benefits from diverse practices.
Widen Church Song Vocabulary
- Widen the church song vocabulary by adding hymns that address suffering, doubt, past and future alongside present praise.
- Create songs that are singable, enjoyable for musicians, and lyrically clear so congregations and bands want to play them.
