Highben, Zebulon M. - Sing Many Names: Scriptural Images for God in Hymnody. Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress, 2026. 127 pp. This book, prepared by an astute “user” of hymnody in his work at Duke Chapel, identifies six images for God with eighteen sub-headings to link scripture (NRSVUE) to hymns. Intended primarily for ELCA Lutherans using All Creation Sings, Evangelical Lutheran Worship, and Lutheran Book of Worship, the potential use goes far beyond these hymnals, as the hymnody cited is shared across denominations. This book will be helpful for anyone studying hymn texts as well as for worship planners.

McDaniel, Stanley R. - Servanthood of Song: Music Ministry, and the Church in the United States. Eugene, OR: Cascade Books, 2024. 815 pp. An extensive survey of the American church music landscape with emergent trends that inform church music in the 21st century, along with questions and issues to help the reader develop a theology of music in practice. While the book length may seem overwhelming, it is well organized, inviting the reader to those portions of most interest. 

Fancourt, Daisy - Art Cure: The Science of How the Arts Save Lives. New York: Celadon Books, 2026. 309 pp. The writer is a professor of psychobiology and epidemiology at University College London where she heads a research group and directs the World Health Organization’s Collaborating Centre for Arts and Health. The book cites research demonstrating the positive effects of the arts on health and healing, and their necessity for living well.Her points require only a short step to understand these concepts for music in worship and to embrace the power of music to develop a deep spirituality.