Fling Out the Banner Let It Float
Fling out the banner, let it float
This hymn embodies the Lutheran understanding of the visible church's role in witnessing to Christ and advancing the Gospel through bold proclamation. It reflects the Protestant emphasis on missionary activity and the church's public testimony to the world.
History & Background
Written by Bishop George Washington Doane of New Jersey in 1848, this hymn celebrates the visible witness of the Christian church and its missionary calling. It was first published in Doane's collection of hymns and became widely adopted in American Protestant hymnals.
Hymnal Appearances
- The Hymnal 1982 — 448
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 390
- Lutheran Worship — 437
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 574
Bulletin Note
Written by Bishop George Washington Doane in 1848, this hymn captures the missionary fervor of nineteenth-century Protestantism, calling the church to visible, courageous witness—a banner raised high before all nations.
Preaching Connection
This hymn amplifies the Gospel's demand for visible witness: having received grace through Christ alone, believers are compelled by that same grace to testify publicly, making the internal work of the Spirit evident in outward action.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: God's covenant fulfillment through Christ and John the Baptist, moving from promise to proclamation to salvation's illumination
Themes
Witness and testimony Gospel proclamation Christian courage Church militant Evangelism