The Church of Christ in Every Age
The church of Christ in every age
This hymn embodies a Lutheran understanding of the church as the people of God called to witness to Christ in their contemporary context, reflecting the Reformation principle that the gospel must speak to living issues. It aligns with Lutheran social ethics by calling believers to active engagement with justice and mercy in their own age.
History & Background
Written by Fred Pratt Green in 1969, this contemporary hymn emphasizes the church's ongoing mission and relevance in addressing the social and spiritual needs of each generation. It was first published in Hymns and Songs (1969) and has become widely adopted in Lutheran and ecumenical worship.
Hymnal Appearances
- Chalice Hymnal — 475
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 729
- Glory to God — 320
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 433
- Lift Up Your Hearts — 250
- New Century Hymnal — 306
- United Methodist Hymnal — 589
- Voices Together — 413
Bulletin Note
Written in 1969 by English hymnodist Fred Pratt Green, this hymn embodies post-Reformation confidence that the gospel addresses contemporary injustice. A modern classic reflecting Lutheran ecclesiology and prophetic witness.
Preaching Connection
This hymn amplifies the Law's demand for justice and mercy while resting entirely on the Gospel's promise that Christ's love never fails—making it a perfect companion to any sermon on vocation, social witness, or the living Word.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Christ's compassionate presence amid human suffering and social chaos, calling the Church to incarnational witness and mercy
Themes
Mission and witness Social justice Gospel relevance Church's prophetic role Faithfulness across generations