"Slugs & Bugs" Creator Randall Goodgame Talks About the "Scripture Hymnal" Project

A groundbreaking new collection showcasing more than 100 word-for-word Bible passages set to original music, the highly anticipated Scripture Hymnal bows October 21 from Rabbit Room Press and is now available for preorder. Bringing to fruition the long-held vision of Dove Award-nominated Slugs & Bugs creator Randall Goodgame, the 320-page hardcover Scripture Hymnal is a thoughtful treasury of newly minted songs designed to help make the Bible more accessible for all ages.   
 
Intended for corporate worship on Sunday morning as well as singing around the piano at home, the Scripture Hymnal was conceived and written by Goodgame along with contributions from a diversity of award-winning songwriters, including Ellie Holcomb, Ginny Owens, Andrew Osenga, Taylor Leonhardt, Dwan Hill and Ben Shive, among others. 

Q: Randall, thank you again for interviewing with us. Tell us more about the upcoming "Scripture Hymnal" project.

The heart behind the Scripture Hymnal is to inspire revival among God's people by growing intimacy with His Word. We want to help build Biblical literacy in the Church through congregational singing of Scripture. There are 106 songs in the physical hymnal (published by Rabbit Room Press) and every song is word-for-word Scripture from one Bible translation or another. There are also accompanying recordings available at scripturehymnal.com so that worship leaders can get familiar with the songs before they introduce them to their congregations. 

Q: Why is it important for children and adults to memorize scripture?

God's Word contains priceless treasures of wisdom and truth-from the practical to the profound. It teaches us who God is; what He thinks about us; what we are supposed to be doing with our lives; and how we should relate to one another. When we learn and practice God's way, we grow more like Him and draw more people toward the Kingdom of Heaven. Also, life is hard. The Lord has used Scripture songs to grow my faith and tether me to Him through very difficult times. 

Q: How can the "Scripture Hymnal" help us to memorize God's word?

There's just something special about music. It connects to our mind and memory like nothing else. The melodies in the Scripture Hymnal are built to match the message of the Scripture passages in tuneful ways that make it easy for congregations to remember and sing together. Our hope is that churches will grow together and toward Christ as they learn and are shaped by His Word. 

Q: You also have a few distinguished songwriters on the project. Can you tell us who some of them are?

One of the great blessings of living in Nashville is being surrounded by such talented writers. Ben Shive is an old friend and longtime collaborator, and some of the other contributors on the project are Ginny Owens, Ellie Holcomb, Dwan Hill, Taylor Leonhardt and Andrew Osenga. All the writers brought deep wells of experience and joyful spirits to the project. 

Q: Can you share with us any memorable stories in the making of this collection of new hymns?

One story that comes to mind is from our worship leader gathering back in 2023. We brought together 35 worship leaders from Nashville and around the country and spent the whole day at the Rabbit Room's manor house woodshedding the songs in the hymnal to make sure each one was singable for congregations. It was such a beautiful example of the Body of Christ coming together and using our gifts to bring Him glory, and the worship leaders' input made a big difference in the effectiveness of the project. 

Q: What are your hopes for this project?

I don't have a quick mind, but I know a ton of Scripture because I can sing it. And when you sing God's Word, it takes over your mind and heart. You can't be easily interrupted by fears or distractions or concerns of the day. I have that experience all the time because of these Scripture songs, and I long for other Believers to have the same instant access to God's truth, wisdom and assurance.

For further information, visit scripturehymnal.com, rabbitroom.com or turningpointpr.com. Follow the Scripture Hymnal on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok.  

 

Tags : Slugs & Bugs The Slugs & Bugs Show Randall Goodgame Scripture Hymnal Randall Goodgame interview