INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this survey is to learn how congregations of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church use the Psalms in corporate worship, to understand the opportunities and challenges involved, and to identify resources that could encourage and assist our churches. The Committee will report its findings to General Synod in 2027, both on the state of psalm singing in the denomination and on the positive role of psalm singing in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church.

The ARP Directory of Public Worship, V.B.5.d, states that "the Psalms of the Holy Scripture ought to be used regularly in the public worship of God" and that "they should be sung frequently." This survey is intended to gather information about this practice in our local congregations. We welcome responses from churches that sing psalms frequently, occasionally, rarely, or never, and we ask for candid answers so that the picture we report is accurate.

What we mean by "psalm singing": For this survey, psalm singing includes (1) metrical or other versifications of the Psalms sung by the congregation, from a psalter or from a hymnal; and (2) hymns in a hymnal that are clearly drawn from the text of a psalm (for example, "Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah" [Trinity Hymnal # 110]). This survey asks only about congregational singing in corporate worship. It does not ask about responsive readings, calls to worship from the psalms, choir or solo music, or family worship.

How to complete the survey: Please answer with reference to your congregation's typical practice. If you are unsure of an exact number, an estimate is welcome. The survey should be completed by the pastor, in consultation with the music director where applicable. Please submit one response per church. It should take about 15 minutes. Please complete by November 20th, 2026.

How responses will be used: Responses are not anonymous, because we may wish to follow up with churches. In the Committee's report, results will be presented in aggregate, and any quotations from open-ended responses will be anonymous.