This book, though published in 1976, has hymns that I consider contemporary together with the old established hymns of the Protestant Church. The meditations and Scripture readings in it are very helpful for planning devotional times with groups.

But what I wish is that Hymns for the Family of God could be spiral bound so that I could use it more easily at the piano. I break the spine a little each time I use it, and I wish that were not so.

As church organist/pianist, I have utilized this hymnal almost every Sunday for the past 20+ years! Hymns from it are suitable for regular worship, at times of meditation (communion/during prayer), for preludes/postludes, as well as, weddings, funerals, and baptisms. To this day I have never found a better compilation of hymns encompassing multiple faiths, all religious seasons, and including all the "old favorites". I'm just ordering my second copy...as the cover on my first one (originally purchased as a gift for me by my mother at a Bill Gaither Trio concert-way back in the late 70's) has finally fallen apart! Don't be without this one! I highly recommend it!

All of the best hymns are collected in this one book. Praise the Lord

This is a great collection of hymns. "O Sacred Head Now Wounded", "O The Deep, Deep Love of Jesus", "Just as I Am", and hundreds of others you grew up singing. Also included are some of the more recent hymns such as "My Tribute". I would have gladly given it 5 stars had it included "Nearer My God to Thee" and "I'll Fly Away to Glory". Even with these missing, you won't be sorry you purchased this collection.

As a church music director and organist I can say that this is one of the best collections of standard and contemporary hymns. Great alternate last verse arrangements and descant lines allow this hymnal to stand out from others. The font is easily legible and the titles are logical and not just the first line of the song. A wonderfully organized table of contents round out the package. I highly recommend.

Be careful the musicians, because this is not a book of musical harmony. But a book of ...religion. Warning to navigators, because the name swift to confusion!

You're right; the title is a little misleading, BUT, this is a wonderful, insightful book if you're a beginning church musician or one that's been in the field for 25 years (my case). I pull it out every couple of years for a refresher.