A “HYMN OF THE HOURS” Church Musician Friends, I wanted to share this hymn I wrote back in 2016. I suspect it was influenced by research I was doing at that time on Everett
A Life Shaped by Music and Ministry
From my earliest days in church music to my work today as an author and educator, I’ve been guided by one belief: music serves the church best when it serves people.
Those lifelong experiences led me to write Servanthood of Song, a book that explores the story of church music in America and why it still matters today. This is where I share that work, along with ongoing reflections on music as ministry.
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Available on eBook & Audio book.
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April 23, 2026
April 15, 2026
What people say
Book Reviews
"With "Servanthood of Song," Stanley McDaniel has done a vital service not only for the religious establishment in the United States but also to all those who care about the place of music in the life of our society. Reaching back to the eighteenth century and continuing through the 21st century, we have here an encyclopedia of the sources, history, trends, and application of worship and music in the American church. It is clearly the work of a lifetime of loving music and its vital place in the life of the American church. This book deserves a place in every church and university library as well as in the collection of church professionals who value the place of music in their work...."
- W. T. Soeldner
"We have all heard about and probably been affected in some way
by the “worship wars.” In Servanthood of Song, Stanley McDaniel
details the context of worship in the United States from the 18th
century to the present and shows how successful and
meaningful music ministry has always met the needs of the
whole community, not just some segments of it. Thus, the
current deep divide between contemporary and traditional
church music, or whatever labels or groups might be cited, is not
only counterproductive but also unnecessary..."
The scope of this book is enormous and impressive, and the author rises to the challenge of outlining and examining the winding history of sacred music in America. Stan's voice comes through so clearly with warmth and humor, transforming what might have been dry facts into a vibrant tapestry. If my music history textbooks in college had been like this, I would have read them cover to cover.
Copyright 2026 Stan McDaniel, all rights reserved.