In Christ Alone

The story of this hymn

The first hymn Keith Getty and Stuart Townend wrote together, in 2001: Getty sent the melody, and Townend shaped words that walk the whole story of Christ from cradle to empty grave. Within a few years it was among the most sung hymns in the English-speaking world, crossing denominations that agree on little else. At funerals it is chosen almost always for its final verse, which faces death without flinching and carries the singer through to the last breath.

Where it sits in the service

Serves as either the opening or the closing hymn; many families close with it so the last words sung face death with confidence. Congregations across denominations know it, and it holds up unaccompanied if the venue has no organ. If the church has a licence to print the words, ask for them in the order of service; otherwise print title and authors.

In the programme, list it in the order of service as “Hymn — In Christ Alone” with the leader or choir named beside it.

How it is actually sung

Modern, and known best in evangelical and younger congregations — an older traditional church may not know it at all, so check before choosing. Four verses, all sung. It builds strongly and suits a service where the family wants a statement of faith rather than comfort.

Printing the words

In copyright. Ask the church about their CCLI licence before reprinting. Because congregational familiarity varies so much, if the words cannot be printed it is worth choosing something else rather than risking silence.

This is practical guidance rather than legal advice. Reproduction rights vary by territory, by hymnal edition and by the licence your church holds — the church office is the right place to ask, and they answer this question often.