Scripture In Song: Pioneers of New Zealand Worship Music

Scripture In Song is a foundational collective of musicians and worship leaders from New Zealand who helped define the modern worship music genre. Emerging from the charismatic renewal movement of the 1970s, their extensive catalog of albums became a global resource for churches, selling millions of copies worldwide through direct distribution.

Early career

The group's origins trace back to 1976 in Auckland, New Zealand, born from the ministry of David and Dale Garratt. Their initial goal was simple: to set biblical scriptures directly to music, making them easy for congregations to learn and sing. Early recordings were modest, locally produced cassette tapes and songbooks that spread organically through church networks.

Breakthrough

The collective's breakthrough came with the 1978 release of the "Scripture In Song" double album, a comprehensive collection that gained immediate traction. Distributed through their own label, Scripture In Song Ministries, and later licensed internationally by labels like Maranatha! Music, their albums achieved remarkable reach, with several volumes reportedly certified gold for sales in multiple territories including the United States and Australia.

Key tracks

Father We Love You — This early track became a standard in charismatic and Pentecostal churches worldwide, establishing their signature sound.

He Has Made Me Glad — A definitive Scripture In Song composition based on Psalm 100, it remains one of their most recognized and enduring worship songs.

As The Deer — Though written by Martin Nystrom, this classic was popularized globally through its inclusion on a 1984 Scripture In Song volume, showcasing their role as curators.

Alleluia — This simple, powerful chorus exemplifies the group's effective formula of memorable melodies paired directly with scripture.

Following their initial surge, Scripture In Song continued to release prolific volumes throughout the 1980s and 1990s, effectively creating a subscription-style model for churches seeking new material. Their influence is evident in the work of later worship leaders and bands who grew up using their music. The collective's model of ministry-focused distribution, bypassing traditional music industry channels, was pioneering for its time and paved the way for later worship ministry empires.

For listeners exploring the roots of modern worship, the sound of Scripture In Song shares clear lineage with other early pioneers. The acoustic-driven, congregational focus of Maranatha! Music artists from the same era is a direct parallel. The heartfelt, scripture-centric approach is also heard in the work of Australian artist Geoff Bullock and his songs for Hillsong. Later New Zealand worship movements, including the output of Parachute Band, carry the DNA of Scripture In Song's locally-grown, globally-impactful model.

The music of Scripture In Song maintains a steady rotation on dedicated worship radio stations and Christian FM networks featured on this website. Their classic tracks are staples on programs focusing on gospel heritage and contemporary Christian music history, often featured during thematic hours celebrating the evolution of the worship genre.

Listeners can discover the foundational worship music of Scripture In Song on the radio stations available through onairium.com, where their timeless songs continue to inspire new generations of believers. Tune in to hear the tracks that built a modern musical liturgy for churches around the world.