by Madi Cannon, Public Relations Writer
For more than a decade, Cedarville University’s HeartSong Ministries has used its music to proclaim the gospel to thousands of students at churches and youth camps across the nation. Now, through social media, HeartSong’s impact is expanding around the world, as evidenced by the high number of views for its version of “A Mighty Fortress” on YouTube.
As of January 22, the video has registered 402,982 views, far exceeding the viewership of any other HeartSong video. Comments under the YouTube video include many requests to play the arrangement, as well as expressions of thanks and inspiration. “One of the most beautiful renditions of this hymn I've heard so far,” said one viewer.
Herdeiros, a megachurch in Porto Alegre, Brazil, recently celebrated the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation with a performance of HeartSong’s arrangement of “A Mighty Fortress” in Portuguese.
“There is an awe-inspiring silence in a cathedral that encourages me to be still and know that he is God,” said Jim Cato, associate vice president of Christian ministries. “With this recording, we have endeavored to mix together new and old sounds, styles, and texts to encourage people as they seek him.”
“A Mighty Fortress” was arranged in 2013 for HeartSong’s album “Cathedral” by Grant McCurdy, a 2014 Cedarville graduate. Martin Luther composed the song in 1529, which has become one of the best-loved hymns in the Protestant tradition.
According to Ashlynn Kelly, ministry and event coordinator for HeartSong Ministries, “A Mighty Fortress” has become one of HeartSong’s most popular songs.
“It is a hymn that has been re-imagined into the context of a worship band, but it does not lose the integrity of the original melody and lyric,” said Kelly.
Resources for “A Mighty Fortress,” including orchestrations and charts, are available through Lifeway Christian Resources.
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 3,963 undergraduate, graduate and online students in more than 150 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings and leading student satisfaction ratings. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.