Let the Earth Rejoice

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Let the Earth Rejoice

How a Revolution in Worship Launched a Global Mission Movement

Matthew Burden

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Publication Date: January 20, 2026

The Untold Story of How Hymns Ignited Missions

Worship and mission have always been intertwined—a bond evident since the earliest days of the church. In the 1700s, two powerful movements reshaped global Christianity: the rise of English congregational hymnody at the beginning of the century, and the launch of a far-reaching Protestant mission movement at its end.

Let the Earth Rejoice uncovers the surprising connection between these developments, arguing that a revolution in congregational singing helped pave the way for the missionary efforts that followed. The hymns of this era carried a rich theological vision and a call to the nations. As churches sang them week after week, a new mindset took root, stirring hearts for global mission long before the first ships set sail.

This book lies at the intersection of church history, missiology, and liturgics. It reveals the hidden connection between worship and mission, showing how two waves—one of song, one of mission—emerged from a small group of churches and changed the world.

Endorsements

Matthew Burden’s excellent research demonstrates connections between two historic movements in hymnody and missiology, encouraging us to further consider the impact of corporate worship songs on the life of the church.

David Clem, PhDDean of the Greatbatch School of Music, Houghton University
Matthew Burden eloquently makes the point that the global mission movement was birthed and is sustained in the midst of believers’ worship. It is especially humbling to note that Baptists and Congregationalists were at the forefront of the mission movement during a time when a global mission focus and the conversion of the “heathen” was not a well-accepted priority for the church. This unique lens of viewing mission through the lyrics and the tunes of worship at the time will intrigue your mind, warm your heart, and bless your soul.

Rev. Sharon T. Koh, DMinExecutive Director/CEO, International Ministries
Burden presents compelling evidence that the hymn revolution captured not only the imagination of God’s people but led them to rediscover the biblical call to global missions in a way that changed the world forever.

Matthew SmithSinger-songwriter, Indelible Grace
Let the Earth Rejoice provides fascinating insight into the previously unexamined impact of music on the “modern missionary movement.” Matthew Burden carefully researches how mission-themed hymns entered the worship of seventeenth- and eighteenth-century Nonconformist congregations and convincingly traces their influence on early mission advocates such as William Carey. This book is thoroughly researched, exemplifies scriptural teaching that mission flows from worship, and raises thought-provoking questions about the nature and influence of music in contemporary Christian worship.

Rev. Reid S. Trulson, DMinExecutive Director/CEO Emeritus, American Baptist International Ministries