Selecting Anthems Based on Scripture
By Todd Arant on 7/17/2026
Summer is here, and the music office is a little less hectic as adults, youth, and children earned a well-deserved break from weekly rehearsals. I confess to savoring these weeks with less commitments, but I also enjoy thinking ahead to the sounds that will fill our Sanctuary and rehearsal space in the months to come. I take the task of selecting music for our choirs seriously and spend ample time making sure to choose the rights pieces for each choir.
We have a special gift in choosing music for our children’s and youth choirs. The music they sing and the words they memorize will stay with them for the rest of their lives. These songs will comfort them in times of pain, encourage them life is hard, and help them know that God is always there.
Knowing this, I always select at least a few anthems each year that directly quote Scripture. It’s important for our young singers to know God’s word, and as every jingle writer knows, we remember what we sing! Putting these biblical words in the mouths of children and youth, accompanied by quality and engaging music, is a gift we can share with our choristers year after year. They will never forget these precious texts.
As you begin the process of choosing new music for the coming season, I encourage you to consider the Choristers Guild resources below and select anthems that contain biblical texts and stories for your young choir members to meditate on throughout their lives. There is no better gift we can give in our vocation as leaders who nurture the spiritual and musical growth of children, youth, and adults!
Click the cover images to preview the scores and audio samples and see how these pieces could fit in your next program.
Dr. Todd Arant serves as the Director of Traditional Worship Arts at Apex United Methodist Church in Apex, NC, where he oversees a vibrant worship arts ministry including vocal and instrumental choirs for adults, youth, and children. He directs the Chancel Choir (adults), Youth Choir (6th-12th grade), and Children’s Choir (2nd-5th grade) in weekly rehearsals and worship services. He also leads the advanced adult handbell choir and oversees a number of wonderful volunteer directors for adults, youth, and children.
Todd holds the Bachelor of Music Degree in Church Music from Furman University, the Master of Music Degree in Choral Conducting from Emory University, and the doctor of Worship Studies from The Institute for Worship Studies. Todd is a proud graduate of the Choristers Guild Institute where he earned his certification as a director of young singers. In addition to being an active member of Choristers Guild, Todd also holds memberships in The Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts and the Handbell Musicians of America.
Todd is married to Allison and a proud father of three children: Clarkson, Anna Rast, and Sims.