What happens when a 500-year-old hymn meets a modern worship band? For one reimagined classic —A Mighty Fortress— the result is nearly 1 million YouTube views and a powerful reminder that old songs can still move hearts.

When generations come together in worship, the impact is powerful. But as music styles evolve, original arrangementsof beloved hymnsdon’toften fitthe modern sound.Rather thanlosing thesetheologically richlyrics, musicians arereimagining themto suit today’s church culture.

Grant McCurdy, worship leader at The Village Church in Flower Mound, Texas, and a2014worship graduate of Cedarville University, discovered this need during his freshman year.Whilepreparing for aservice at his home church in Missouri, he and his pastorknew “A MightyFortress” — the nearly 500-year-oldhymn — fit their theme.However, the arrangement didn’tworkfor theirworship band.

McCurdy decided to rearrange the hymn,aiming to make it more musically accessible while preservingits emotional depth and powerful,enduring message.

“It would be a tragedy if that nearly500-year-old lyric from Martin Luther, an influential leader in the church, was suddenly lost in the rapid development of music,” said McCurdy.

WhenHeartSong, Cedarville University’s traveling worship team,recorded the newly arranged hymn for its album “Cathedral,” McCurdy never imagined it would gain such traction. With nearly 1 million views on YouTube and churches across the countryincorporating it into their services, McCurdy and HeartSong have touched lives across the world.

HeartSong members grow vocally and spiritually as they lead worship at Cedarville and travel to churches, camps and conferences. “A Mighty Fortress” is just one example of HeartSong’s reach.

When McCurdy became an intern at The Village Church—where he now serves as the senior director of worship and production—he was surprised to find that his own arrangement of “A Mighty Fortress” was already being played in their services.

“The 1 million views represent a lyric that’s worth preserving and continuing to sing in the church,” said McCurdy.

As church music continues to evolve, musicians like McCurdy are helping ensure that beloved hymns remain a vibrant part of worship — faithful to Scripture and resonant with every generation.

Cedarville University, an evangelical Christianinstitution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduateresidential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it ranks among Ohio's largest private universities and is recognized byThe Wall Street Journalas being among the nation’s top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more atcedarville.edu.