The thing is that I'm not aware of any of the people in the congregation can really sing parts. When we do a hymn a lot of our folks who grew up on them sing louder. I've told the worship team to back off the mics to let the congregation carry it. It's beautiful and truly moving, but, trust me, they're not singing parts. They're barely singing melody.
The music issue wasn't the reason given for introducing hymnals after about ten years of not having them. My pastor said that hymnals were the only theology books that the congregation may ever hold. Well, I have a couple throughts on this. 1) If they just use them Sunday morning then what's the point? How is it anymore beneficial than seeing the songs on the screen? 2) If we feel that it's important for the congregation to learn systematic theology, shouldn't we offer a class on it? Or some other venue for them to learn it? 3) The Bible is the best theology book they'll ever use. At least I hope they use it.
Anyway, I do appreciate your responses.