Former Point of Grace member wants to share legacy of hymns

LOUISVILLE, Ky.—Since retiring from the contemporary Christian group Point of Grace in 2008, Heather Payne has had her hands full raising four young children and serving in various ministries at First Baptist Church in Fisherville, Ky., where her husband, Brian, is pastor.

With such a busy schedule, Payne didn’t expect to be back in the recording studio just two years after leaving the group to work on a solo project.

But as she thought about the importance of sharing a rich legacy of hymns with her children, Payne was inspired to create The Sweet Exchange, an album that features a unique blend of traditional hymns, original songs and modern worship choruses.

“This generation has no clue about hymns, and that’s so sad to me,” Payne said.  “I want my children to be familiar with hymns. I grew up singing hymns and loved them. I remember when I was very young and my mom would let me hold the hymnal, even though I couldn’t read at the time. I felt so big, and I learned the hymns by just singing along.”

The hymns selected for this album were some of Payne’s favorites while growing up, including “Rock of Ages,” “Holy, Holy, Holy,” “Jesus Paid It All” and “Be Thou My Vision.” 

Although melodies and instrumentation have changed, the lyrics remain the same. By adding a modern approach and an updated style, Payne hopes young worshippers will find new meaning in traditional hymns. 

Furthermore, Payne hopes the musical selections on this album will reflect the importance of finding a balance between contemporary songs and traditional hymns in churches today.

“With this album, I really wanted to bridge the gap between the older and younger generations and to help them find a connection to these songs of faith,” she said. 

“Emotions go just so far in worship. What’s incredible about hymns is that the message is so beautifully written and clearly explains the gospel of Jesus Christ. With the rich doctrine and theology in hymns, truth sinks in.”