Through 41 original songs and poetic summaries, readers can explore Scripture in a fresh way that engages both heart and mind.

By Carl Stagner | Read Time: 5 minutes

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He was too busy before. Of course, the day to day of ministry—whether within the four walls of a church building, on the campus of a university, or out in the community—isn’t without deeply consequential meaning and value. Still, it was retirement from vocational ministry that afforded Jeffery Hency the time and space to think creatively enough to personally rediscover layers of wonder sometimes buried underneath busyness. The result: a personal, reflective, and scholarly exploration of the Old Testament through music and the arts.

Jeff grew up attending First Church of God in Vincennes, Indiana, ultimately sensing a call to ministry at nearby Camp Challenge just outside Bedford. Over the years, congregations like Mt. Carmel Church of God in Illinois; Oakland Church of God in Distant, Pennsylvania; and South Lake Wales Church of God in Florida—among several others—benefitted from his pastoral leadership. Students at Indiana Wesleyan University also came to appreciate Jeff’s devotion to the Scriptures while he served as administrator and professor, teaching biblical studies and creating curriculum. He also left his mark at Anderson University’s School of Adult Studies, where he carried out similar duties. Those in the Church of God movement who may not have had the privilege to know Jeff, though, probably know his wife Roz—she worked for Warner Press and Church of God Ministries for many years.

Real-world ministry experience prepared him for the artistic adventure of a lifetime upon which he’d embark, but so did his extensive academic studies. From Vincennes University, he earned degrees in mental health technology and music performance. From Warner University, he came away with a double major in psychology and church ministries. From the School of Theology at Anderson University, at double major in homiletics and Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures).

Reading and Acting

There’s more. Jeff explains, “My mother read Bible stories to me from Egermeier’s Bible Story Book when I was a child and that created a passion for Scripture. My dad, and the Hency family, are known for their music talents and abilities, so I grew up in a Scripture-reading, hymn-singing environment. Perhaps the greatest impact on my life, though, was playing the lead role in Jesus Christ Superstar in my teen years. The rock-opera genre, along with immersing myself theatrically as the person of Jesus, was quite a life experience. This songwriting adventure is the culmination of reading, listening, performing, writing, preaching, teaching, and deep Biblical study.”

Two years of “retired” research and focused writing resulted in a completed project the public can now access, but it was really the culmination of decades of study, preaching, teaching, and music ministry that led to this point. With a nod to God’s words at creation, It is Good (artistically rendered it.is.good) is the title of a book authored by Jeffery Hency which allows readers to experience the journey with Jeff:

Songwriting and Study

“My goal was to present a summary of each book of the Old Testament for those who find the Old Testament difficult to read and understand, so I summarized or condensed the message into poetry—easy to read. Then I chose different musical genres to fit the mood and rhythm of the poems to enhance and help keep those who find reading and comprehension a bit of a battle when studying Scripture. I am, at heart, a folk singer/guitarist/writer, but I enjoy all types of music, and I realize that people have different tastes. I have set my songs to genres of rock, rap, cowboy western, country, jazz, big band, folk, blues, bluegrass, contemporary gospel, Black gospel, and classical.”

The book contains each poem, supporting illustrative imagery, and “author’s notes to enhance personal (and teachable) study. A QR code at the start of the book opens up an online gateway to forty-one songs, original lyrics and tunes composed by Jeff himself.

“Imagine each book of the Hebrew Scriptures, from Genesis to Malachi, distilled into a vibrant poem, and then, get this, set to music!” Jeff writes in his introduction to the larger work. “What if there were a way to experience each book not just through study, but also through song?”

A Journey for the Joining

As a result of Jeff’s own journey, others can benefit. Whether as personal devotions through the forty days leading up to Easter, as discussion-starters for Sunday school or Bible studies, or to kick off sermons as part of a series through the books of the Bible, the possibilities are nearly limitless.

Among the poems set to song, several stand out in Jeff’s mind as favorites.

“I really like Job,” he reflects. “I called on my experience in Jesus Christ Superstar, and the skill of Andrew Lloyd Webber in his creation of the Phantom of the Opera, when I wrote the lyrics and created a tune. Job is sung from the perspective of Satan in the story. It summarizes the story well, and the lyrics ask the questions the book of Job (and we) are afraid to ask.”

Jeffery Hency also points to the song he wrote about Jonah, suggesting it contains a “catchy chorus for kids to sing” and is a “must-listen for Johnny Cash fans.” Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Proverbs, Hosea, Numbers, and the Chronicles also come to mind.

It is Good is available on Amazon in e-book, paperback, and hardcover formats.

But wait, there’s more! Rev. Jeffery Hency has recently completed thirty-seven songs corresponding to each of the books of the New Testament, too. His goal is to complete a subsequent resource by Christmas.