Legacy of Worship: Publishing James Koerts’ Unheard Piano Settings
Over the last fifteen years, it was my privilege to collaborate with the late Christian composer James Koerts on several projects. We first worked together in 2010 on the hymn “Draw Near Through Christ.” He’s also arranged several other Church Works Media songs for choir and orchestra. I was always delighted to hear what he would come up with. He was such a gifted musician.
My Friendship with James
About two years ago, a mutual friend invited James and me to serve together for a weekend at a church in Mountain Home, Arkansas. I would be preaching, and James would be playing the piano. That weekend was absolutely unforgettable.
James and I talked late into the night. We identified with each other in so many ways. We laughed and laughed. We ate some great food. We took in a Sight & Sound show in Branson, Missouri—the first time for both of us. One of us wept all through the performance, and believe it or not, it wasn’t me. We even got to take a private plane ride together with a friend from the church.
All weekend long, we brainstormed about future collaborations, and both of us returned home energized. Beth, James’ wife, later told me that James burst through the door when he arrived at home and declared, “I just met my new best friend!” We both felt that way.
James’ Unexpected Homegoing
Sadly, we didn’t get to carry out most of our plans. Just a few months later, James was unexpectedly taken to heaven. I was devastated by the news, but I was privileged to have a small part in his memorial service, thanks to a kind invitation from Beth.
I shared what a joy he had been, how gifted and encouraging and selfless he was, and how much I would miss him. James was a gentle giant. When he sat at the piano, his fingers absolutely danced over the keyboard.
James’ Musical Legacy Continues
Well, nearly two years after James has graduated to heaven, I have some exciting news. A short time before his death, James arranged three piano solos for Church Works Media—some of our favorite hymns: “I Run to Christ,” “Reformation Hymn,” and “Christ Is Sufficient.” These are among the very last things that James Koerts composed, and now, with Beth’s blessing, we are pleased to introduce them to you.
I hope that hearing and playing these brand-new arrangements will bring you spiritual refreshment, will help you remember our dear friend, and most importantly, will point you to Jesus Christ.
James was a gift to Christ’s church and a treasure to everybody who knew him. We’d love to get these in front of as many people as possible. Please share a link to these songs with others you think would appreciate them and benefit from them.
It’s so good to hear James’ musical genius again through these arrangements. I hope they’ll be a blessing to you and bring God glory. Grace!
