In Christ alone (my hope is found)

"In Christ Alone" marks the beginning of the songwriting partnership between Keith Getty and Stuart Townend. The two met at a worship conference through a mutual friend and connected over a shared passion for music and faith. After their meeting, Keith sent Stuart a CD of melodies he had been working on. The first tune on the CD stood out to Stuart—it was both tuneful and rich with emotional depth.

Inspired by the strength of the melody, Stuart felt a strong sense of responsibility to craft lyrics that matched its weight and beauty. He turned to the foundational message of the Christian faith: the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The verses came together in a linear progression, building toward the third verse, which celebrates the finished work of Christ on the cross. Stuart was moved by the power of the message and aimed to write a fourth verse that spoke not only of personal response but of the enduring strength and sufficiency of Christ to sustain believers in every season of life.

Since its release, In Christ Alone has become one of the most widely sung modern hymns around the world. Keith and Stuart remain deeply grateful to God for how He has used this song to encourage and strengthen His church.