Will You Come and Follow Me (The Summons)

By John L. Bell

Lyrics

1. Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?
Will you go where you don't know and never be the same?
Will you let my love be shown?
Will you let my name be known?
Will you let my life be grown in you
And you in me?

2 Will you leave yourself behind if I but call your name?
Will you care for cruel and kind and never be the same?
Will you risk the hostile stare
Should your life attract or scare?
Will you let me answer prayer in you
And you in me?

3 Will you let the blinded man see if I but call your name?
Will you set the prisoners free and never be the same?
Will you kiss the leper clean
And do such as this unseen?
And admit to what I mean in you
And you in me?

4 Will you love the "you" you hide if I but call your name?
Will you quell that fear inside and never be the same?
Will you use the faith you've found
To reshape the world around
Through my sight and touch and sound in you
And you in me?

5 Lord, your summons echoes true when you but call my name
Let me turn and follow you and never be the same
In your company I'll go
Where your love and footsteps show
Thus I'll move and live and grow in you
And you in me

Bible Reference

Matthew 4:18–22; Matthew 9:9; Matthew 16:24; Mark 1:16–20; Luke 5:27–28; Luke 9:23

About This Hymn

"Will You Come and Follow Me," also known as "The Summons," is a contemporary Christian hymn written by John L. Bell in 1987. The hymn was composed after Bell joined the Iona Community in Scotland and was first published in their collection Heaven Shall Not Wait: Songs of Creation, the Incarnation, and the Life of Jesus.

The hymn's lyrics present a series of questions posed by Jesus to potential disciples, inviting them to consider the cost and commitment of following Him. Each verse challenges the listener to reflect on their willingness to follow Jesus, even into the unknown or uncomfortable.

Musically, the hymn is set to the Scottish folk melody "Kelvingrove," arranged by Bell. The tune's gentle and flowing rhythm complements the hymn's introspective and inviting nature. "Will You Come and Follow Me" has been included in numerous hymnals across various Christian denominations, reflecting its widespread acceptance and use in worship settings

The hymn continues to be a powerful call to discipleship, encouraging believers to consider their response to Jesus' invitation to follow Him.