Beyond Amazing Grace

A John Newton Concert Experience Presented By Pastor Todd Murray

A Worship Experience Rooted in History, Scripture, and Song

Beyond Amazing Grace is a unique concert experience now available through and in partnership with the Christian Heritage Center, designed to introduce audiences to the life, writings, and lesser-known hymns of John Newton — the redeemed slave-trader turned beloved pastor and author of “Amazing Grace.”

Led by pastor and musician Todd Murray, this concert weaves together:

Musical settings of Newton’s forgotten hymns
Narrated readings from Newton’s autobiography, journals, letters, and sermons
A multi-media visual presentation
Reflections on Newton’s theology of grace and pastoral ministry

This is more than a performance — it is an evening of worship and spiritual formation.

The Story Behind the Concert

In the late 18th century, Pastor John Newton wrote simple, Scripture-saturated lyrics for his impoverished and mostly illiterate congregation in Olney, Buckinghamshire. These lyrics became the Olney Hymns, a treasure trove of devotional poetry.

While “Amazing Grace” became world–famous, many of Newton’s other hymns remain neglected and obscure to the public’s view.

Todd Murray has set several of these forgotten lyrics to new melodies, giving fresh voice to Newton’s pastoral heart and biblical insight.

Beyond Amazing Grace exists to bring these hymns — and the story behind them — to a new generation.

What Audiences Will Experience

A Carefully Crafted Blend of Art, Theology, and Worship

A typical concert includes:

Live musical performances of new music for Newton hymns
Narrated storytelling from Newton’s writings
Projector-based visuals enhancing the historical narrative
Pastoral reflections on grace, suffering, and sanctification

Audiences leave with:

A deeper understanding of Newton’s ministry
Renewed gratitude for the grace of God
New hymns and texts to cherish
A vivid sense of history’s relevance for spiritual formation today

Host a Beyond Amazing Grace Concert

The Christian Heritage Center partners with churches, Christian schools, seminaries, and community groups to make this concert available. Whether you are a large group or a small church, this will be edifying for you!

About Todd Murray

Todd Murray serves on the pastoral team of Grace Immanuel Bible Church and on the faculty of The Expositors Seminary in Jupiter, FL. He is the author of Beyond Amazing Grace, Christmas Meditations, co-author of Love Beyond Degree, and a children’s book entitled  Lamb, Where Are You? Todd has composed and recorded several collections of worship songs that are available on Spotify and other streaming platforms.

He and his wife, Tandy, have been married since 1982 and are the parents of 5 adult children and an ever-growing number of grandchildren.

The Christian Heritage Center

The Christian Heritage Center is a ministry dedicated to honoring, preserving, and learning from the heritage of godly figures in the past to better serve the church today.

© 2025. The Christian Heritage Center.