Will You Come And Follow Me (the Summons)

"Will You Come and Follow Me," widely known in our parishes as "The Summons," is a profound call to discipleship that asks us to step out of our comfort zones. The first four verses are written in the voice of Christ, posing direct, challenging questions to the singer: will we risk hostile stares, care for the cruel, and leave ourselves behind? It is a text that makes a congregation reflect deeply on what it actually means to answer a vocation. In the final verse, the perspective shifts beautifully as the choir and the people respond together: "Lord, your summons echoes true... Let me turn and follow you."

Set to a sweeping traditional Scottish folk melody, the music carries a gentle but persistent forward motion that perfectly matches the idea of a journey. In the choir loft, we often bring this piece out for Ordinations, religious professions, or during Communion when the liturgy focuses on mission and answering God's call. The harmony parts give the singers a chance to build the intensity as the questions grow more demanding, leading to that final, unified pledge to move, live, and grow in Christ.