Songwriting in the Church
This post is inspired by Tyler Braun. He discussed the question of theologically-sound lyrics in worship music today. If you weren’t in that discussion and would like to be, go to his blog.
Attention all worship leaders/pastors/creative arts directors, etc. :
Are you writing songs for your church? If not, why?
I love a lot of the current worship music that’s out there just as much as the next person. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with using that to lead worship in your corporate worship setting. And sure, not everyone can necessarily write songs. But, my challenge to us all is this: Write songs for your church.
We’re worshipers first, worship leaders second. God is a creator, not a duplicator. He’s making all things new, and He’s certainly doing unique things in different churches all over the world. Besides, think about some of the songs you lead your congregation with now. Where were they birthed? Most of the time in the local church. Think about the song, “The Heart of Worship” by Matt Redman. I’m sure a lot of you know the story behind it–totally unique to their church at the time, and now being sung all around the world.
I’m a big proponent of writing songs to use in a corporate worship setting. One crucial thing I think one needs when doing this is a trusted friend, be it a pastor, another worship leader, mentor, etc. that you can bounce these songs off of. I’ve tried to send any song I’ve written to my former pastor who lives in Indiana. I ask him to critique every lyric, as I want to make sure the message of the song is Biblical.
What is God doing in your community of believers? Perhaps there’s a theme/phrase of a sermon series that your church is really holding on to, or a particular scripture that could inspire songs of praise. I’m not saying that we throw out everything that we sing, but let’s allow ourselves to listen to that stirring in our souls. And let that stirring bring forth worship.
So, are you writing songs for your church? If so, I’d love to hear your process.
Songwriting is very important I think from several aspects.
1. Models communion with God. If God is doing a work in us as worship leaders/songwriters then I’d expect there to be a passion to communicate those things.
2. Models missional worship. God has empowered you through the Holy Spirit to reach your community. So we need songs that are relevant(though I hate the word) to that community. What’s happening in Hillsong might not translate to what’s happening in downtown Phoenix.
3. A good indicator of overall church body health. If God’s doing a work in your church body, I think a natural expression of that is in song. If new songs are being sung, then that’s a good indicator of the spirit’s work.
So at our church we definitely value songwriting and practice it.
Kyle- thanks for your comment! It’s much appreciated ’round here. Now it’s just not me and the crickets.
I agree entirely(obviously) with what you’re saying. Do you think that there are barriers holding worship leaders in churches back from approaching songwriting in their local church?
Love it – I’ve been part of a new thing here called WorshipRises that’s all about developing worship resources for & from the Canadian church. We meet to write together and then we take those songs back to our churches. We also want to eventually become a platform for songs being sung in Canadian churches to be heard across the country.
Great thoughts. Thanks man.
Chris- that sounds awesome!
This subject has been on my heart for a long time.
I’ve been busy for the last few months gathering what resources and knowledge I can on the topic of church songwriting. It is my hope that some time in the month of March we will invite members from our congregation who feel led to participate in crafting songs to be used during worship.
As far as I can tell, and as much as I really want there to be one, there isn’t a black and white, step by step model to follow. I think that someone or a few people have to have a passion for it and take the lead, as well as the freedom to do so by the leadership. There also must be checks and balances in regards to the quality of the music and lyrics, especially the theology that is presented.
I can’t wait!
Thanks for your comment, Rich. Glad to hear you’re thinking about this kind of thing as well. I think it’s important.
I don’t think there’s a model out there for it either. And, I don’t know that there necessarily needs to be one. Worship songs are written in response to God’s love, mercy, grace, etc., but the way those responses are written will be unique. I think they should be. We are all different people, changing each day (hopefully) -responding in our worship to a God who never changes.
And yes, I think there absolutely needs to be some sort of accountability person(s) to critique the work. Good luck as you embark on this journey in your church! I’d love to hear how it goes….