Comments on: Songwriting in the Church

By: Josh

Josh — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 18:30:07 +0000

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….

By: Rich

Rich — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 17:59:32 +0000

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!

By: Josh

Josh — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 06:50:58 +0000

Chris- that sounds awesome!

By: Chris

Chris — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 04:00:24 +0000

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.

By: Josh

Josh — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:01:05 +0000

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?

By: Kyle

Kyle — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:52:38 +0000

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.