Archive for Choosing Songs

Contemporary Lenten Music

March 31, 2009 at 11:45 pm · Filed under Choosing Songs, Lent, Lenten Music ·Tagged

This is a little late for Lent 2009, but I read through the lyrics in John Kehls’ EXCEL database of contemporary songs which is available for download at this BLOG, and pulled out the ones that I liked for Lent.  Here’s the list:

A Debtor to Mercy Alone

Bob Kauflin

Above All

Baloche, LeBlanc

Across the Great Divide

Mark Altrogge

Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)

Chris Tomlin

Amazing Love

Graham kendrick

Amazing Love (You Are My King)

Billy Foote

At the Cross

Holland Davis

At the Cross

Stephen Altrogge

At the Foot of the Cross

Steve Cook

Beneath the Cross

Getty, Townend

By Your Blood

Billy Funk

Cross of Jesus

Getty, Townend

Depth of Mercy

Bob Kauflin

Finished Indeed

the Kingsmen

For All Have Sinned / For God so Loved

Steve Green

For God so Loved the World

Don Fancisco

For Me

Mark Altrogge

For Me For You

Doug Plank

Forgiven, Forgotten, Forever

Brian Free

Fullness of Grace

Staurt Townend

God Will Provide a Lamb

Michael Card

Greater Love

Mark Altrogge

Greater Still

Brian Free

How Deep the Father’s Love for Us

Getty, Townend

I Come by the Blood

Steve Cook

I Come to the Cross

BIll Batstone

I Look Up

Mark Altrogge

I Love the Cross

Mark Altrogge

I Will Boast in the Cross of Christ

Steve Cook

I’m Justified

Steve Cook

It Should Have Been Me

Mark Altrogge

Jesus Paid it All

Elvina Mabel Hall

Jesus, Thank You

Pat Sczebel

Lamb of Glory

Greg Nelson

Lamb of God

Twila Paris

Lead me to the Cross

Graham Kendrick

Lost in Wonder

Martyn Layzell

Man of Sorrows

Greg Nelson

My Savior’s Precious Blood

Jonathan Baird

Nail My Glory

Bob Kauflin

Nothing but the Blood

Robert Lowry

O How He Loves You and Me

Kurt Kaiser

On My Cross

Jerome Diebler / FFH

Once Again

Matt Redman

Only by His Wounds

Michael Card

Only Your Mercy

Scott Wesly Brown

Perfect Lamb of God

Adam Sacks

Ransomed

Jordan Kauflin

the Coloring Song

Petra (Dave Eden)

the Glory of the Cross

Sovereign Grace

the Gospel is True

Scott Wesley Brown

the Gospel Song

Bob Kauflin

the Grace Song of Heaven

Keith Getty

The Power of the Cross

Getty, Townend

the Precious Blood

Peter Gagnon

the Wonderful Cross

Chris Tomlin

the Wounded Healer

Bennie Triplett

We Sing Your Mercies

Mark Altrogge

When Love Came Down

Stuart Townend

You Chose the Cross

Martyn Layzell

 

 

 

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More on Choosing Music

March 20, 2009 at 11:59 am · Filed under Choosing Songs, Music, Selection Help

If you are a fan of American Idol, then you know that “song selection” is critical.  It is for us Pastors and Worship Leaders as well.

 

The Contemporary Christian Music EXCEL database file that has been available for download in my “FILE DOWNLOAD AREA” (located in the lower right hand column) has been updated (filename: ccm songs 2.xls).  Many of you have downloaded the original version of this file.  It contains a listing of hundreds of contemporary songs that John Kehl’s band has either used at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Appleton, WI or has evaluated for use in worship.  In addition to song titles, the database includes other useful information such as lyrics, song categorical information and other helpful resources.

 

One of the things mentioned in the database are some of the criteria that John uses to evaluate contemporary songs for worship.  I have excerpted his comments here:

 

1.      Look for lyrics that are scripturally sound with a Christ centered, gospel centered, and grace centered message.

2.      Look for music that focuses on God and Christ and what God did and does for us.

3.      Lyrics should be clear, not vague or shallow and should have substance.

4.      The music should emphasize the message, not the music, or the musician, or the beat.

5.      Look for music and style that is worshipful and reverent that fit the lyrics.

6.      Look for music that is singable for the congregation.

 

Here are some other helpful comments:

 

  1. Look for biblical language in song lyrics.  Words, phrases, and attributes that identify God as the God of the bible and not some generic God.
  2. Watch out for “decision theology”.  These are lyrics that imply that we have “chosen” to accept Jesus as Savior.  We are a chosen people.  It’s the other way around – God has chosen us!
  3. Watch out for legalism.   These are lyrics that imply that we have to do certain things, above and beyond what the bible says to be saved.
  4. Look for songs, that when you read through the lyrics, you can immediately point to a section of scripture that it is based upon.

 

Here is a list of songs that have done just that for me:

 

Chris Tomlin – “Forever” is based on Ps 136

Chris Tomlin – “Holy is the Lord” uses Neh 8:10

Chris Falson – “I See the Lord” is based on Isaiah 6

Matt Redman – “Better is One Day” is based on Psalm 84

Matt Redman – “Lord Let Your Glory Fall” is based on 2 Chro 5-7

Matt Redman – “You Never Let Go” is based on Ps 23

Amy Grant – “Thy Word” uses a verse from Ps 119 as it’s opening line

Brenton Brown – “Everlasting God” is Isaiah 40:28-31

Paul Baloche – “Open the Eyes of My Heart” is based on Eph 1:18-19

Charlie Hall – “Give Us Clean Hands” is based on Psalm 24:3-6

Matt Maher – “For Your Glory” is from Ecc 3:1-8

Matt Maher – “As It is in Heaven” is from Luke 11:2-4

Matt Maher – “Unwavering” is from Mt 5:3-11

Michael Schroeder (WELS) – “the Greatest Gift” is also from Mt 5:3-11

Telecast – “Psalm 27” is based on Psalm 27

Vicky Beeching – “Yesterday, Today and Forever” is based on Heb 13:8 and Ps 102:26-27

Bob Fitts – “Victory Chant” is based on Rev 5:5

Gary Sadler – “Ancient of Days” is based on Dan 7

Robin Mark – “Days of Elijah” contains Isa 40:3

The Desperation Band – “I Am Free” is based on John 8:36

Big Daddy Weave – “Let it Rise” is based on Isa 60:1

Lincoln Brewster – “Majestic” is based on Ps 8:9

Jennie Riddle – “Revelation Song” is based on Rev 4:8

Delirious? – “Miracle Maker” is based on John 5

“On Eagle’s Wings” is Ps 91

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A few of My Favorite Contemporary Song Choices for the Church Year

February 12, 2009 at 10:54 pm · Filed under BLENDED WORSHIP, Choosing Songs, Lectionary Resources ·Tagged

For Advent, we play “Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel”

For Christmas, we play “Joy to the World”

For Palm Sunday, we play “All Glory Laud and Honor”

For Easter, we play “Christ, the Lord is Risen Today”

For Trinity, we play “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty”

For Reformation, we play “A Mighty Fortress”

For Thanksgiving, we play ”Now Thank We All Are God”

For Saint’s Triumphant, we play “For All the Saints”

 

These are all no-brainers; but what about some contemporary “stand-bys”?  Not so easy.  Here’s some help:

 

Advent: “El Shaddai”* by Michael Card or “Light One Candle”*(B) by Natalie Sleeth

Christmas: stick with Carols and Hymns because that’s what people like and expect to sing.

Epiphany: “One Small Child”*(L) by David Meece or “A Joy Has Dawned”* by Keith Getty or “All Hail King Jesus”*(B) by Dave Moody

Ash Wednesday: “At the Foot of the Cross (Ashes to Beauty)” (1) by Kathryn Scott

Lent: “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us”* by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend, or “Amazing Love”*(B) by Graham Kendrick, or “Above All”*(B) by Paul Baloche and Lenny LeBlanc or “Once Again”*(B) by Matt Redman or “On My Cross” (1) by Jeremy Diebler or “the Power of the Cross”* by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty or “the Coloring Song”*(L) by David Eden

Palm Sunday: “He is Exalted”*(L) by Twila Paris or “We Bow Down”*(B) by Twila Paris

Easter: “Celebrate Jesus”*(B) by Gary Oliver or “On the Thrid Day” (1) by Matt Maher & Marc Byrd, or “Resurrection Hymn”* by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend or “Happy Day” (1) by Tim Hughes

Trinity:“Glorify Thy Name*(B)(L)” by Donna Adkins, or “Father, I Adore You”*(L) by Terry Coehlo, or “Our God Saves” (1) by Paul Baloche, or “Song of Love” (1) by Rebecca St. James

Ascension: “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High” *(B) by Rick Founds

Pentecost: “Holy Spirit” * by Keith Getty or “Shine, Jesus Shine” *(B)(L) by Graham Kendrick or “Revival Fire Fall” *(B) by Paul Baloche

Reformation: don’t do it! J

Thanksgiving: “Give Thanks” *(B)(L) by Henry Smith, or “Forever” (1) by Chris Tomlin

End Times: “Days of Elijah”* by Robin Mark or “Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble?” *(B) by Martin Smith

Mission Festival or Friendship Evangelism: “Shout to the North”*(B) by Martin Smith or “We Speak to Nations” (1) by Israel Houghton, or “Here I Am, Lord”*(B) by Daniel Schutte, or “Pass it On”*(L) by Kurt Kaiser, or “People Need the Lord”*(L) by Phill McHugh and Greg Neslon

Baptisms: “Father Welcomes”*(B)(L) by Robin Mann

Communion: “What is This Bread”*(B) by Jean Neuhauser Baue

Stewardship Sunday: “the Heart of Worship”*(B) by Matt Redman, or “Offering” (1) by Paul Baloche, or “You Are” (1) by Mark Roach

Contemporary Arrangements of hymns: “Amazing Grace – My Chains are Gone” (1) by Chris Tomlin, or “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross – the Wonderful Cross” * by Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman, or “Take My Life and Let it Be”* by Chris Tomlin

 Call to Worship: “Here I Am to Worship”* by Tim Hughes

 

I’d also like to mention two versatile songs that can be used on a number of occasions: “In Christ Alone”* by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend and “Shine Jesus Shine”*(B)(L) by Graham Kendrick.

 

And finally, I am a fan of responsive songs.  Two of my favorites are “Victory Chant”*(B) by Joseph Vogels and “Lord Most High”*(B) by Don Harris and Gary Sadler.  I like responsive songs because the smallest children can sing along.

 

Notes:

* = Congregational Friendly

(1) = Solo or praise band only

(B) = in the “Best of the Best” Songbook

(L) = in the LAPPY songbook

 

 

 

One final note, as a general rule, you can listen to most of these songs by going to http://www.youtube.com and searching on the title of the song enclosed in quotes.

Please feel free to leave a comment if you have some favorites!

 

 

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Files for Download

February 3, 2009 at 10:11 pm · Filed under BLENDED WORSHIP, Choosing Songs, Resources, WELS, Worship Tools ·Tagged

I have added a new feature to my BLOG.  At the bottom of the right column is a box where you can download files that I have posted for general use and distribution.  There are two files right now.  One is the revised lectionary from our Synod that goes with the Hymnal Supplement and the other is an EXCEL database of contemporary songs that has been compiled by BLOG reader and member of Mt. Olive Lutheran in Appleton, WI – John Kehl.  John has listed many CCM songs, rated them for their lyrical content, identified themes, and included publisher information.  It’s a great resource and thanks go to John for sharing.  By the way, John’s band is known as “Joyful Noise” check them out if you are in or near Appleton.

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How to Choose Music Wisely

October 26, 2008 at 6:11 pm · Filed under BLENDED WORSHIP, Choosing Songs, How To, Selection Help, Worship Tools ·Tagged ,

  How to Choose Music Wisely

 

These are the things that I think about when choosing contemporary music for use in worship.

Very Important Steps:

1.  The first step is to pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance.  You will be surprised how many ideas pop into your head if you do this rigorously.

2.  Seek your Pastor’s input.  At the very least, you need to review song lyrics for theological and doctrinal accuracy with him.  Over time, he may trust your judgment but unlike God’s forgiveness, this has to be earned.  Being in worship every Sunday as well as Bible class is a must.

3.  Our worship follows a theme each week.  We also follow a Lectionary series and each service includes four scripture readings (Old Testament, Psalm, Epistle & New Testament).  I choose our music to match some combination of the theme, readings, or the church season that we happen to be in.  If you do this for a while, you will even get the knack of finding a common thread to pursue through all the readings.

a.   We do not group our songs together as is a common practice in many contemporary services.  If this is your practice, then other guidelines might influence your song choices such as keys and tempos.  We are not hindered by such things.  We choose our songs based solely on God’s word being considered for that day.

4.  I usually start with both the scriptural index and the thematic indices in our songbooks.  This is the easiest way to select music that matches the worship theme.

5.  Another favorite trick of mine is to use my computer to quickly search through song lyrics.  I have one file, a WORD document, where I paste all my lyrics into.  Oftentimes I will search through this file for key words that match the worship theme.

6.  Just because it’s in your songbooks, or your personal library, does not mean that it’s sound doctrine.  All lyrics need to be reviewed.  Here’s what I look for:

a.   Look for agreement with scriptural principles.  Look for biblical language and words.

b.  Look for unique characteristics, attributes and deeds of God, and avoid generic songs.  For example, look for specific mentioning of Jesus by name, the Trinity, things that God has done, etc.  Avoid generic wishy-washy lyrics.

c.   Avoid “man-centered” songs.  Concentrate on Christ-centered songs but remember that we worship a Triune God as well.

d.  Look for a mix of song types:

i.  Songs that we sing to each other (Horizontal, edifying)

ii.  Songs that we sing to God (Vertical, upward, prayer)

iii.  Some songs are even God speaking to us (Vertical, downward)

iv.  Songs about God’s transcendent nature (God our friend)

v.  Songs about God’s imminence (Holy God)

vi.  Songs in the first person (I and me)

vii.  Corporate songs (we and us)

viii.  “Head Worship” (doctrine) vs “Heart Worship” (devotion, love, thankfulness)

ix.  “Prostration” (awe) vs “Celebration” (joy)

1.  All of these song types are acceptable, but you might not want to have all of your music on one Sunday from one category.  My advice is to read through your lyrics and know what song types you have chosen.

1.    Here’s some other things to look for:

a.   Look for lyrics that are edifying and instructive.

b.  Look for lyrics that are profound and substantial.

c.   Look for lyrics that are clear and understandable.

d.  Look for lyrics that enhance your understanding of God.

2.  Once I’ve selected the song choices, the next step is to arrange them in the service.

a.   I typically place the songs as close to the reading that they are derived from as possible.

b.  I usually try to use the simplest song first.  Oftentimes its theme will be more of a “Call to Worship” than to specifically match the theme.

c.   Sometimes, before the Pastor’s sermon, I will use an upbeat song and then after his sermon I will use a more reflective song to enhance his message.

More Subjective Steps:

1.  Repetition in your music is OK.  Read Psalm 136 or Rev 4:8 for biblical examples.

2.  I usually also look for a mix of tempos (fast, slow, and medium).  This is just for variety and isn’t necessary.  Ditto for ¾, 4/4 and 6/8 timings.

3.  Look for songs to set the mood that you are shooting for.  Upbeat songs are energetic while songs in a minor key are oftentimes more mournful or introspective.  Are you after joy, praise, thanksgiving, reflective, solemn, heart pounding, majestic, responsive, contrition, etc.?  All of these have a place in worship but they need to match the theme of the day.

4.  Look for songs that your congregation can handle.

a.   Almost everyone can sing notes in the range of low C to high C (We call this “Sea to Shining Sea”)!  You can hit high D’s and E’s on occasion but don’t overdue it.  Especially for an opening song.

b.  Avoid syncopated rhythms.

c.   Avoid songs with large interval jumps (in pitch) on adjacent notes.

d.  Look for memorable melodies.

i.  Remember that good music that is difficult to sing can be left to your soloists.

 

 A few of the above items were taken from : “How to Evaluate Songs for Congregational Worship” by Scott Christensen

 

 

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