CHOOSE YOUR SONGS WISELY
The music we choose may be more important than even the words the preacher uses on a Sunday. After all, few leave quoting a sermon, but many leave with the words of the last song on repeat in their minds. Whether your position on staff is song leader, worship pastor, or co-pastor, you must understand that your role is as a theologian. You are choosing the words we put into peoples’ mouths and hearts every week, and these words stick far longer than anything else we say on a Sunday.
We must all be theologians, but few of us are called to (or have the time for) seminary. We can, however, become students of theology by reading or listening to recorded books, sermons and podcasts. There is a plethora of resources available to help challenge you to critical thinking about God, our culture and the art you curate for your community.
As you study and talk with other leaders and staff, I offer this matrix for reviewing and/or writing songs to use in worship. The questions aren’t meant to elicit straight-up yes or no responses, but to help you think critically about different aspects of the song itself, and where it fits in your worship gathering. Understanding each song will also help you know how to create a balance of styles, languages, and access points to your community.
AUDIENCE - Who does this song speak to? Does it use church-y, insider language that might need to be explained ahead of time? Does this song provide a fresh approach to God for those who might be reconstructing their faith? Stylistically, who might it appeal to?
METAPHORS & POETRY - Does this song exercise good use of metaphor? Is it imagery you feel good about? Is the metaphor over-used? How is the use of rhythm and meter? Does the song use fresh, descriptive words that evoke images and feelings?
PRONOUNS & GENDERING GOD- Does the song use only male pronouns, or over-use male-specific names/metaphors like "King" and "Father?" Can you gently balance this? Do you have songs which explore traditionally feminine aspects of God?
STORY - What does this song say about the nature of humanity (our starting place)? What does it say about the work of the cross? What does it say about grace? Does it call us to justice-making, shalom?
MUSICAL INTEGRITY - I list this last, because while I am a sucker for a good groove regardless of the words, as a worship leader, the lyrical integrity must come first, and be thoroughly vetted. Then we can examine the artistry of the sound. Musical taste is subjective, but not all songs are written equally well. Does the song have interesting harmonic texture? Is the melody singable, but not overly predictable? Is the song formulaic to the point of tedium? In your cadre of songs, have you stretched into various genres as your band's musicianship allows? If you have found a song with good lyrics, you can make all kinds of arrangement adjustments to increase the musicality of the song. Have fun exploring!
To the songwriters out there - We need more songs that tell the better Story of God; songs that claim God’s goodness; songs that remember our connection to the earth and all of creation; songs that invite us to the communion table; and songs that inspire us to go out into the world and breathe out the love we’ve received from God. There is a wealth of stories to tell throughout the scriptures. Exploring the themes of the Psalms and Lamentations through the lens of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection would be a worthy endeavor.