Song Selection

How we pick songs

Occasionally I get asked, "Why do we sing the songs we do?" To answer simply, we pick our songs to satisfy the following goals:

  1. Congregation involvement
    All congregants should be led to vocal or silent participation in various modes of worship (singing, reflection, Scripture-reading, prayer, etc…) during corporate worship. Congregants should grow in passion and expression over time without distracting others from Christ.

  2. Attainable melodies
    All congregants should be able to participate in singing regardless of skill. Songs should allow for both male and female ranges. The vocal leading should allow for some musical expression, but with regard for the skill level and participation of all.

  3. Clearly Christian lyrics
    Lyrics should clearly communicate spiritual truth, avoiding vague spiritual verbiage. The Gospel and Biblical themes should be unavoidable.  The songs lyrics should not be easily confused or applied towards any other spiritual concepts or worldviews.  Metaphors without didactic purpose (ex: waterfalls, oceans, mountains) should be avoided in favor of Biblical metaphors. 
    Rich lyrical content should be explained, regardless of frequency.

  4. Simplicity and Memorability
    Historical hymns with newly-prescribed choruses will be rigorously tested for their value. Songs will be sung by default with the same sequence to increase memorability and involvement. The Holy Spirit’s guidance will be held in high esteem both in planning and delivery.

How we don't pick songs

In contrast to our values, the following will not take precedence in our programming:

  1. Whatever is popular on the radio just because it is on the radio.

  2. Whatever other churches are doing just because other churches are doing them.

  3. Whatever worship team participants prefer.

  4. The era of a song for that sake alone.
    (Songs that have been sung by spiritual predecessors for centuries will be held in high regard alongside the anointed and proven compositions of our present era. All songs will be packaged for current stylistic relevance.)