How To Choose New Worship Songs For Your Church

Most of us have a long list of songs we'd like to lead at our church.  How do we decide which one to lead next?  

At my church, I ask our other worship leaders and our lead Pastor to share songs they'd think we should introduce to our church.  This is a great way to find a variety of options and share the responsibility.  

Last week we take a look at "Where To Find New Worship Songs For Your Church".

Today, I'll share the three questions I have everyone answer when they suggest a new song. 

1. What Do You Like About This Song?

This may seem like an obvious question but I've been surprised by how many times people don't have an answer.  Sure, sometimes we just instinctively like a song.  It hits us in an intangible way.  But try to dig a little deeper. 

What do you like about the music?  What do you like about the lyrics?  Is there a melody that grabbed you?  A lead line?  The groove?  The tone?  

2. Where Do You See This Song Being Used In A Service?

This question helps put the song in context.  Do you see this song joining the regular rotation or is it more of a special music song?  Could this song open the service?  Great for communion?  A song of response? 

Another way to frame this question is "what is a current song we lead that is similar to this one?" or "what is a current song this song could replace?" 

3. Why Does Our Church Need To Sing This Song Right Now?

I believe this is the most important question.  More often than not we choose a new song because we like it.  And that's fine.  We need to like the songs we lead!  but a better reason for choosing a new song is that it will serve our church in an intentional way.  

Does your church need another slow anthem or is it time for a song of celebration?

Does your church need another song about the love of God or is it time to choose a song about His power? 

Is it time for a fresh song about Christ's work at the cross? 

What themes are your Pastor teaching on?  Can you reinforce these themes through song?

What's happening in your community right now?  What are the idols of your culture?  What songs can inspire breakthrough in the hearts of your people?  

Are there themes that are underrepresented in your current song list?  Is it time for a song of Hope?  A song of confession?  A song of declaration? 

As worship leaders we have should appreciate the weight of our responsibility.  We are putting words in our church's mouth.  We are putting prayers in their hearts.  Let's make sure they're good ones!