Choosing Songs for Worship

Dynamics of Song Selection

Introduction
Selecting songs for the worship service can be a difficult task for the worship team because they need to consider many factors about each song in a given service.

God doesnt have a predetermined list in heaven that we have to figure out if were going to have a Spirit-led worship service. The will of God is not a song list. -Bob Sorge

Emphasis should be placed upon building a persons relationship with God. The wise leader thus builds a service song list in such a way as to best achieve this emphasis.

Worship is a journey, from point "A" which is us down here - to point "Z" which is the presence of God. Therefore, our song list should be fashioned in this manner.

A. Follow A Theme

This is very helpful in preparing songs that will support the subject of the pastors sermon. Sorge also says, Songs may not necessarily strictly follow the theme but they can cleverly reflect the theme allowing the expansion of ideas that connects with the theme.

B. Know Your Congregation

Different worshipers will have different needs. In selecting songs for worship, it is most important to know that the songs will help the people worship God and respond to Him faithfully.

C. Seek Gods Guidance

We must never choose a song just because we like it or because we have a particular person in mind. Songs must be carefully selected in order for the body to praise and worship God. It is important to understand that corporate worship is not the same as the individuals worship experience.

D. Choose Appropriate Keys

Before writing the sequence of songs, imagine how a chord moves and then modify the music for the band. Make sure it is comfortable for the band to make chord modulations, etc. It is always important for the worship team to be aware of the transition from one key to the next. One must keep in mind that some key changes are easier than others.

E. Decide on the Order or Sequence of Songs

Generally, people are drawn toward singing up-tempo, celebrative songs near the beginning of the service. Then the people can be led into slower songs of intimacy and exaltation (Five Phase Model). However, the team must realize that this is not a set formula. This order can be reversed, starting with meditative songs and building to a celebrative mood.

The song list is not sacred, nor is the order of songs engraved in heaven. Bob Sorge

It is the Holy Spirit and not the team members who lead the worshipers; the team members are just prompters.

The Five Phase Model

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Celebration Meditation Worship; Petition Commitment Thanksgiving

Sample Sequence
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Touching Heaven, Changing Earth Here To Eternity Yours Is The Kingdom Worthy Is The Lamb Wonderful, Magnificent God

IMPACT Model

IM-Inspire Movement P-Praise A-Adoration C-Commitment T-Tie It All Together

Developed by Rick Muchow, Worship Pastor of Saddleback Community Church.