Writing Worship Songs
As I surf the web I come across dozens upon dozens of people who are trying to write worship songs to bless their church and possibly the church as a whole. Some songs are usable, others not, and perhaps the usability of the songs have to do with not understanding some simple tips to aid in our songwriting. I am going through a bit of a ‘dry spell’ since I finished recording my album and perhaps the things I am about to write will apply to my next season as a songwriter as well. No matter where you are as a songwriter, perhaps you can benefit from some of what I have learned along the way.
1.) Good Theology is A Must.
This is a high calling in my opinion. Not everyone gets to put words in people’s mouth as they talk to God. This is serious. As songwriters “Speaking for the church” we must realize that people (Unfortunately, I think) get their theology from a “good song.” That being said, since your goal is helping others communicate with God, you must provide good spiritual meat.
2.) Songs that are being used are Universal in Nature.
When I was just starting out, it was more difficult for me to judge the songs that I write that were to be kept “Just between God” and the songs that are for the Church as a whole. These songs have value. But their value is in that they help you “work out Your own Salvation with fear and trembling” and get you to the next place spiritually.
Songs that are being used are universal. That is they meet people where they are and talk about themes we all can relate to. This seams obvious to some writers, but I had to learn this. After I write a song and before I re-write or refine, I evaluate the lyrics for universality. I sometimes send it to a friend for critique. This helps me sift through the piles of stuff in my head not for human consumption.
3.) Say something old in a new way.
Whether it was “Shout to the Lord” or “God of Wonders”, these songs say it uniquely while maintaining Universality.
One of my more usable songs has a line in it that floored me when I wrote it
”As much as we know how….to worship.”
Now this is unique, universal and thankfully it has been usable and it has blessed some churches.
4.) Keep an archive
It is important to go back to unfinished friends we call songs. I find bits and pieces of old songs in the recesses of my mind useful when I am stuck in a song. I go back to old recordings and it helps.
5.) Write everyday.
Don’t use every single song you write. But write and sing to God every day, not just when you feel like it. This is where the discipline hits most of us like a ton of bricks. I struggle in this area most days. Becoming a good songwriter is a process. I had a friend tell me that it wasn’t that God wanted to make me into a person that God could use to write this “one” song, but that He wanted to make me into the kind of person that would be able to write songs that touch people where they are at.
One final thought...
It is in the process of life that God shows us more of Himself. It is in the discipline of daily devotion as we struggle past the gates of praise and come into His courts that we are changed into the kind of people God will use as songwriters. He will satisfy your calling if you let Him. If you are willing and given over to him more completely everyday…..
I pray that God uses you and births new songs in you that will reach the church and change lives.
--- David.
1.) Good Theology is A Must.
This is a high calling in my opinion. Not everyone gets to put words in people’s mouth as they talk to God. This is serious. As songwriters “Speaking for the church” we must realize that people (Unfortunately, I think) get their theology from a “good song.” That being said, since your goal is helping others communicate with God, you must provide good spiritual meat.
2.) Songs that are being used are Universal in Nature.
When I was just starting out, it was more difficult for me to judge the songs that I write that were to be kept “Just between God” and the songs that are for the Church as a whole. These songs have value. But their value is in that they help you “work out Your own Salvation with fear and trembling” and get you to the next place spiritually.
Songs that are being used are universal. That is they meet people where they are and talk about themes we all can relate to. This seams obvious to some writers, but I had to learn this. After I write a song and before I re-write or refine, I evaluate the lyrics for universality. I sometimes send it to a friend for critique. This helps me sift through the piles of stuff in my head not for human consumption.
3.) Say something old in a new way.
Whether it was “Shout to the Lord” or “God of Wonders”, these songs say it uniquely while maintaining Universality.
One of my more usable songs has a line in it that floored me when I wrote it
”As much as we know how….to worship.”
Now this is unique, universal and thankfully it has been usable and it has blessed some churches.
4.) Keep an archive
It is important to go back to unfinished friends we call songs. I find bits and pieces of old songs in the recesses of my mind useful when I am stuck in a song. I go back to old recordings and it helps.
5.) Write everyday.
Don’t use every single song you write. But write and sing to God every day, not just when you feel like it. This is where the discipline hits most of us like a ton of bricks. I struggle in this area most days. Becoming a good songwriter is a process. I had a friend tell me that it wasn’t that God wanted to make me into a person that God could use to write this “one” song, but that He wanted to make me into the kind of person that would be able to write songs that touch people where they are at.
One final thought...
It is in the process of life that God shows us more of Himself. It is in the discipline of daily devotion as we struggle past the gates of praise and come into His courts that we are changed into the kind of people God will use as songwriters. He will satisfy your calling if you let Him. If you are willing and given over to him more completely everyday…..
I pray that God uses you and births new songs in you that will reach the church and change lives.
--- David.
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