Why is it that you love the songs that you do? What is it about them that is engaging? While this is rather a subjective question (different people like different songs), I think there are some tips to writing congregational worship songs that assist in their success (And by “success” I don’t necessarily mean songs that the global church is singing and make a lot of money. I’m referring to songs that really connect with a local congregation whether they are ‘discovered’ or not.)

Enjoy:

• Say something old in a fresh way – there’s nothing new under the sun. As worship songwriters we’re not trying to write about new ideologies and revelations. We are looking to shine a spotlight on the revealed truth of God in a way that connects with a modern listener.
• Keep it singable – I understand your voice sounds great singing those high G’s and A’s but the average churchgoers eyes are popping out as they attempt to sing it. Keep it in a singable range and keep your phrasing  out of the ‘rap music’ category if you want people to sing along.
• Avoid cliches and too much rhyming – Example: “God, we call on your name, and give you all the praise, and love all your ways, you never cease to amaze, God, take away this haze.” Yuck. Sometimes it sounds better not to rhyme or use half-rhymes.
• Know your congregation – what is God doing in the midst of your people? What are they experiencing? What is your pastor preaching on? Write to that. You want to give voice to what is in their hearts.
• Don’t depend on melodies and arrangement…until later. If you have a killer voice, great melody, impeccable arrangement, but an awful song, it’s not a success. Work on your lyrics so they express exactly what you want to say.
• Write and rewrite and rewrite again…and again – Don’t fall for the “God gave me this song just as it is. I’m not changing it” speech. Don’t blame God for your lack of hard work. I like what Brian Doerksen says, “God doesn’t give songs…he gives seeds. It’s our responsibility to grow the seed.”

Allow me to leave you with a song that I love. I’ve posted this before but still love it. Matt beautifully articulates a great theme and takes you on a journey that culminates with a fantastic bridge. Beautiful lyrics, melody, and a consistent theme throughout. Notice this song is about one thing – God’s saving power. Get’s me every time.

[tentblogger-youtube wudms0-gjzQ]

The past few days I had the privilege of attending Integrity’s Seminars for Worship with my worship team. I so appreciate the experience and humility that Paul Baloche, Brian Doerksen, and Kathryn Scott bring to the table. I wanted to share some songwriting thoughts that I gleaned from Brian’s session on “songwriting for worship”

• Our world is crazy about the visual – the God of the scriptures continues to invite us with his written and whispered words.
• Never use a song publicly that doesn’t move you to worship privately.
• Write for the ‘gap’ – don’t imitate others. Look for where a certain truth or style is missing.
• Worship music involves writing for the church & self-expression, clear lyrics (meaning then sound), and simple, creative music.
• Recording artist writing involves self-expression, unclear lyrics (sound then meaning), and creative music.
• How does the songwriting process actually work? – seeds of inspiration; days of perspiration.
• People have the misconception that God gives songs. He actually gives seeds. It is our job to cultivate the soil and grow the song.
• People need 2  things to sing your song – Reason (they want to say what your song says) and Affection (they need to love the song).

Ever go through long periods of not writing anything? And even when you try it is so terrible that you feel you have lost your songwriting gift? Out of desperation you listen a top 40 song and and copy its form. Still, it sucks.

Been there?

I want to encourage you songwriters here for a few moments. That is absolutely normal. Consider these songwriting helps. They may just save you from prolonged songwriter stagnation:

• Lots of bad songs need to be written before you ever write a truly good one.
• Don’t try and write a hit song. Just pour out your heart. Make sure what you are saying is worth saying anyway.
• Go for a walk (away from people) and sing melodies apart from your musical instrument. Believe me, it works.
• Listen to a musical style that you aren’t naturally inclined to. Try and mimic the chord progressions. It will stretch you out of your current ‘box’.
• Go buy Future of Forestry music. Get inspired.
• Co-write with someone who is better than you. Learn how they work.
• Read this great book. Not just for worship leaders, by the way.
• Take time to pray. Ask God to clarify what He is doing in your heart.
• Journal. Write for the purpose of getting your heart on page, not for a song.
• Learn a new instrument (I want a banjo and a ukelele and anything else I don’t currently own). Sometimes new tones can inspire new songs.
• Do a spontaneity session. Play your instrument. Sing random melodies out of the Psalms or whatever. Persevere with this and don’t give up when it’s terrible.
• Ask trusted professionals to critique your work. Honestly. Take to heart what they say.
• Be fully present in the ‘moment’. Don’t be stuck in the past and overly concerned with the future. Learn from the circumstances, people, and places you are currently in. The best songs come from people who are fully present in the ‘now’.