Beyond Sunday Worship

Worship Podcast

Songwriting for Worship – Brian Doerksen

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).

The Heart of Worship: Obeying God

Beyond the music, beyond the songs, beyond the band, lights, gear, rehearsal, and setlists, is your life. A life that needs to love God’s Word and do what it says.

As worship leaders we need to set an example not only in our musical excellence but in how we live our lives. Consider I Timothy 4:12

“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”

  • Speech – are you glorifying God in your words?
  • Conduct – are you glorifying God in your actions?
  • Love – are you glorifying God in how you treat others?
  • Faith – do you actually believe the song lyrics you lead others in singing?
  • Purity – are you glorifying God in abstaining from sexual sin?

Does what you declare on Sunday oppose what you live Monday-Saturday? Are you more passionate about music and performance than you are living a holy life behind closed doors?

5 Worship Albums You Need to Hear (if you want to)

1. Elevation Worship “Kingdom Come” – A sick worship album from the boys down in North Carolina. Inspired by how this team works with their senior pastor Steven Furtick to reach their city and inspire faith. Great production, great songs.

2. All the Bright Lights – Though not a worship album per se, I recommend this album for your personal worship. Instrumental, gentle, epic, cool. Enjoy.

3. Casey Darnell “EP” – Absolutely love this. Of the 5 songs here I wish I could lead all of them. Truly heartfelt songs and a great voice.

4. One Sonic Society “EP” – Love the tunes on this record. A couple are also found on the new Hillsong record. Really strong lyrics and a cool vibe.

5. Always been a fan of Charlie Hall. While his songs are not easily singable, nor the most corporate, they are super challenging, cool, and prophetic. His lyrics are not typical and are always refreshing.

Why Does God Want Us To Sing?

Whenever I run into you at the grocery store, I don’t burst into song.

Whenever I come to your house, I don’t cross the threshold singing “You Are Great”.

It’s not that I don’t like you; actually, you’re pretty swell. But why is it that when it comes to God, we sing?

Why does Scripture even place such a huge emphasis on “singing unto the Lord?”

Why don’t we just recite the facts and get it done?

Bob Kauflin has some helpful thoughts:

I also love how John Piper says it:

“God is so great that thinking will not suffice, there must be deep feeling; and talking will not suffice, there must be singing.”

The Gospel is not merely meant to be thought about. Or analyzed. Or debated. It should cause you to worship.

When we begin to understand the glories of God, we respond with love and adoration.

We can’t just know the facts about God. We need to worship.

Question: What are your thoughts? Why does God want us to sing? You can leave a comment by clicking here.

How do you keep it fresh?

Your ministry, that is.

Do you just show up and do it?

Do you fast and pray?

Do you spend a lot of time preparing music?

I’d love to share a few things I do, but I want to hear from you worship leaders or even preachers out there. How do you prepare your heart to do what God has called you to do? Much of what we do is based on routine. How do you keep it fresh and ensure you’re depending on the Holy Spirit each time?

DS