Introduction
Discerning which expressions of worship are appropriate today can be confusing because there are a dizzying variety of worship approaches and styles being used, not only in different churches... but even in churches within the same denomination1. Although modern ‘worship’ is almost exclusively defined as the singing of songs to God, singing is not all of worship. To worship is to glorify God2 - which is more a posture of the heart in reverence and homage to a God worthy of worship, than it is an action3. For the sake of answering the question, “How and Why Disciples Church selects worship songs to sing at Sunday Services”, we will be focusing on the congregational act of worship through song and music that takes place during the corporate gathering of a Sunday Service.
Singing the Gospel!
Above all, our focus is to glorify God and enjoy him by proclaiming the gospel of Jesus who saves, changes and sends us on his mission. Worship without the redemption of Jesus can only be depending on one’s own (or another’s) salvific efforts, which is idolatry. Although we want to sing the gospel in every song, most songs don’t tell the whole gospel story on their own (although a few do!)4, so we want to make sure that when combined with at least one other song, the whole gospel story can be expressed in a meta-narrative across the service. As a result, our liturgy often follows a structure of;
1. Praise (God’s Glory)
2. Redemption (Jesus’ Redemption)
3. Response (The Holy Spirit’s Empowerment)
4. Pre-Sermon Heart Preparation (following the sermon theme)
5. Post-Sermon Response to the gospel (following the sermon theme)
Sing a New Song!
Here at Disciples Church, we delight in the command of Psalm 96: 1 to, “Sing a new song to the Lord”. We are frequently introducing new songs, but not without rhyme or reason. Each year, a new set list of about 40 songs is curated by the worship leaders and pastors. This set list includes both new songs and songs we have been singing that should stay around for a bit longer. By creating a new list each year, it allows us to cut songs that have been played too much, do not suit the season our church is in, or have simply not fit our congregation well.
We introduce a new song almost once a month - sometimes two a month and then play that song a few weeks in a row to help with familiarity. This process varies and takes discernment and thoughtful consideration about what Scripture we are in as a church and what we feel the congregation can handle and are warming to. Before we introduce new songs, we aim to have the set list available to the congregation to be listening to beforehand. This allows for a deeper engagement and participation from the congregation.
Any songs that make it onto the annual set list must meet the following requirements;
✓ Gospel-Centric (as already explained)
✓ Theologically Sound
✓ Musically Engaging
✓ Culturally & Contextually Appropriate
We also want to make sure that the songs selected;
✓ Cover a Wide Range of Theological Themes - e.g. God’s love, faithfulness,
sovereignty, beauty, power, sacrifice, compassion...
✓ Include Hymns - We stand on the shoulders of faithful saints before us. It is good to
remember the past. Hymns or hymn-like songs like, COME THOU FOUNT, CORNERSTONE and most of CityAlight’s original songs are quite hymnal. Hymns have a poetic way of unpacking rich theology.
✓ Sound Diverse - If the songs all sound the same, we are doing something wrong. Our God is creative and diverse - and so are his people, so we want to be to be culturally diverse in the type of music we present.
✓ Are from a Wide Range of Artists - If we truly value diversity, then we must cast our net wide to search through a diverse range of composers. Each songwriter brings a unique story, journey and perspective of the gospel.
✓ Are Available at Home - Apple, Spotify, Youtube and Website Playlists of our set list is going to encourage and make easy private, family and community group singing and worship in homes, cars or work through the week.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask our pastors or Worship Team Collective for more information.
Discerning which expressions of worship are appropriate today can be confusing because there are a dizzying variety of worship approaches and styles being used, not only in different churches... but even in churches within the same denomination1. Although modern ‘worship’ is almost exclusively defined as the singing of songs to God, singing is not all of worship. To worship is to glorify God2 - which is more a posture of the heart in reverence and homage to a God worthy of worship, than it is an action3. For the sake of answering the question, “How and Why Disciples Church selects worship songs to sing at Sunday Services”, we will be focusing on the congregational act of worship through song and music that takes place during the corporate gathering of a Sunday Service.
Singing the Gospel!
Above all, our focus is to glorify God and enjoy him by proclaiming the gospel of Jesus who saves, changes and sends us on his mission. Worship without the redemption of Jesus can only be depending on one’s own (or another’s) salvific efforts, which is idolatry. Although we want to sing the gospel in every song, most songs don’t tell the whole gospel story on their own (although a few do!)4, so we want to make sure that when combined with at least one other song, the whole gospel story can be expressed in a meta-narrative across the service. As a result, our liturgy often follows a structure of;
1. Praise (God’s Glory)
2. Redemption (Jesus’ Redemption)
3. Response (The Holy Spirit’s Empowerment)
4. Pre-Sermon Heart Preparation (following the sermon theme)
5. Post-Sermon Response to the gospel (following the sermon theme)
Sing a New Song!
Here at Disciples Church, we delight in the command of Psalm 96: 1 to, “Sing a new song to the Lord”. We are frequently introducing new songs, but not without rhyme or reason. Each year, a new set list of about 40 songs is curated by the worship leaders and pastors. This set list includes both new songs and songs we have been singing that should stay around for a bit longer. By creating a new list each year, it allows us to cut songs that have been played too much, do not suit the season our church is in, or have simply not fit our congregation well.
We introduce a new song almost once a month - sometimes two a month and then play that song a few weeks in a row to help with familiarity. This process varies and takes discernment and thoughtful consideration about what Scripture we are in as a church and what we feel the congregation can handle and are warming to. Before we introduce new songs, we aim to have the set list available to the congregation to be listening to beforehand. This allows for a deeper engagement and participation from the congregation.
Any songs that make it onto the annual set list must meet the following requirements;
✓ Gospel-Centric (as already explained)
✓ Theologically Sound
✓ Musically Engaging
✓ Culturally & Contextually Appropriate
We also want to make sure that the songs selected;
✓ Cover a Wide Range of Theological Themes - e.g. God’s love, faithfulness,
sovereignty, beauty, power, sacrifice, compassion...
✓ Include Hymns - We stand on the shoulders of faithful saints before us. It is good to
remember the past. Hymns or hymn-like songs like, COME THOU FOUNT, CORNERSTONE and most of CityAlight’s original songs are quite hymnal. Hymns have a poetic way of unpacking rich theology.
✓ Sound Diverse - If the songs all sound the same, we are doing something wrong. Our God is creative and diverse - and so are his people, so we want to be to be culturally diverse in the type of music we present.
✓ Are from a Wide Range of Artists - If we truly value diversity, then we must cast our net wide to search through a diverse range of composers. Each songwriter brings a unique story, journey and perspective of the gospel.
✓ Are Available at Home - Apple, Spotify, Youtube and Website Playlists of our set list is going to encourage and make easy private, family and community group singing and worship in homes, cars or work through the week.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask our pastors or Worship Team Collective for more information.
1 Timothy J. Keller, Centre Church (Grand Rapids, Michigan SE: Zondervan, 2012), 20.
2 R. T. Kendall, Understanding Theology, Volume One (Ross-shire, Great Britain: Christian Focus, 1996), 216.
3 John 4:24; Heb. 1:6; Rev. 22:9 - Also see Thomas J. Shepherd, The Westminster Bible Dictionary (Philadelphia: Presbyterian Board of Publication, 1880), 530. Also see James Nichols, Puritan Sermons (vol. 6; Wheaton, IL: Richard Owen Roberts, Publishers, 1981), 270 for a more comprehensive reading on the fact that worship of the one true God is his due and right and must be done on his terms, and not ours.
4 Songs like Amazing Grace, O Praise the Name, It is Well, Cornerstone are very rich with gospel narrative in and of themselves!
2 R. T. Kendall, Understanding Theology, Volume One (Ross-shire, Great Britain: Christian Focus, 1996), 216.
3 John 4:24; Heb. 1:6; Rev. 22:9 - Also see Thomas J. Shepherd, The Westminster Bible Dictionary (Philadelphia: Presbyterian Board of Publication, 1880), 530. Also see James Nichols, Puritan Sermons (vol. 6; Wheaton, IL: Richard Owen Roberts, Publishers, 1981), 270 for a more comprehensive reading on the fact that worship of the one true God is his due and right and must be done on his terms, and not ours.
4 Songs like Amazing Grace, O Praise the Name, It is Well, Cornerstone are very rich with gospel narrative in and of themselves!