{"id":11368,"date":"2013-06-24T14:48:09","date_gmt":"2013-06-24T14:48:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.musicademy.com\/?p=11368"},"modified":"2019-07-26T10:40:33","modified_gmt":"2019-07-26T10:40:33","slug":"worship-song-selection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.musicademy.com\/blog\/worship-song-selection\/","title":{"rendered":"The art of song selection for worship"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>Over the course of my worship-leader life so far, I have probably compiled a million set lists for events, gatherings and conferences! At times I have hungered for a ‘random song generator’ gadget that would effortlessly and instantaneously choose the right songs for the right moment for the right people! \u00a0(Possibly a future feature for Google Glass?)\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

I know we have access to theme indexes in songbooks and worship planning software, but I suspect the job of song selection will continue to be primarily a human task, divinely rather than digitally inspired! So, how do we do it? And…how should we do it?<\/span><\/p>\n

Recently, I was planning an event with the help of a few people and the songs they chose were simply the ones they liked! How often do we fall into that way of choosing songs? Although it’s a plus to play songs you like, it is not really the\u00a0best<\/em>\u00a0way. This can lead to a narrow and predictable song list and not take into account the season, subject or people group you are serving! At another event I was aware that the songs selected failed to have a journey running through them, and so they were very singular and non-connecting and did not really guide or lead people through any systematic encounter.<\/p>\n

I am of the opinion that the songs we choose for worship environments are very important. They can add substantial colours to the theological canvas; they can inspire and release thankfulness; they can convey emotion and pathos and they can articulate prayers and laments so very eloquently. As song-selectors we should not merely be guided by our own ‘favourite playlist’ but conscious of the importance of the gathered musical expression, we should aim to deliver a diet that is theological, varied, divinely-inspired, life-applicable, educational and with a hint of transcendence. In fact, a feast so full of nutrients, enabling us all to grow in faith, freedom and community.<\/p>\n

More will follow but in the meantime, how do you choose songs for worship?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Sue Rinaldi is a singer\/songwriter, worship co-ordinator, observer, creative consultant and author. She blogs at\u00a0Apocalipstick<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0WorshipUnboxed<\/a>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Other posts you might like:<\/h2>\n

Master song list for small churches<\/a><\/p>\n

Top 10 signs it\u2019s time to cut a song<\/a><\/p>\n

The lifecycle of a worship song<\/a> (and why it matters for your church)<\/p>\n

Harmonizing with the sermon<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 set list choices<\/p>\n

Choosing keys for women worship leaders and small congregations<\/a><\/p>\n

Graham Kendrick on lyrics, the impact of the pop song in worship and choosing songs by theme<\/a><\/p>\n

Getting out of song selection ruts<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Over the course of my worship-leader life so far, I have probably compiled a million set lists for events, gatherings and conferences! At times I have hungered for a ‘random song generator’ gadget that would effortlessly and instantaneously choose the right songs for the right moment for the right people! \u00a0(Possibly a future feature for […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5303,"featured_media":11369,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[14,98],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nThe art of song selection for worship<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"How do we select songs for worship? And how should we do it? Guest post by the fabulous Sue Rinaldi. 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