Worship Songs

I've been utilizing CTS's online seminary courses. Dr. Mark Dalbey does a great job explaining Christian worship. In his second lecture of this class he talks about worship songs in four different styles: Old songs sung to both old and new tunes; Simple or spiritual songs, both old and new; New songs; and songs of the nations.

Vernon Whaley in his book, Understanding Music and Worship in the Church, offers six questions for selecting music in worship:

Are the lyrics of the composition consistent with the biblical truth?
Does the composition teach doctrinal truths?
Does the composition admonish, warn, or encourage?
Does the composition utilize the words of Scripture, a psalm, a hymn, focus attention on God, or emphasize what God is doing in the life of a Spirit-filled believer?
Does the composition call more attention to its musical style or form of presentation than the lyrics or the melody?
Does the composition cause those who play it, sing it, and listen to it have an inward spirit of thankfulness toward God?

At Murrysville Community Church (MCC) I have the privilege of choosing the worship songs for the services. Not only do I try to have a mix of Hymns, spiritual songs, and new songs...but I also keep in mind Mr. Whaley's questions.

There are so many folks that I come across that think original tunes of the old hymns should only be sung.....or that simple songs such as "He is exalted" or "I love you Lord" should not be sung.

Also, there are churches that only sing the "simple songs" and don't get into the songs that have "meat" to them like the old hymns.

In my opinion Dr. Dalbey is correct in including these different types of songs in every worship service.

As for songs of the nations. We don't tend to include these songs in worship very often. I think it's a great idea, if mission teams from your church learn new songs abroad and want to teach the congregation. It is a reminder of the "endless summer" that Pastor Kevin Labby referenced last Sunday. When we are gathered as one nation singing God's praises.

In closing, if you stick with Vernon Whaley's thoughts on content, and Dr. Dalbey's thoughts on song selection, that is a great combination of biblical Gospel truths and songs that are born from the Holy Spirit.

Check out some of the resources on my sidebar for new music for your church.

Future topics: Certain instruments in worship, should there be special music?, what about clapping or waving of hands? All great topics that I'd like to share my opinions on.