Biblical Worship

As worship leaders every week we must choose songs to be sung by our congregation during the main corporate worship service of the week.  We want to be thoughtful, pastoral, and sensible about this song selection.  What are some guiding principles for choosing music for the worship service?

Biblical Principles for Selecting Worship Songs

1.  Scripturally sound - 2 Timothy 2:15, 3:14-17

2.  Clear language - intelligible - I Corinthians 14:19

3.  Use a variety of songs - Colossians 3:16

4.  Sing to the Lord - Colossians 3:16

5.  Sing to one another - Colossians 3:16, I Corinthians 14:26

6.  Songs should teach and admonish - Colossians 3:16

7.  Sing as a response to the objective truths of the Gospel - Colossians 3:16 

Practical principles for selecting worship songs

1.  Choose songs that are easy to sing as a congregation

2.  Choose songs where the text and musical setting go well together

3.  Choose songs that balance the objective and subjective side of our faith

4.  Choose songs that communicate the Gospel in the language of the people

5.  Choose songs that have a purpose in your worship service

6.  Balance familiar and unfamiliar songs

Our song selection gives the congregation a picture of Almighty God.  It helps us express our gratitude to God for his saving grace through his Son.  Our songs teach us about our faith.  Probably more people leave the service singing the songs than quoting sermon points.  Let’s be thoughtful about our song selection.  It can make an eternal difference in the lives of our congregation.