How can you tell if a worship song that you are inspired to write is to be shared or for personal worship?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Bizzy Bender on June 25, 2009 at 6:39pm

If I write something that may or may not be for the body, I usually start by using it as an offertory or communion song and see how it flies there. To introduce a song I have written as a part of the more corporate time of worship seems self indulgent to me. I have written over 300 songs and only one of them has ever really been used in worship settings. I have used many as a special music piece.
I guess a lot depends on the lyrics. If they exalt God or are in a plural voice [we, us vs me, I ] then it may be for the body. As far as the music is concerned, if you think it's for the congregation then get a strong musician to help chart the song for you. You don't need to write down every note, just get a basic chord structure down and you should be good to go as long as you remember the melody.
hope this helps
peace
bizzy

Permalink Reply by Michael Blue on June 25, 2009 at 7:55pm

Interesting viewpoint on the plural voice.
Often, it seems the "I/me" stuff is more potent, imho.
Fwiw, I've written both ways, and enjoy singing both.

Permalink Reply by Deonna on August 6, 2009 at 3:38am

I agree with you, Michael.
Example: "Draw Me Close to You"

Permalink Reply by Dionne on June 25, 2009 at 7:22pm

Thanks Bizzy! That does give more insight. I guess while I wait for the opportunity, I will apply what I have learned :)

Permalink Reply by Al Hilgendorf on June 26, 2009 at 4:10am

As someone who writes specifically for congregations, particularly ours, I've found that it takes a different skill set to write songs that everyone can sing rather than songs that are to be "performed". My writing criteria is the same as my criteria for selecting songs by others: they should be singable, memorable and meaningful. If your songs are easy to sing, have a good "hook" and most everyone can relate to your lyrics, then don't be shy about offering them to your congregation. I often introduce my songs anonymously so that I can get honest feedback. Don't be afraid to compare your songs to some of the favorite songs of your congregation. Not all of them will be suitable and there are many that I've written that I haven't introduced just to avoid "Al songs overload". Also, find a partner who can write lead sheets or chord charts for you. A plate of brownies or cookies can go a long way toward getting your songs written down. Hope this helps. Many blessings!

al
www.everydaypraise.com

Permalink Reply by Dionne on June 29, 2009 at 6:08pm

Thanks Al :) I actually have someone in mind who can play by ear and is classically trained as well. Hopefully the opportunity will come when she will be available to put some time into helping me. Good tips, thanks for sharing them!

Permalink Reply by Kevin Jones on July 9, 2009 at 4:03am

Many times I realize what type of song I have written during rehearsal. There is a definite click that occurs across the board with our team when it is a song meant for the church; this seems to be a safe place to try that sort of thing out too if God hasn't already made it clear to me.
Great question, thanks!

Permalink Reply by Andi Coe on August 3, 2009 at 9:43am

My usual first port of call is to play/sing it to someone. For me this is usually my wife as she is very honest with me:)
I will also work on it for a while, I am a very strict self critic. Then I use the same rule as for introducing any new song in church, that is I try it at a practice first, see how it goes down with the music group, cause if they can't sing it the congregation has no chance:)
Then at teach it to the church at the beginning of a service and try to use it for a few services so people get used to it. You'll probably find you get more feedback then you could ever want, that's my experience anyway.

Permalink Reply by Deonna on August 6, 2009 at 4:01am

You've received a lot of good advice.
I agree with what Al has written. I do the same with introducing my songs anonymously. I do this for two purposes...(1) to get honest feedback and reaction during worship (2) some people may misunderstand my purpose behind introducing a song I personally wrote and think it is for self-glorification.

It is possible all your songs are to be shared but what I've learned is that some are just stepping stones in my learning process of songwriting even though all are written in times of sincere worship or prayer.
Another thing to remember is that each congregation is different. Maybe one song is for the congregation you're a part of but another of your songs is for a congregation halfway across the country. There is a site called sharesong.org that you can upload your songs to share with worship leaders around the world. Perhaps consider submitting them there.

Permalink Reply by Diana on August 8, 2009 at 7:05am

Is it possible that sometimes the songs we write are meant to minister to us personally maybe for a while before anyone else hears them .. I have been encouraged o write for the Lord and see what He will do with them. Yes I share with folks now and then but there are so few willing to listen even though they have never heard or heard about my music. Most are surprised. I call it the Susan Boyle phenomena. No one expects s it from me and they get a surprise. I come from a big church where the very person who could introduce my songs to the congregation is overloaded and doesn;t have time to even listen to one of my songs.... rather a sad state of affairs. When I asked the worship pastor about forming a connecting group or club of songwriters, expecting nothing from him except to announce it , he was not willing . It can be discouraging to be in a church like that, but I serve in the choir and am learning humility, and encourage others ( my primary gift). The funny thing is that when people do stop to listen , they like the songs I write, and I have a repertoire of about 20 finished songs now, but I so wish I had people to sing them ( I am not much of a singer) and arrange them... to get the full scope of how they would sound,
I am entering some contests this summer and it will be interesting to see how they do. I need to check out sharesong though , might be just the ticket. thanks

Permalink Reply by Dionne on August 13, 2009 at 6:19pm

I am planning to sing one of the songs that I wrote for a fundraiser at work, but it does kinda bother me that similar opportunities have not opened up at church so far. I really need to get on the ball though. I haven't copy written any of my songs yet and I am also looking to register with ASCAP or BMI. Its like I know what I want the end result to be, but I am having a difficult time motivating myself to get started. I just pray for those like myself and this community of praise and worship leaders, songwriters, and musicians that we will no longer be hindered in using our gifts and talents to build God's Kingdom. I also pray that needs on every level will be me in our lives that we may continue to pursue the will of God for our lives and be a blessing to His people.

Permalink Reply by Lori Beauchesne on August 14, 2009 at 4:53am

Hey Diana. You always have great advice. I am working sending you my CD....hang tight! I have introduced some of my songs to the pastor and congregation and they love them...so far. The pastor just told me today that he wanted to start having me incorporate my songs into the our worship sets. So, I guess God has given me some awesome songs to use for His glory!

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