Aside from the fact that I may never see you in person or physically hear your music, I still may never sing one of your worship songs. To be honest, other worship leaders may never sing your worship songs either.
I wish that wasn’t the case.
Before you leave my blog labeling me a total jerk face, let me explain. On the one hand, this is OK. We as songwriters should be writing for our local congregations and investing our lives there. That’s what truly defines success.
Faithfulness in the small things over time pays off in the end.
But that’s not what I’m referring to. Actually, this post has nothing to do with that. Even if I was your captive audience for an hour and you shared your songs with me, I still may not lead them.
Here’s why:
1. Your songs are about too many things
The best worship songs are songs about one central idea. I can tell if someone hasn’t worked hard enough on their song because it jumps from the Glory of God to the justice of God, to the moving of the Spirit, to the dangers of universalism (OK, maybe that last one was a stretch). I’m not saying your idea is bad. It just needs refined. Pruned. Stripped of what is not necessary. Make your songs about one central idea.
2. Your melody is boring
It just never “catches” for me. You may have the greatest theological concepts, a central theme, and great rhyming, but it never draws me in. Nothing about it stirs me on an emotional level. While lyrics are the most important dynamic of worship songs, it needs to be supported by a catchy, memorable, original melody. I can tell that you too easily settled on your first melody. Develop it deeper.
3. Your phrasing is too complicated
Your songs have great themes and catchy melodies for radio, but when it comes to worship, I’m not engaged. Your phrasing is more akin to a rap song than a worship song–too many words with too much syncopation, and it makes me think too much. I’m also mindful of Sister Sally, the 80-year-old woman in the back who longs to worship but doesn’t have the ability to sing your song. She’s frustrated. Write with the generations in mind. Does your phrasing roll easily off the tongue and not require a degree in Kanye West? Think simply and pastorally.
4. Your theology is bad
I think the occasional “crossover love song” is OK. But your songs never mention Christ and have no Gospel in them. There’s too much talk of ourselves, our passion, our own love for God. I would probably sing your song if it gave unique, vivid descriptions of WHO God is, WHAT God has done, and magnified CHRIST. Don’t throw away your songs. Just tweak them a bit more. Consult your pastor on theological questions. Work with your lyrics. Don’t just settle on a great melody and solid phrasing. You teach people theology through your songs. How can you articulate glorious truth in the least amount of words? Pursue that.
5. Your song hasn’t been tested
You need to take your songs beyond your bedroom. After you’ve given thought to theme, melody, phrasing, and theology, test it out! Sing it in a small group or at the altar time of your weekend services. See how people respond to it. The BEST songs are those that have become an anthem of a local community. Is there a story behind your song?
I hope you picked up on the fact that I’m not aiming this at anyone. And don’t let it discourage you. I tend to hold my ideas tightly and allow no room for criticism. It wasn’t until I allowed critiques from other writers that my songwriting improved.
These points have helped me tremendously. Use them as a “litmus” test for your songs and I believe you will write incredible songs for worship. And you should probably record them and share them with me so I could lead them at my church too.
Question: Do you have a “litmus test” for the worship songs you write? What does your editing process look like? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
