8 Essential Guidelines for Crafting an Impactful Worship Set

What songs will you be singing at church on Sunday? How will you go about choosing the next song to introduce to your church? Do you have a master song list? These can all be frustrating and difficult questions. Whether you have been leading worship for years or are just starting, here are eight guidelines for song selection.

1) Theologically Sound

Dr. Gordon Fee, a former professor at Regent College wrote, "Show me your church's songs and I will tell you their theology." Whether you like it or not, as you and your teams lead worship on Sundays and throughout the week, you are shaping the theology of your church. This should put the fear of God in us as we select what songs to sing. As you choose songs to lead, read through the lyrics, to ensure they biblically represent the character and nature of God. Saying this, it is imperative that we know and are regularly reading and meditating on the word of God. God honouring worship must have two elements, spirit (heart) and truth, therefore, we must be singing the truth about who God is! (John 4)

2) Singability

I cannot tell you how many times I have been to a church and one of the songs chosen is from the top 10 on the local Christian radio station. I have nothing against Christian radio or the type of music they play, however just because you connect with the song doesn’t mean it fits on Sunday morning. Most songs you hear on the radio are not intended to be sung by your church in a corporate setting. Is the song suitable for the entire church to sing? A few questions to ask yourself as you choose a song, “Is the melody singable for 80-90% of the church?” “Does the style fit your church?” “Will the church quickly learn this song and be able to engage?”

3) Playability

Most churches do not have professional musicians and few ever will. Although some churches have strict skill level rules, many churches will invite those who are just learning an instrument to play on the team. While I don’t recommend this, it still happens. That being said, are your musicians able to play the songs you choose? Everyone is at a different level of skill and ability. Are you able to play the songs you choose? 

4) Leadability

Leadability and playability go hand in hand. However, leadability is more dependent upon you as the leader. As the leader, are you able to lead the song well? Have you chosen the right key? If you are not confident leading the song, the congregation will most likely lack engagement.

5) Multiple Themes

When building a worship set, I like to choose songs that flow well together. A set that flows well will take into consideration, tempo, keys, and style. A part of good flow in a worship set is also taking into consideration the themes of the songs/sermon. When compiling a master song list for your church, it is imperative to have multiple themes. We all have our favourite characteristics of who God is and certain topics (Faithfulness, Holiness, Sovereignty, etc.). Consider different seasons of life, characteristics of God as well as Good Friday, Easter, Thanksgiving, Pentecost and more. 

6) Multiple Tempos

This one is so important! I was recently at a church where a lady came up to me and said “Thank you for bringing songs of joy to our church!” She was referring to the up tempo songs. Pick a variety of tempos, fast, medium, slow. I feel, along with many other worship leaders, that there aren’t enough faster-tempo songs over 100 bpm. Be sure to mix it up. A word of caution I have rarely seen starting with a slow song (below 75 bpm) go well. I heard it said once, “Don’t start where you want to finish.” I would say that is true for the tempo and message of the song.

7) Consider your Church 

What does your church need to know about who God is? Are there any difficulties or challenges? Are there any large faith steps you might be taking as a church? Meet with your pastor and ask questions like, “What are you preaching on?” Ask your pastor what season he believes the church to be in at the moment. Remember, our lives are complex and we are all in different seasons ourselves. 

8) Be Led By the Holy Spirit

This should be #1. All that we do must start with prayer. Being sensitive to the Holy Spirit is non-negotiable. Ask the Holy Spirit what songs you should choose, is there a certain theme that he wants to highlight during the service? God is always wanting to meet with his people in a special way. As we gather together it is important to be prepared and sensitive to what Jesus might want to do in our midst.

Purchase my latest book "Worship: A Life Devoted"

I know Randall and I know he is a worshipper, it turns out is a great writer as well. “Worship: A Life devoted” is profound and excellent! Randall takes us on a rich dive into Christian worship as a “life laid down and fully devoted to Jesus,” to present us with a well rounded and complete view on Worship. You can tell he has done his homework, that’s for sure. Biblically based, and thoughtfully crafted this book has left me impacted, and equipped with a greater understanding of why, how and who we worship.

- Lorne Tebutte, Founder/Sr. Minister C3 Church Calgary, Former Regional Overseer C3 Canada