Worship has always been central to my relationship with God. It’s not just about singing together but about gathering as a church to fix our hearts on Him, to celebrate His grace, and to be reminded of His truths. Recently, I felt a strong conviction to make a shift in the music we sing, moving toward songs that resonate with the gospel in a deep, lasting way. I wanted to share the heart behind this change and what it means for us as a church family.
Seeking Depth in Worship
The words we sing have a way of shaping us. When we hear lyrics week after week, they sink into our minds, influence our thoughts, and shape how we see God. I realized that our worship needed more depth—songs that wouldn’t only resonate emotionally but would also ground us in the timeless truths of Scripture.
I wanted our songs to go beyond personal experiences and draw us into a greater understanding of who God is. That’s why we’ve started singing music from artists like the Gettys, CityAlight, and Sovereign Grace—songs that point us back to the gospel and invite us to dwell on the character and works of God.
Focusing Worship on God’s Greatness
One of the things I began to notice in worship music is how much of it centers on our personal feelings or experiences. While our emotions are important, I felt that worship should lift our eyes to God’s greatness, not just reflect our own experiences. I wanted our worship to be about the God we’re singing to—His majesty, His love, and His power.
Songs like “In Christ Alone” and “Yet Not I, But Through Christ in Me” help us do just that. They remind us of God’s unchanging nature and the gospel message that gives us hope. Shifting our focus from ourselves to Him has transformed the atmosphere of our worship, helping us all enter into a more profound sense of reverence and awe.
Grounding Our Worship in God’s Sovereignty and Grace
I wanted the songs we sing to reflect the truths we hold dear: God’s sovereignty, His unending grace, and the beauty of Christ’s sacrifice. When we sing, “He Will Hold Me Fast,” we’re reminded that our security isn’t in ourselves but in God’s faithful hold on us. This focus reinforces what we teach and believe each week, anchoring us in the foundational truths of the gospel.
Choosing music from the Gettys, CityAlight, and Sovereign Grace brings these elements to our worship in a way that feels both reverent and heartfelt. I’ve seen how these songs encourage us to celebrate God’s character and grace, helping our hearts to rest in His promises.
Encouraging True Congregational Worship
One of my greatest joys is hearing the whole church singing together, and I realized that some of our previous song choices weren’t as accessible for congregational singing. Some beautiful modern songs are musically complex, which can make it challenging for everyone to join in fully.
By introducing hymns and songs crafted for congregational worship, we’re creating a space where every person, regardless of vocal ability, can participate. The joy of hearing all our voices joined together in praise has been so powerful, and it’s something I want everyone in our church to experience. Worship is about unity, and I love seeing us come together with one voice.
Choosing Songs That Will Last
Music trends change, but the truths of the gospel are timeless. I wanted our worship to be rooted in songs that won’t just feel relevant today but will remain meaningful for years to come. Choosing music with rich biblical content ensures that our worship stays anchored in what’s eternal.
This doesn’t mean we’re against new music—it’s about focusing on lyrics and melodies that honor the timeless truths of the gospel. Our worship should always point us back to the cross, the resurrection, and the hope we have in Christ. By choosing songs that focus on these truths, we’re building a worship culture that is relevant, reverent, and deeply rooted in Scripture.
Creating Worship That Honors God
This shift in our worship wasn’t a casual decision; it was something I felt deeply convicted about. My hope is that our worship becomes a time when we can gather, celebrate God’s greatness, and draw closer to Him together. Worship is a gift, and I believe these gospel-centered songs help us to experience that gift more fully each time we sing.
As we sing these songs from the Gettys, CityAlight, and Sovereign Grace, my prayer is that our hearts are drawn to God’s truths, that we grow in our understanding of His love, and that we become a church united in praise for His unchanging faithfulness.