In the digital age, worship leaders are blessed with abundant resources. With just a click of a button, leaders now have access to hundreds of thousands of songs, can instantly download chord charts, utilize studio-quality multi-tracks, and consume on-demand song tutorials all from the comfort of their screens. From vast song libraries to sophisticated planning software, the tools at their disposal have revolutionized worship planning. Yet, amidst this technological bounty, a fundamental question persists: “Where do we start?”
The Prayer Paradigm: Necessary, But Not Sufficient
When posed with this question, many worship leaders rightfully point to prayer as their starting point. This response is heartening, reflecting a genuine desire to seek God’s guidance. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Prayer is an essential aspect of worship planning, serving as a vital connection between the worship leader and the divine inspiration necessary for leading a congregation. However, while prayer is indispensable, it is not exclusive. It is only part of the equation.
Beyond the Beats: The Current Reality of Song Selection
In practice, song selection often hinges on factors like recent rotation, current popularity, or vocal assignments. While these considerations have their place, they shouldn’t be the primary drivers of our choices. As worship leaders, we’re called to a higher standard, one that aligns with Paul’s exhortation in Colossians 3:16: “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” Whether your pastor is preaching on a specific topic or working through a text verse by verse, the message shared on Sunday should point people to the truth found in Scripture. This truth should be the foundation upon which your worship setlist is built. Not every song will or should perfectly match the sermon, but the overall goal is for the Word and melody to work together, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to bring the truth alive in the hearts and minds of the congregation.
The Scriptural Starting Line: A Better Way Forward
What if we anchored our song selection in the same source that guides every facet of Christian life—God’s Word? Whether your pastor is exploring a specific theme or diving deep into a particular text, the Sunday message should illuminate scriptural truth. This truth should be the bedrock of your worship setlist.
Defining Worship: More Than Melody
To start with Scripture in our song selection, we must first understand what worship truly is. Worship is not merely singing songs or creating a musical atmosphere; it is a response to who God is and what He has done. Romans 12:1-2 provides a clear definition of worship: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will.”
Worship is a holistic act of surrender, a living sacrifice that involves our entire being—mind, body, and spirit. When we view worship through this lens, it becomes clear that the songs we choose should reflect and spur this depth of commitment and reverence. Songs rooted in Scripture help align our hearts with God’s truth, allowing us by the power of the Holy Spirit to offer genuine lives of worship that please Him (Col 3:16-17).
Far from diminishing the brief yet precious moments of corporate musical worship, this perspective elevates them. These unified instances of melodic praise and response stand as pillars of spiritual nourishment and transformation for God’s people. In the crucible of corporate worship, hearts are shaped, minds are renewed, and souls are lifted. The Psalmist captures this power in Psalm 133:1, proclaiming, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” This unity finds profound expression in our collective songs.
Consider the words of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who wrote, “The physical voice of the congregation… is the vehicle of the Spirit.” Our song selection, then, becomes not just a matter of preference or tradition, but a weighty responsibility. We are, in essence, curating the very language through which the Spirit moves among us. This realization imbues our task with holy significance, challenging us to approach song selection with thoughtful care and prayerful discernment.
The Transformative Power of Worship
Worship is powerful. It is not just an expression of our love for God, but it is also a formative experience that shapes our hearts and minds. Colossians 3:16 emphasizes the power of worship through singing: “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”
When we lift our voices in songs steeped in Scriptural truth, we engage in a dual ministry – one of exaltation and education. Our melodies become vehicles of praise and pedagogical tools, simultaneously glorifying God and edifying His people. As the Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 5:19, we are to be “speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing and making music from your heart to the Lord.”
The lyrics we weave into our worship are not mere words set to tune; they are potent shapers of our theology and worldview. Like a sculptor’s chisel, they carve our understanding of God’s character, promises, and will for our lives. These musical truths seep into the crevices of our hearts, aligning our innermost being with the plumb line of God’s Word.
Charles Spurgeon, the Prince of Preachers, once remarked, “The singing of the saints is no small weapon of our warfare.” Indeed, our songs are both shield and sword – defending us against falsehood and piercing hearts with divine truth. This underscores the paramount importance of rooting our song selection in Scripture. Our musical offerings should serve as echoes of biblical truth, amplifying and illustrating the timeless wisdom found in God’s Word.
As we intentionally choose songs that mirror and magnify Scriptural principles, we create a rich tapestry of worship that not only honors God but also deepens our collective understanding and experience of Him. In doing so, we fulfill the exhortation of Psalm 96:1-3: “Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.”
The Purpose Behind Our Praise
Understanding why we worship is crucial for creating a meaningful experience. This understanding requires us to acknowledge the object of our worship and gain clarity on its function. The Westminster Catechism eloquently states that the chief end of man is “to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” This dual purpose—glorification and enjoyment—forms the bedrock of our worship.
Psalm 29:1 further illuminates our calling: “Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.” Here we see that God Himself is the object of our worship. We offer Him glory because He alone is worthy of our praise.
Regarding the function of worship, Martin Luther captured its essence beautifully: “Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise. The gift of language combined with the gift of song was given to man that he should proclaim the Word of God through music.” In this proclamation of His word, we find the right language of response—a response that simultaneously brings glory to God and is for our good.
Scripture: The Better Starting Point
Given worship’s profound impact on our spiritual lives, beginning with Scripture is not just preferable—it’s essential. John Piper emphasizes this, stating, “The Word of God is the key to worship that honors God.”
When planning your Sunday setlist, start by immersing yourself in the sermon text. As you meditate on the passage, consider how its truths can be expressed through song. Seek out songs that reflect the themes, messages, and emotions within the text. This approach ensures a cohesive worship experience, with melody and message working in tandem to reinforce God’s truth. This is what it means to have better worship. Worship is not better primarily because of musical competence or seamless transitions. Worship is better when God’s Word is elevated making an eternal impact on the participants.
Conclusion: Harmonizing Heaven and Earth
While modern tools for worship planning are invaluable, they should complement, not replace, our primary resource—God’s Word. By rooting our song selection in Scripture, we ensure that our worship not only pleases God but also forms His people. It aligns our hearts with His truth, fills us with His Spirit, and cultivates deep gratitude.
So, as you craft your next Sunday setlist, let Scripture be your starting point. Build your worship on the solid foundation of God’s Word, and watch as it transforms not only your worship experience but also the hearts and lives of those you lead. As Psalm 119:105 declares, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Let it illuminate your path in worship planning, guiding you to songs that truly glorify our God.
