First, there is an understanding that “songs” do NOT equate to “worship” nor a “worship service.” Scripture makes it clear that there are a number of aspects that are to be included in corporate worship, of which singing is only one (Word, prayer, fellowship, communion, etc.). This means song selection is part of the whole, and the purpose of the whole is to glorify God by means of Jesus, our great and glorious Savior, as directed by the Spirit.

Second, through prayer and planning, what has the team (Mitch, Chuck, Robby) discerned as God’s will for the direction of this particular service? This is predominantly determined by our preaching series and the biblical text and subsequent message for that Sunday.

Third, in conjunction with the biblical text and other service elements, what songs would best encourage and engage our people to cherish, champion, and rejoice in who God is and what He has/is/will do? On a practical note, we’ll often discuss as a team any possible song ideas during our weekly planning meeting.

Fourth, how do the potential song options incorporate and celebrate the Gospel of Jesus Christ? In other words, Christ’s work of redemption for us is the most glorious work in history, and as such reveals most supremely His glory. Everything about us stems from Christ’s great work of redemption on our behalf. So what is central in Scripture should be central in our worship service—and therefore central in our singing.

Fifth, how well do these songs fit our own culture, both internally (within our four walls) and externally (the community we’re trying to reach with the Gospel)? Admittedly, this is where preferences and style can become a factor. But if you remove those personal preferences for a moment, it is not difficult to see the biblical pattern of contextualizing the Gospel to fit the culture you are trying to reach. The New Testament has much to say about WHAT we are to do and abstain from, while saying very little about HOW we are to do those things (and I don’t think that’s by mistake).

From there, things tend to get quite practical as a number of factors come in to play, not necessarily in any order, like:

• How will the words in each of these songs relate to one another? Do some relate better than others? Will some, grouped together, more clearly celebrate what we’ll be focusing on in the service as a whole?
• How often have we sung this song? When was the last time we sang it? How well did our people sing it? How familiar are people with this song?
• Who’s available/scheduled to play and sing on the worship team? What kind of instrumentation and arrangements would be available?
• What is the overall flow, tempo, mood, and setting of the songs?
• How well will these songs serve God’s people as they gather to sing of His great worth? (Note, that is not necessarily the same as the more simplified “will people like it.”)

So it’s as simple as that when it comes to choosing songs for Sunday. Just kidding. In reality, it’s like anything else in the Christian life—impossible apart from the power of the Gospel working in and through each of us, whether leaders are participating followers.
In summary, I frequently find myself coming back to the basic goal or purpose of our corporate singing: “to give people a clearer picture of God’s glory in Christ. We want to walk away from a time of singing more impressed with God, not our song selection or arrangements. We want our people to be more aware of God’s character, his nature, and his works. We want our people to be astonished at the mercy, grace, and holiness of God displayed in the cross of Christ” (Bob Kauflin, Director of Worship Development for Sovereign Grace Ministries). And we want to do all of that in a way that is aware of, and winsome to, a lost world that is sitting right next to us.

• Being Faithful to Memorize God’s Word
• Being Faithful to Fulfill Titus 2, Part 1
• Being Faithful to Fulfill Titus 2, Part 2
• Question and Answer

The cost: $65.00 (3 meals, lodging, conference, fishing and much more). Scholarships available.
The schedule: We begin 6:30 Friday night, February 29 and conclude no later than 3:30 Saturday afternoon, March 1.
Registration: discoverfbc.org/women
Information: For more information, post a Comment to this blog entry.

Our Speaker: Susan Heck
Susan Heck, and her husband Doug have been married for 31 years. Susan has been involved in Women’s Ministries for about 20 years. This included teaching Bible Studies, counseling, and heading up Ladies with the Master women’s ministry at Grace Community Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma (www.gccoftulsa.net). Susan is a certified counselor with the National Association of Nouthetic Counselors. (www.nanc.org) Her first book, With “The Master In The School Of Tested Faith,” is a study on the epistle to James. Susan’s teaching ministry is an outgrowth of her memorization work on the Bible. She has personally memorized 22 books of the New Testament word-for-word and several other portions of Scripture. Susan 51 years old, and has two grown children, and three grandchildren.

Josh Rang will be our speaker this year. Josh and I (Chuck) are great friends and used to work together at a church in Mobile. Josh is a gifted teacher and a fun guy.  He currently serves as an associate pastor at BlackHawk Ministries in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Josh will help us see how the grace of the gospel applies to our lives specifically as men.  It will be good for any man at any season of life.

The cost: $65.00 (3 meals, lodging, conference, fishing and much more)

The fun: Bass, Catfish, and Crappie Fishing on three lakes, Baggo, pool, hiking, midnight cow chasing and much more.

The schedule: We begin 6:30 Friday night, February 2 and conclude no later than 3:30 Saturday afternoon, February 3rd. (For those who want to fish on one of the three available lakes, come anytime after 2:30 on Friday)

The participants: Any man 18 and over are encouraged to come, regardless of church affiliation or background.

For more information, post a Comment to this blog entry.