Message Series: “Living the Anonymous Life”
Song / Version / Key / Leader
“He is Faithful” – Jesus Culture – Key of D – Female 1 Lead
“Forever Reign” – Passion – Key of G – Female 2 Lead
“Cornerstone” – Hillsong – Key of C – Male 1 Lead
“Forever” – Kari Jobe – Key of G – Female 1 Lead
We opened with “He is Faithful,” which was a repeat from two weeks prior when we introduced it to our church. With new songs, I will do one of two things: If it’s an opener, I will rest it a week and then bring it back. If it is a mid-tempo or slower song, I will do it two weeks in a row, but just place it in a different spot in the set. This is to ensure our church learns and connect with the song rather than them just hearing the song. I’ve heard it said that it usually takes hearing a song three times before it sinks in.
After this song, while Pastor Devin gave a short welcome, we immediately transitioned to “Forever Reign.” We chose the Passion Band version of this song instead of the Hillsong original because of the intro. I preferred the lead line and extended intro they did in the Passion version, which we played underneath Pastor Devin’s welcome. I chose to have our second female lead sing “Forever Reign,” which was a great change from the traditional male led version in the key of C. Although doing the song in the key of C would have been an easier transition to “Cornerstone,” I wanted to take the risk of doing something a little different. It definitely gave a fresh sound to the song and a sweetness to the bridge lyrics, “My heart will sing no other name, Jesus, Jesus.” We also did an abbreviated version of “Forever Reign” for the altar time at the end of the service, where we started at the 3rd verse after playing the intro.
After, we transitioned via pad to “Cornerstone” and concluded with “Forever.” To transition into “Forever,” I read Revelation 5:11-13, which was a great visual set-up for the lyrics of this song. At the end of this song, Pastor Devin came up for a time of prayer and we then went into an extended time of worship with which we went back into the bridge and chorus to conclude.
I’m definitely curious about Forever Reign in G… I will have to check that out! I started out doing it in E years ago, but found that D was much more comfortable. However, I’m always looking for a fresh take on these songs – and as it turns out, we’re doing this song on Sunday! Thanks for this blog, Elise – love you!
Yes! Definitely try it out! Because we used to have more female leaders than male leaders, (now we have two & two) we had to be creative if we wanted to do some of those staple songs. Thank you so much for your support and love you too!