Our worship team at Connect is now going through a new season even at 6 months old. We are in the creative process of seeing what it looks like for our team to write original music for our church. In doing so, I’ve been attempting to grab any source of information, insight and wisdom into how to write songs for the church, how to write songs as a team, how to write congregational worship songs… you name it, I’ve typed it into my google search bar. I know songwriting to be a very exciting, thrilling, emotional, tough birthing process and if we as a church and team can absorb how to do it better, I want in!

Having said that, below are just a few quotes/thoughts that have really stuck with me throughout all the articles I’ve read and the videos I’ve watched. I simply wanted to share them with you to bring encouragement, guidance or counsel to your creative time as a team. Maybe, even help you put words to thoughts or gut feelings you’ve had but haven’t been able to articulate. Happy songwriting!

Songwriting Foundational Thoughts:

If lead pastors must be worshippers, as a songwriter we must be theologians. We must have a hunger to study God and to know Him. – Pastor Jeremy Riddle

Songwriting is evangelism. Your music is your message. Therefore, the content is so important. – Pastor Jack Hayford

Your spiritual input must be greater than your spiritual output. – Vertical Church Band

You must ask, “What is your end goal? Where are you taking them? Can I hear the church corporately singing this and more importantly, should they?” – Pastor Brian Johnson

There is a time and a place for everything. Corporate worship is different than personal worship. You must keep this in mind. – Pastor Jenn Johnson

When writing a melody, keep the congregation in mind. A song should have a hook that makes it recognizable before the singing even begins. It makes it memorable. – Pastor Brian Johnson

Good songs with tweaking can become great songs. It takes a lot of work. Include other people in the process because it is about teamwork and community. – Pastor Brian Johnson

Get feedback, especially from your pastor. – Vertical Church Band