What Themes Are Missing In Worship Songs?

I love that song – thanks for sharing the video – I really enjoyed watching it! Songs that are prayers are so powerful and seem especially beautiful to me. I just glanced at the insert for Yesterday, Today & Forever, and realized that all but one of the songs there are from the perspective of us talking to God. Your pure and passionate love for Jesus shine through so clearly.

I don’t have any brilliant song ideas for you at the moment – though I’ll keep thinking about it. Also I’ll be praying that God gives you inspiration; I’m excited to hear the results!

Hey girl! My name is Mandy and I am actually a great friend of Joy Argow. This whole Twitter thing has been a mystery to me but Joy keeps getting me more and more sucked in. Recently she told me about Tweet Deck so I checked it out. It rocks! All that to say it led me to reading your Twitter about your new blog. I started reading this entry and watched the video and it too gripped my heart. I just heard a sermon tonight on not compromising and this song was another reminder of what my focus is… I long to know God so much! Thank you for singing over us and thank you for your ministry. You are a blessing!! Have an awesome day!!!

And to answer your question… I would love to see more songs just talking about the names of Christ, the attriibutes of God, and there is something about singing the name Jesus over people. Also, it kind of feels like we are lacking songs that talk about Christs’ death and resurrection… Just some random thoughts. Thanks Vicky. I am praying for God’s continued blessings in your life!

“Above All Else” is an awesome song.

“What themes do you think are missing in today’s popular worship songs, songbooks and albums??”

What we lack in the modern canon are songs that provide theologically substantive lyrics, while being musically catchy / accessible / modern. “Yesterday, Today, and Forever” stands out as uniquely strong in both regards. Who wrote that, by the way?

The most popular songs on the CCLI list these days are all great songs, but tend to express a singular thought (sometimes even a singular phrase), and repeat it. (Don’t get me wrong, I love some of these songs and think they are valuable instruments for drawing people to worship God, it’s just that we need a better mix.)

If we look at some of the great hymns, they pack a lot of gospel theology into four verses. In this way, they are a truly valuable teaching / discipleship resource. While not every believer exercises the best discipline in memorizing the Word, he cannot help but eventually memorize the songs we sing in worship services.

Stuart Townend has a few songs that meet this (somewhat subjective) criterion, but they tend to be slower. That’s why I think “Yesterday, Today, and Forever” is an incredible work.

This is not a paid testimonial.

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Hey Vicky =)
I’m not currently a “worship leader” in a church (though I have been) but I feel like “worship” music could be more prophetic and loose in nature (where appropriate) more bible based and WAY more about God, like Praising Him, lifting Him up, as opposed to being self centered, which sometimes I feel like alot of it is, just singing about ourselves/our relationship, what God has done for us (which is completely cool too, don’t get me wrong) but there needs to be a place where we are so stripped down, that there is nothing left but to lift Him up and just WORSHIP our creator and Father … you know? anyways, that’s my two cents =)
Take Care! and I hope you are encouraged to continue to write and worship because you are gifted!!
love, a.

I posted that blog :)
Aw, I’m glad you saw what I wrote! I love this song so much!!!
Thanks for linking it!

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I agree that worship songs should focus more on God and Jesus Christ. I also think that it is good that a worship song be personal. As a psalmist/praise and worship poet, I understand the need for balance. I am a second-degree songwriting major. I am around people who are on different levels in their relationship to God and Jesus Christ. I love hymns. They are inspirational. At the same time, giving a voice to those who are still struggling with who God is and why He does what He does can be helpful. We have Christians, who want to praise and worship God, but they are looking at their circumstances and their raising questions. Some are timid in expressing where they are in their relationship with Jesus. Sometimes talking about one’s struggles encourages freedom. Freedom to express honesty. Honesty can affect change. It is about balance.(P.S. Some of David’s psalms were personal. He also struggled. He also praised and worshipped God.)

Hello there stranger,
Don’t you just love writing songs lol.
We’ve been talking about this recently amoung our little group.
I’m so into songs that declare the truth of who God is. Sometimes it’s easy to sing or talk about how we’re feeling – but nothing beats raising Jesus up over everything. God himself told us to keep our eyes on him, not ‘stuff’.

I just love worshipping to songs that declare truths about God. It’s the truth that sets people free!

Keep going girl, you do a great job!

The words to “Above All Else”, esp. the verses, are so often the words that I cannot come up with on my own to express myself to God. :)

It’s come up in conversation with friends before, but I don’t think there are enough songs of contrition and repentance. Many of the old hymns have a progression of working through one’s own sin then to the need for Jesus and then to the atonement and victory found in Him. Not that we should just sing about how miserable we are, but without recognizing our own sin, how could we understand the immeasureable depth of God’s grace and truly worship Him for that?

Hi Vicky!
Thanx to last.fm I found your website and ended up reading your blogposting. Your question: “What themes do you think are missing in today’s popular worship songs, songbooks and albums??” puzzled me. I mean, it is not every day a songwriter / worshipleader asks her audience what is missing in popular worship songs.

To answer you’re question, well, I think worship songs are missing a lot. In the Netherlands, where I come from, we have something called ‘Opwekking’. It is basically a bunch of translated worship songs from singers / performers like Michael W. Smith and Hillsong United. Although they have made some great songs, they never go ‘deeper’. They are made to give you a great ‘feeling’. But after a while, I discovered that they are a bit superficial. They tend to say only one thing: God is great. Or something. And they repeat that sentence endlessly.

I think music is a powerful tool to learn about God. About who He is, what he has done for us and what He can do for us. The Bible is full of stuff teaching us how to live, but also about what this world is: a place of struggle.

Songwriters must tell about that struggle in daily life. It isn’t always fun fun fun in life. I think every man or woman on this little planet called Earth has his own cross to carry. Maybe you can write about that? Some of the most powerful songs are written by people who have been living in darkness and somehow where lifted up by the Lord.

I want to give you at least one advice: read the psalms. They are full of things you can write about. About daily life, about the past and about the future.

Good luck!

Johan

Hello Miss Beeching,

I have a book of hymns and the stories behind them. I do not have the title and author in front of me. If you are interested in reading it, I will post the title and author(s). The stories behind the hymns are amazing.They are encouraging.

Hey Vicks,
i love that song but my best song on that album is probably nothing is impossible. i love being able to declare it out loud! especially when im having a pants day!
i definitely think there should be more declaration songs :)
Also, my fav song on the painting the invisible album is ‘Everyone ubder the sun.’ i love the line ‘come and find the meaning of life is to worship the God who can heal every heart.’ love listening to it on the way to work in the morning :)

keep pressing in!

love lucy xx

Our pastor is preaching a series on “responding to world poverty” right now and it’s no small task finding songs to suppport it.

I was thinking about song ideas last night on my drive to work. One that crossed my mind is still only half-formed – if that. Have you considered taking the viewpoint of one (or even several different types/backgrounds of) new Christian(s) for a fresh perspective on Christ (and perhaps salvation – both as an event and as an ongoing process)? I know that when I look at church life, sermons, etc through the eyes of unsaved friends it brings a new and sometimes helpful perspective. It could be an interesting writing exercise at least. Along these same lines, considering Christ specifically from the viewpoint of a child might provide some more ideas.

A few things, starting with the answer to your question:

- This morning, the Christian radio station in my listening area played “Tell Me Your Story Again” by Chris Rice, and afterwards, the DJ remarked about how stories like that of creation, Noah, and others aren’t being passed on as much. I think there is a mainstream absence to this kind of songwriting that I never really thought about being missing until he mentioned that.

- Ironically, much like the person mentioned in your blog, I watched these videos while trying to fall asleep. It’s not you, I promise ;). I just went for a “nap” around 4:30pm and woke up from it 10 hours later, so it’s a long journey back to snoozeville.

- Glad to see you on Canadian TV in the videos. I was there on missions this summer, and the Spiritual climate is something inexplicable unless experienced. The people there are way cool and friendly though; at least that was my experience.

Hi Vicky!

I would love to see more worship songs about the Redemption we can Christ, especially through brokenness. To come at this topic from an honest, transparent, and worshipful perspective would be pretty sweet!

Thanks for the wonderful music & blogs!

God Bless,
Kristin :)

*the first line is supposed to say:

the Redemption we can FIND IN Christ!

sorry! :)

Hi Vicky – have been following you on RSS and your posting the question of what’s missing in worship music is exactly what is on my heart too. My husband and I are worship leaders at our church, to date we’ve written one song and although we have 20 other half written songs we either find that they aren’t truly capturing our heart for Christ or the words fumble over each other in and end up not flowing into a song that you can worship through. The best songs are when our hearts are completely dependent upon God, and we are free in Him. He knows what words are needed to minister to his people.

Love your music – what a blessing you are to IHOP! Psalm 45 particularly v1-4 any songs declaring His Majesty, Lord of All and dominion authority- enduring to the end and living for another age! Thank you for your gift to the body of Christ and the global prayer movement

It is really interesting what Nanci has just said as I was lead to write a song on those verses only last week!

Thank you, Vicky for posting those videos! I first heard “Above All Else” on the Calvary Radio Network about 3 or 4 years ago – the version by Wendy O’Connell. After considerable web surfing, I discovered that you were the vessel used to bring that hymn to us, and immediately bought Yesterday, Today, and Forever. I’m a 59 year old man who returned to Christ in 2001, and I tell you honestly I have never been so moved by a single piece of music – Christian or secular. I’m not exaggerating when I say I literally get chills every single time I hear it. Honestly, I’ve shared it with many people, and they’ve all had the same reaction – pretty much stunned by the impact of that hymn. It is, simply stated, perfection, and that is proof where it came from. One’s attention is riveted to the lyrics as they’re delivered on a beautiful melody. It’s a stunning gift you’ve been given, and I hope our Lord continues to use you to make us seriously consider and remember what’s most important in life. Over the past few weeks I’ve had many trials – some small, some very big (a medical emergency for my mother, car trouble, close friends losing their jobs, and, most recently, needing to decide to have my 10 month old adopted kitten put to sleep because of a genetic defect), and God has brought me through them all in His strength.
Finding your video here this evening has once again lifted my spirits to where they belong – with Him.
God bless you richly!
Most Sincerely,
Louie Johnson, Bangor, Maine

Hi

Interesting question…

In my experience, we’re missing songs about Jesus and about Justice.

Also, it’s quite nice to get songs which are theologically accurate as well as great to sing!

Wendy
from the Christian music capital of England!

Vicky,

Some theological themes that are missing in church today is attributes of God’s character from the Psalms, wisdom from proverbs, parables from the Gospels, and sovereignty of God.

I would encourage you write songs that are practical that make listeners think about the lyrics about scripture by helping see the Bible come alive and areas of growth that you seen in walk with Christ.

Will be praying for you,

Nathan

Hi Vicky

I recently realised again how many people (and I include myself) struggle with their identity in Christ. How often we live a life that does not say “I’m confident, because I know God loves me and accepts me”. I think we need to get some more songs about our identity in Christ.

Also, more songs about Christ’s triumph through His resurrection and the hope it holds for us.

Blessings for your ministry
Carli

Very nice Vicky…..Beautiful…You have made my day….Give me youself…..I seek it everyday too…Very heartfelt….GOD be with you…hogboy

Songs that remind us of the second coming of Christ. There were many hymns that the church used to sing that reminded the people about the coming of Christ. Now we don’t sing those songs anymore. If you could write songs that would encourage the congregation to prepare their life and to wait patiently for the coming of our King.
Thanks!

I want to add …never had the chance to do this so its so exciting to voice ….songs about the Apostle and High Priest of our Faith -Heb 3:1 – the Apostle who takes the burden of the Father to the people and the High Priest who carries our burdens to the Father…and the heavenly calling that we get to partake in doing just that …wow!

Vicki!

Great video… my dad used to work at crossroads and I use to volunteer there.
Good times!
Richard

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Hey there,

It’s been a while since I’ve read, and I’m just now catching up! Yikes!

As for “Above All Else,” I want to share my appreciation with you. When I first picked up a “Worship Together” song book, and found the second song to be “Above All Else,” I of course attempted to play it. I began to sing it, and I then proceeded to let it wail. It is a song that resonates with me, and many others. I’ve led times of worship with this song, and heard great results. But just like any other song intended for corporate worship, it will always lack something. Just because it is an amazing expression of our need for God in our lives, it leaves room for something else.

I can’t agree more with your desire to feel the heartbeat of the people. I find myself doing the same thing all the time! I guess my only feedback to you on where the heart is beating, is to remember the duality of life (not just a good vs. evil thing, but more along the lines of joy vs. sorrow). I believe it is this very concept that is lacking in worship arts right now. For instance, a real hot topic that came up recently with another worship leader friend of mine, was the duality of the blood vs. the body of Christ. So many songs that sing about the blood Christ shed, lack the rest of the story: He chose to let His body be broken as well. I see this incomplete story, leave some pretty dangerous room in the theology, that enables God’s worshippers to dwell in the cleansing power of God, but forget the example of sacrifice He gave. So I guess all of that to say; “the whole picture of the story” is what I see lacking. But even on the micro-level, so not just sin & death vs. victory & life, but even deeper still, such as how Christ showed us, and then the duality within that as well.

Thanks for sharing again, and fyi… Above All Else is the only worship song I (as a guitar player) know on the piano! =]

With great appreciation,

Dean

Your songs defininely inspire fellow amateur songwriters. Even your retreats do. =) This songwriting retreat sounds awesome. What was it? Was it your idea? =)

Your songs defininely inspire fellow amateur songwriters. Even your retreats do. =) This songwriting retreat sounds awesome. What was it? Was it your idea? =)

I’m a campus pastor in the states and here are a few of the themes I see missing in our conversations & worship on campus.

1. The Future Kingdom life/ Second Coming of Christ2. More songs straight from scripture to help the church memorize the Word!!!3. Salvation – it’s about GOD, not us (our soteriology has become excessively us focused I think)
-Jessica