Top New Songs
I keep a detailed list of all of the new songs I have either introduced or plan to introduce. Since I have been at Redeemer (almost 7 months now), I have taught the congregation the following songs:
- Baptism Hymn, an unpublished song from Reformed Praise
- In My Heart by Sovereign Grace Music (Eric Grover), see the album King of Grace
- A Debtor to Mercy by Sovereign Grace Music (Bob Kauflin), see the album Upward
- It’s All of Grace by Reformed Praise, see the album Cross-Centered Worship
- Jesus, I Am Resting, Resting from Christ Community Church in Franklin, TN (David Hampton), see the album Re:Awakening
- The Gospel Song (Drew Jones and Bob Kauflin) and The Glories of Calvary (Steve and Vikki Cook) from Sovereign Grace Ministries, see the album Songs for the Cross-Centered Life
- Surrender All and Always Forgiven from Sovereign Grace Ministries, see the album Worship God Live
- Beautiful Savior by Stuart Townend, see the album Beautiful Saviour
- What Wondrous Cause and There Is No Greater Portrait from Reformed Praise
The choice of which songs to introduce is normally based on the song’s theme in relation to the rest of the worship service. I also take into consideration the style and tempo of the recent new songs and try to present them in an order that brings musical variety.
It might be helpful to also note that we present new songs by singing them as “special music” on Sunday morning (the congregation only listens as the song team sings and plays), sing it with the congregation on Wednesday night at prayer meeting, then the following Sunday sing it with everyone. I normally try to present no more than 2 songs a month (we have learned 13 songs in 7 months). In each service I also use traditional hymns that many in our congregation know (this history of our church is very hymn-based) but many newcomers or believers from other churches would see as “new songs.” For those songs we always have plenty of people singing who know the song well and can help those around them learn as they sing.
One more thing – I find it imperative, especially since we have a large group of older people who read music well and grew up following notes on a page rather than learning songs just by ear, to put sheet music in front of the congregation if they want it. In addition to an overhead presentation of the lyrics, we make a number of handouts with lyrics, readings, and sheet music for a few songs (those that might not be as well known or new songs) available.
