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- General Guidelines in Song Selection
General Guidelines in Song Selection
- By John Telman
- Published May 12, 2008
- Worship Planning & Song Lists
- Unrated
John Telman
John served as worship pastor for the past 26 years in Canada, the United States and Singapore. He is presently the senior pastor of Abundant Life Pentecostal Assembly in Cranbrook British Columbia, Canada. His desire is to focus on and celebrate Jesus Christ. You can visit John on his personal website at: www.trulyworship.com
View all articles by John Telman
1. Include as many songs as possible in which God is the subject.
Subject
The main person or thing that is performing the action of the main
verb(s) in the song. “Who is doing the main action indicated in this
song?”
Examples:
Jesus loves you.The verb is “love”. The subject is “Jesus”
We sing for joy.The verb is “sing”. The subject is “We”
God is gracious.The verb is “is”. The subject is “God”
2. Include as many songs as possible in which God is BOTH
the subject and object simultaneously.
Object (Meaning, your “audience”)
The person or thing to which an action or feeling, statement or
thought is directed. “Whom are we addressing through this
song?”
Examples:
Rejoice in the Lord. The congregation is the object (audience).
We love you Jesus. Jesus is the object (audience).
Note: Avoid songs that shift back and forth between two or more objects.
Thought Movement between Combined Songs Selected for the Service
From songs about God (horizontal) to songs sung to God (vertical)
From plural voice (“we”) to singular voice (“I")
Subject
The main person or thing that is performing the action of the main
verb(s) in the song. “Who is doing the main action indicated in this
song?”
Examples:
Jesus loves you.The verb is “love”. The subject is “Jesus”
We sing for joy.The verb is “sing”. The subject is “We”
God is gracious.The verb is “is”. The subject is “God”
2. Include as many songs as possible in which God is BOTH
the subject and object simultaneously.
Object (Meaning, your “audience”)
The person or thing to which an action or feeling, statement or
thought is directed. “Whom are we addressing through this
song?”
Examples:
Rejoice in the Lord. The congregation is the object (audience).
We love you Jesus. Jesus is the object (audience).
Note: Avoid songs that shift back and forth between two or more objects.
Thought Movement between Combined Songs Selected for the Service
From songs about God (horizontal) to songs sung to God (vertical)
From plural voice (“we”) to singular voice (“I")