It is often very difficult to find good new songs to sing in church. For one, we often don't have the time to trawl the internet for stuff, or buying CD's is costly.
Here are a few good songs that I have found in the last year:
Strength Will Rise (Everlasting God)
This is a driving anthem of a worship song. Written by Brenton Brown (yay for South Africa) and Ken Riley (YFriday) in 2005, it draws heavily on the words of Isaiah 40, reminding us of God's faithfulness and the need for us to trust him completely. A very easy song to play, and there's a nice little riff for your guitarist to learn (just remember the capo on 3). Don't rush it, but keep it driving.
Where to find it:
Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)
The best rearranged version of the old John Newton classic that I have heard. (Better even, than singing it to The Lion Sleeps Tonight - ;)) Written by Chris Tomlin and Louis Giglio in 2006 for the movie Amazing Grace. I've had to rewrite it from Gmaj to Emaj to make it more singable. Remember to beat in 4's and not in 3's (like the trad. version), and watch the unusual flow (V1, V2, C, V3, C, V4, rpt last line) and you're there.
Where to find it:
O Christ Be The Centre
A very repeatable, simple song with three distinct parts. Great to encourage reflection on and commitment to the centrality of Christ in the universe and in our lives. Draws heavily from Colossians 1, and could be just the theme song for your sermon series on Colossians. Written by Charlie Hall and Matt Redman in 2006.
Where to find it:
God In My Living
Written by Tim Hughes in 2006, this song can seem a bit shallow and repetitive, but I have found that it is a very accessible and thought provoking song for congregations of real people. Like O Christ... it is also inspired by Colossians 1.
Where to find it:
I Hear the Saviour Say (Jesus Paid It All)
Another classic hymn rearranged. Written by Elvina Hall and John Grape around 1865 (read the story here). Beautiful lyrics about the helplessness of our sinful state and the complete salvation we have in Christ. Various versions have been done by Kristian Stanfill and Aaron Keyes.
Where to find it:
Behold the Lamb
Another cracker from Getty, Getty and Townend. This is the best communion hymn since Break Thou The Bread of Life. A bit tricky, but don't rush it and you'll be fine.
Where to find it:
Servant of God Most High
This one's free! Simon Pedley has written some great songs, and this is one of them. As he says: "Isaiah 53 is the culmination of several other 'servant songs', and I wanted to draw in some of the earlier material from chapters 42 and 49, to make the whole song a cry of praise addressed to Jesus." Fairly upbeat and easy to play.
Where to find it:
You may notice that I have a preference for Kingsway and Songs of Fellowship 4. They are by far the most useful resources I have found for quality music, singable tunes and theologically correct songs. SoF 4is a particularly good songbook, and if you shop around you may be able to pick up a copy on the January sales.
If you choose to use any of the above songs, please abide by copyright laws by buying a copy of either the songbook it comes from, or by buying a downloadable copy of the music. Your church must also have a valid CCLI License in order to copy the music for your musicians, project or print the words, and sing the song in your church services. Please also include the authors' names with any reproductions of songs or lyrics.
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