Stop Singing This Song in Your Church (Unless It Passes This Test)
No, it’s not because it’s popular.
Not because it’s emotional.
Not even because it’s from that worship label or that church.
It’s because of what it says.
What We Sing Shapes Us
Worship leaders, we need to remember: when we sing, we teach.
Colossians 3:16 says,
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly… singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs…”
When we lead our churches in song, we’re not just filling space before the sermon. We’re putting theology on the lips of our people. We’re forming hearts. We’re building discipleship—or we’re quietly undermining it.
That means choosing songs isn’t just about vibe, volume, or emotional connection. It’s about faithfulness.
So how do we know if a song is worth singing in our church?
Four Questions Every Worship Leader Must Ask
1. Is it theologically sound?
Does the song align with the gospel?
Is it clear about who God is, what we need, and what Christ has done?
This doesn’t mean every song has to be a systematic theology textbook—but it must not be vague or misleading about essential truths.
2. Is it lyrically clear?
Will the average person in your church understand what they’re singing?
Poetic doesn’t mean confusing. Metaphor can be rich, but if the lyric takes a decoder ring and a Bible degree to explain, it may not build up your church.
3. Can the congregation actually sing it?
Melody, range, rhythm, style—do these things help or hinder participation?
A powerful lyric and moving melody are wasted if the church can’t sing along. Worship isn't a concert. It's corporate. And the church needs to be able to join in.
4. Does it form disciples?
What vision of God does this song reinforce?
Does it stir affections for Jesus?
Does it align with what you’re teaching and praying and preaching?
The best worship sets aren’t just emotionally moving—they’re spiritually forming.
The Three Marks of a Great Worship Song: Biblical. Beautiful. Accessible.
Think of these three qualities as a triangle. The best songs sit at the center.
1. Biblical – Rooted in the Word of God.
Not just alluding to Scripture, but aligned with it. Songs that say what God says, in a way that reveals His glory and His gospel.
2. Beautiful – Musically compelling and emotionally resonant.
The kind of song that stirs the heart, not just the mind. Beauty matters in worship—it reflects the character of our Creator.
3. Accessible – Singable and participatory.
Your church shouldn’t have to try to worship. Great songs welcome everyone into the moment—melodically, rhythmically, and emotionally.
Not All Songs Will Be All Three
Let’s be honest: not every song nails all three. And that’s okay.
Some are:
Biblical + Accessible but not musically memorable.
Beautiful + Biblical but a bit difficult for the average person to sing.
Accessible + Beautiful but don't say much theologically.
Use those sparingly.
But songs that only check one box?
Leave them out.
If a song is theologically vague, musically bland, and hard to sing—it doesn’t matter how popular it is. It won’t serve your church.
You Don’t Need Perfect Songs. You Need Faithful Ones.
Worship leaders—your job isn’t to chase trends.
It’s to lead your church into deeper love and trust in Jesus.
So next time you’re building your setlist, don’t just ask:
“Do I like this song?”
Ask:
“Will this help my people love Jesus?”
“Does this song serve the Word, the worshippers, and the work of discipleship in my church?”
If the answer is yes—sing it with boldness.
If the answer is no—stop singing it, no matter how catchy it is.
Your people are worth more than a good vibe. They need truth.
And you have the privilege of putting that truth to music.
The reality is that our songs shape how our churches view God and the words we put in their mouths shape how they talk to him. Let’s lead with more intention. Let’s choose songs that are theologically rich, spiritual formative, and centered on Christ.
