Choosing the Right Worship Songs: A Sunday Morning Shepherd's Heart

As a worship pastor who’s led Sunday morning services for over two decades, I’ve learned that choosing the right songs is as much about spiritual discernment as it is about musical selection. While the setlist might seem like a playlist to some, to me it’s a pastoral moment—an opportunity to help shepherd the hearts of God’s people toward Christ.

Here are a few key things I always consider when building a worship set:

1. Seek the Spirit, Not Just the Setlist

First and foremost, I start in prayer. I ask the Holy Spirit to guide the process. Worship isn't about performance—it's about presence. A well-rehearsed band and perfectly executed transitions mean little if God's presence isn't invited and prioritized. Sometimes a song that’s musically or lyrically “weaker” becomes the most powerful moment of the morning because it meets the room where the Spirit is already moving.

2. Support the Message

I always connect with the teaching pastor early in the week. What’s the theme of the sermon? What Scripture will be taught? If the message is about God’s faithfulness in trials, I might lean into songs like “Same God” or “Firm Foundation.” If the focus is on the resurrection, I’ll probably pull “Living Hope” or “King of Kings.” Worship is not the opener for the sermon—it’s the sermon’s partner.

3. Know Your Congregation

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned: don’t just pick songs you like—pick songs your church can sing. A congregation that’s trying to keep up with too many new or complicated songs can’t focus on worship. Familiarity breeds freedom. I try to balance introducing new songs with the faithful repetition of well-loved anthems. Think of it like a good meal: a little spice is great, but too much and you lose the flavor.

4. Mind the Arc of Worship

I don’t just think about individual songs—I think about the journey. Where are we leading people? I usually begin with a call to worship—something joyful and accessible that invites people to lift their eyes. From there, I move into deeper moments of reverence, surrender, and reflection. The final song might be one of response or celebration, depending on the flow of the morning. Worship is a conversation with God, and we’re helping guide that dialogue.

5. Lyrics Matter More Than You Think

I scrutinize lyrics. Are they biblically sound? Do they reflect the character of God rightly? Worship forms theology more than we realize—people often remember the lyrics of songs more than the points of a sermon. I want our songs to proclaim the gospel clearly, avoid ambiguity, and offer words that anchor hearts in truth and scripture.

6. Don’t Underestimate Simplicity

Some of the most powerful moments I’ve seen in worship didn’t come from complicated arrangements or cutting-edge production. They came when the people of God sang one clear truth together, with one voice and one heart. “How Great Is Our God.” “Great Are You Lord.” “I Exalt Thee.” Sometimes the old songs have the deepest roots.

Final Thoughts: Pastor Before You Play

At the end of the day, selecting worship songs isn’t just a musical responsibility—it’s a pastoral one. You’re not just leading songs; you’re leading souls. My hope and prayer every Sunday is that the songs we sing would help people encounter Jesus, respond to His grace, and walk away changed.

Let’s never take lightly the privilege we have to be part of that holy moment.

— A Fellow Worship Pastor in the Trenches