Song Database Guide
This song database is useful for all worship leaders, choir directors, singers and musicians. The information below will help you to use this database effectively.
Song Directions
It is important to know who has the voice in every song that you sing. The speaker in a can song can be God or people.
Vertical-Human
to God
Songs where we speak to God
Vertical-God to
Human
Songs where God speaks to us
Horizontal-Human to Human/Self
Song where we speak to each other or ourselves
Types
Dr. Constance Cherry says each song can fit in one or more of five categories. An adapted version of her explanation of each category is found in the following:
Petition
A song that asks God for something
Proclamation
A song that communicates God’s Word. These songs typically explain biblical truths and church doctrines and theology
Praise
A song that expresses God’s character and nature. These songs typically highlight lovely features of God and have a tone of gratitude.
Exhortation
A song that encourages and edifies believers. These songs typically have a horizontal direction.
Call to Action
A song that gives people a specific way to respond to God’s word or who he is.
Seasons
Advent
Celebrating the first and second coming of Jesus
Christmas
Celebration the birth of Jesus
Epiphany
Celebrating the manifestation of Jesus’ power and miracles on earth
Lent
Preparation period for Easter
Easter
The celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus
Pentecost
Celebration of the coming of the Holy Spirit
Ordinary
The regular times of the year where God’s people live out his story
Styles
Please note that CCM stands for Christian Contemporary Music.
Traditional songs in the database are used in the context of older songs that are popular in our denomination.
Scriptures
These Scriptures can help to inform your adlibs and song selections based on themes. The Scriptures selected for each song support the message of the song.
Tempo
This refers to the speed of the song.
Caution
Every song is not perfect. There are some specific things that worship leaders must take note of before selecting and singing songs. Songs that do not mention the name of God, or change direction throughout the song, or are vague, along with other cautions will be highlighted here.