Singing the Gospel

By Vanessa Hairston

As worship leaders/pastors, we are called and privileged to share the gospel through song. Words set to music communicate a message and theology about who God is, what He’s done, and His desire for our lives. What better opportunity is there to share the good news, the gospel of Jesus Christ, than this? To build a gospel-packed playlist we could begin with “King of Kings” by Hillsong, a song that describes the biblical plan for salvation from beginning to end. Echoing the theme of narratives, “Tell Me the Story” is a hymn that summarizes the life and work of Jesus as our Savior. If you want to stretch the skills of your worship band, you can introduce “This is the Gospel” by Elevation Rhythm, but their song “You Will Be Saved” offers a musically simpler approach with the same message. “Good News” by Maverick City has a catchy chorus that’ll have you humming the gospel throughout the day. 

The gospel message is meant to be personal, so if you want to include testimony songs, “My Testimony” and "Mercy” by Elevation are great options. “Redeemed” is another classic hymn that shares our testimony of redemption. In a similar vein, “Back to Life” by Bethel and “It's Always Been You"” by Phil Wickham touch on God’s power of the before and after in our lives. The latter song by Phil is geared more towards a solo selection, but his song “I Believe” puts a creed to music that everyone can sing as we affirm our belief in the gospel narrative. Charity Gayle’s last two albums have a plethora of options, but “Thank You Jesus for the Blood” and “Because of Jesus” are tear-jerkers as they help reestablish thankfulness for the beauty of the gospel. This list isn’t extensive, but we hope that these suggestions add a few new songs to your worship repertoire in your ministry context.