Hot Orthodoxy in Song

The best resource I have ever found for worship music that is theologically sound, doctrinally rich and yet also contemporary, powerful, passionate, and singable is the music of Sovereign Grace Ministries.

Whenever I can, I try to introduce SGM music into our worship plans at church. They have produced a complete collection of songs in singable ranges. Many are available for free download (especially lead sheets).

My favorite albums are Songs for the Cross Centered Life (which is a companion to the book) and Upward (which is a collection of rich hymnody with new arrangements and even new music). Upward is a project created by Bob Kauflin who is their "worship guru." Bob writes a regular column, called Worship Matters, that I highly recommend as a resource for thinking about worship-leading that is God-centered.

The most "famous" of the SGM music is I Stand in Awe of You by Mark Altrogge. It's been used around the world.

Heather and I look forward to buying Awesome God for our kids and the upcoming live album Worship God Live.

I pray that God continues to bless this God-centered, church-based ministry and multiplies godly imitators. The church needs "Hot Orthodoxy" in contemporary song.