Initial Importance: Primary

Sound - Acceptable - Unsound

Are the lyrics theologically accurate? This flags clear doctrinal errors only (Acts 17:11, Titus 1:9). Songs aren't penalised for theological differences (such as a charismatic emphasis) unless they conflict with core biblical teaching.

I encourage diligence and discernment here, as there's no guarantee that I haven't missed some minor issues.

Initial Importance: Primary

Good - Reasonable - Challenging - Inaccessible

So many well-known worship leaders have incredible vocal ranges but this can leave a congregation behind - especially in smaller churches - as high notes become unmanageable.

The generally-accepted 'comfortable singing range' is C3>C4. I've included recommended keys within a slightly broader range (~A2>D4), depending on the number of high notes and how feasible they are to hit. In larger churches, you may find you can extend the high note by an extra 1-2 semitones.

The melody of a song has been considered if it's obviously tricky and a clear obstacle to participation.

Initial Importance: Secondary

Yes - Mixed - No - Intimate

Songs that place and emphasis on corporate/congregational worship score higher than those that are focused on individual expression. Again, it's worth remembering individual vs communal Psalms. 'Individual' songs aren't inherently unsuitable but they are usually less fitting for regular congregational use.

This also considers:

• Whether the lyrics are understandable to the average person. (Some older hymns may use language so far out of common parlance that it becomes a distraction).
• Whether the song invites participation or leans towards performance.

Initial Importance: Secondary

Yes - No

Songs score higher if they clearly reference core elements of Christianity (Hebrews 13:15, 1 Corinthians 14:8).

Songs that lack such references often use vague language that could be applied to nearly anything. Some may refer to these as 'Jesus is my boyfriend' songs. Personally, I find that term a little unhelpful, but at the same time, it's undeniable that there are many songs in which the strongest mention of God is merely 'him' or 'you'. That doesn't mean you should never use such songs - and they may be very useful for personal worship times - but it would probably be wise to ensure they're in the minority for times of corporate worship.

Initial Importance: Secondary

Yes - No

Can everyone in the room genuinely sing what the song expresses?

Songs rooted heavily in personal experience may alienate those who haven't shared that experience. This doesn't make the lyrics incorrect, but it may limit their usefulness in a corporate setting, as it raises questions about what they refer to (Philippians 2:4, 1 Corinthians 14:15-17). For example, 'Good Good Father' by Housefires mentions hearing a 'tender whisper in the dead of night'.

Are there any potentially distracting or unusual lyrics? Some lines, while not theologically wrong, may cause confusion or raise unnecessary questions (or merely eyebrows), rather than encouraging people to focus on the Lord. An example of this is a line in 'So Will I' by Hillsong United that refers to evolution.

If such concerns aren't relevant in your context, please adjust the category weighting or simply ignore it!

Initial Importance: Tertiary

High - Medium - Low - Minimal

This category is a little more subjective, and therefore, a little trickier to judge, as not every song needs deep theological content. If theological depth is especially important to you (Hebrews 5:14, Colossians 3:16), adjust the weighting slider or use the filter at the top of the page to refine your selection.

Initial Importance: Tertiary

Yes - No

Songs that place God at the centre score higher than those primarily focused on us and our experience (Psalm 115:1).

Initial Importance: Tertiary

Yes - No

Inspired by 'Worship Matters' by Bob Kauflin (page 101).

• 'Objective' lyrics declare truths about God.
• 'Subjective' lyrics are our responses to God.

Many songs contain both perspectives. 'Subjective' songs aren't bad, but songs grounded in objective truth take precedence.

Again, if you disagree with this or are looking for subjective expressions, you can reduce or remove the impact of this category using the weighting slider.

(Kauflin includes a third category ['reflective'], which I have included as part of 'Subjective' in this case.)

Initial Importance: Tertiary

None - Some - Lots

Songs with minimal repetition score higher. Of course, repetition isn't inherently negative (Revelation 4:8) but some people/churches (myself included!) are sensitive to it and often find excessive repetition distracting and unhelpful. Whilst any song can contain lines that are repeated a lot through the choice of the worship leader, songs that rely heavily on repetitive phrases score lower.

This doesn't mean that a repetitive song should never be used. Evaluate what best serves your congregation, and adjust the weighting accordingly.

Initial Importance: None

Yes - No

Songs that mention the Cross, the Blood, Jesus dying for us, etc., score higher than those that don't.

This may be more relevant during Easter, but many churches emphasise these core truths throughout the year as central to their worship (1 Corinthians 2:2, 1 Corinthians 15:14).