We all remember catchy jingles like the following:
Music and catchy lyrics tend to stick around in our heads long after our first listen to them. So wouldn’t it be wonderful if you came up with a ‘playlist’ for your next Youth Camp or Adult Retreat that left your attendees with some spiritually uplifting tunes stuck in their heads?
I remember a lot of the Sunday School and Children’s Church songs I sang growing up in church. This was also how I learned the books of the bible. “Come all ye people we’re going to tell the books of the bible we love so well; Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers…..Peter, Peter, John…John, John, Jude, Revelation.” Anyway, memorizing scriptures and the books of the bible is one challenge, but having praise and worship songs memorized and in our hearts can help us connect with God on a much deeper level. There are times when a trial or challenge in life arises and a worship song will come to mind to help encourage, enlighten and excite me. Just like we are instructed in Colossians 3:16, “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”
I believe these benefits should be the deciding factors when selecting songs for worship services, whether at church or during a camp or retreat.
Consider the following, when choosing songs for a specific event/service:
Of course, if you have a themed retreat or camp, searching out songs that follow that focus would be of great value, as well. The important factor is to consider music with lyrics that is engaging, exciting and encouraging. So whether you utilize the Campfire Songs CD from the VeggieTales collection or create your own playlist, make sure that the songs chosen will likely stick with your attendees well after the event concludes.