Renowned worship leader and songwriter Graham Kendrick has sparked a timely conversation about the songs shaping the modern church. In a new article written for Christianity Magazine and published by Premier Christianity, Kendrick urges worship leaders and congregations to reflect on the formative power of the songs they sing - and to reconsider what might be missing when worship is guided only by popularity.
"There's been a lot of discussion recently about the kinds of songs we sing in church; what they form in us, and what we might be missing," Kendrick shares in the post announcing the article. "I've written some reflections on this, and I'd love for you to read and join the conversation."
In the piece, Kendrick argues that the songs chosen for worship do far more than fill time in a service - they form believers, shaping their theology, spirituality, and sense of communal identity. He challenges churches to move beyond the comfort of what's familiar or trending, suggesting that sometimes the songs we need most are the ones we don't often sing.
"We know what's popular," Kendrick writes, "but what songs does the Church need in this season - in this world?" He proposes that so-called "unpopular songs" - those that may be older, lyrically dense, or less accessible - carry theological richness and emotional depth that can ground believers in truth and endurance.
For decades, Graham Kendrick has written and led worship songs that have become cornerstones of congregational singing across the globe, including "Shine, Jesus, Shine," "Knowing You (All I Once Held Dear)," and "The Servant King." Now, as a respected elder statesman of worship, he continues to speak into the future of the Church's song - one that he believes must balance relevance with reverence, popularity with profundity.
"Songs are not just for singing," Kendrick reflects. "They're for shaping." His latest writing calls for intentional worship leadership that forms disciples rather than just consumers, reminding the Church that every lyric we repeat becomes a prayer that shapes the heart.
Readers can explore Kendrick's full reflections in the article "Graham Kendrick wants you to sing 'unpopular' songs in church - here's why" at Premier Christianity.
