Really interesting article this month from Eternity magazine on Hillsong's lyric vetting process. I remember being quite surprised talking to Hillsong songwriters about how hands on their pastors are in the songwriting process.
Senior associate pastor Robert Fergusson writes:
“It’s a huge act of trust and submission, for someone who writes international award winning songs to submit their songs to us … it’s a great act of humility. I’m constantly honouring people like Darlene Zschech and Reuben Morgan who are happy to do this.”
It's a reminder to us here at Garage Hymnal (who are by no means international award winning songwriters!) to make sure we're humbly seeking feedback from godly people on our lyrics (thanks to Mark Peterson, Rob Smith, Philip Percival, Bart VandenHengel, Cedric Tang, Dave Parker and others who have offered suggestions on our last few albums). [update: I very carelessly left Peter Rodgers of this list, many apologies!]
http://www.biblesociety.org.au/news/inside-hillsong-music-120202-1
Comments
However, I have to admit the bar of doctrinal clarity has been raised, since Robert and Amanda Fergusson have been involved. A shameless plug? Robert & Amanda are presenting at SHINE Music Conference this yr. I look forward to meeting them and hearing what
they have to share with us music leaders (mostly Anglican) and songwriters.
high output of theologically sound songs that are used across Christendom, and even by some of the more theologically picky traditions! I've always wondered at how that came about, and now we know why. If more pastors took an active interest in the very lyrics
being sung in their churches every week, we'd certainly all be better off.
about pastors being involved - the more heads the better I think!