An analysis of the need for a congregational songwriting manual for the evangelical community.

摘要

Music has always been an essential part of the faith journey of God's people. The modern worship movement over the past twenty years has created an industry for new songs of worship. In conjunction with advances in technology, more than ever, songwriters have been able to easily create well-produced compositions. It is the author's opinion that with the massive influx of music, the craft of well-composed, singable tunes matched with theologically accurate lyrics has been largely neglected. There is a need for an academic songwriting manual, teaching students and worship leaders how to write congregational songs for the evangelical church.;Through interviewing and collecting songwriting wisdom from well-known, current praise and worship songwriters, educators, pastors and producers, this thesis defends the need for a songwriting manual that explains how to craft lyrics and melodies that serve the evangelical church and provide students with exercises and assignments to craft their skill. Such a text responds to the specific need to train songwriters in crafting songs for the evangelical church.