I think one the greatest wonders after you finish a song is the big question, "Is this song a good song?" Here are a few ideas to check your song.

1. Sing it for someone close to you that is HONEST. (usually moms don't work for this)

2. Try it in your local congregation and see the response (do not tell them you wrote the song. Let the song run on it's own merit. If you say that you wrote the song they may just compliment you to be nice. You need to know the true value of the song.)

3. Play it for your children or a young person one time through then ask them what the message of the song was. If they cannot tell you what the song said then your song may be to complicated.

Original music is one of the best places to incorporate your gift. My suggestion is to work some of your original tunes in to your repertoire. You are better off not mentioning that you or whomever from your church wrote the song. Just keep it to yourself. You will be able to get a great feeling as to how the song goes over with your congregation. If the song works then introduce another song. I would not do to many at one time.

You should use original material in worship if it's good. You can tell if it works in the service. I've done original songs, and I've recommended to my son, Anthony, that he do his new stuff in the worship service. But I have requirements I've placed on him that I've also followed. Introduce the song during the offering time or late in the altar service. Do this a few times so that people become familiar with it. Otherwise they are so caught up with the newness and trying to learn the words that they have difficulty worshipping. After they recognize the song and know it make it part of your worship repertoire.

SongWriter's Toolbox
By: Tommy Walker
Here are some suggested tools that can help you as you make songwriting a lifestyle.