⏱️ Estimated Reading Time: 2 min read
A 3-Test Setlist for Sunday
How to choose songs that teach the Word, say the gospel, and serve the congregation.
Gospel-Clear
Congregation-First
In this Reformation Month edition of The Weekly Watch, Dave Jenkins walks through a simple grid for building
Sunday’s setlist: Text-Rich, Gospel-Clear, and Congregation-First.
Learn quick 60-second audits, arrangement tips, and a sample three-song flow you can use this week.
Emotion is a gift, truth must lead.
Scripture: Colossians 3:16, Ephesians 5:19, Psalm 96:1–3
Listen and Watch
Episode Notes
Big Idea
We become what we sing. Plan a set that is text-rich, gospel-clear, and congregation-first.
Biblical Foundations
- Colossians 3:16: the word of Christ must dwell richly as we sing, teaching and admonishing.
- Ephesians 5:19: address one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, with the heart to the Lord.
- Psalm 96:1–3: sing a new song, tell of His salvation, declare His glory among the nations.
The 3 Tests
- Text-Rich: lyrics should carry clear Bible truth, name God’s attributes, and tie lines to chapter and verse.
- Gospel-Clear: name the cross and resurrection, grace through faith, and the benefits of salvation.
- Congregation-First: pick singable keys, steady rhythms, and mixes that let the room carry the melody.
60-Second Audits
- Text check: write a Scripture reference beside the chorus.
- Gospel check: where does the set say cross and resurrection.
- Singability check.
- Clarity check: would a new believer understand who God is and what He has done.
Sample 3-Song Set
- Psalm: Psalm 96 (faithful metrical or modern setting).
- Cross-Hymn: There Is a Fountain, The Power of the Cross, or In Christ Alone.
- Doxology: Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow (Old 100th).
One Action for This Sunday
- Print your set and circle lines tied to Scripture, add references.
- Ensure one song clearly proclaims cross and resurrection.
- Read Psalm 96:1–3 before the opener.
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Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah, and lives in beautiful Southern Oregon. He is a writer, editor, and speaker who loves Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology.
Dave serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries and the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine. He is the Host and Producer of the Equipping You in Grace Podcast and a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word.
He is the author of The War of Worldviews: Truth, Lies, and the Battle for the Christian Mind (Theology for Life, 2026), Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021).
You can connect with Dave on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, or subscribe to his newsletter.
When he is not engaged in ministry work, Dave enjoys spending time with his wife, going to movies, sharing a meal at a favorite restaurant, or playing a round of golf with friends. He is also a voracious reader, particularly of Reformed theology and the Puritans, and is often found working through a stack of new books from a wide range of Christian publishers.
Dave earned his M.A.R. and M.Div. from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
