Woodside Worship // Response

Response is the debut album from the worship ministry of Woodside Bible Church, a 10-campus church in the Detroit area. Worship Director, Jonathan Seller, says that the project began with a desire to see their church’s response reflect the magnitude of the object of their worship. So, by collecting a group of untrained, amateur non-songwriters in a back choir room on Wednesday nights, they began with a goal to write songs that Woodside would love to sing out as a response to who God is and what He’s done for them. They asked God to give them songs that He would like to hear from them. Seller says that one of the most beautiful parts about the project was the collaboration. In humility, each contributor gave up their perfect idea for how the melody should go, or the perfect lyric for the pre-chorus and just trusted each other. Today, Seller says their team has never been more unified.

As a worship leader with a pre-conceived idea of what a debut worship album can sound like, this project blew me away! God has His hand all over it! Not only is it lyrically and theologically rich, with several of the songs coming right out of Scripture, but the melodies are contagious and the production value is right up there with Vertical Church Band. There is nothing contrived or cheesy about this album. As I was listening, I kept having to remind myself that this is a project with no label and that the majority of the vocals and instrumentals were done by church volunteers. No one was brought in from the outside to finish the songs and it was tracked locally in the Detroit area.

This album is all about the attributes of a gracious, loving God. The one thing that stands out to me which I love about this album is that it acknowledges that everything we are or ever hope to be flows from God’s doing, not our own. These songs are truly a RESPONSE to God.

Can’t Be Broken // This track is probably the catchiest tune on the album and immediately makes you want to clap your hands with it’s country-pop style (which is a large part of the album). It is a declaration that we can stand firm and rest in God because we belong to Him and His love is steadfast.

Alive // This is the one track on the album with a Hillsong Y & F dance vibe to it. The synth parts are fairly accessible but may require a track for some bands. This song is a testimony of how God sees our need in our dead, sinful state and then breathes new life into us when we call on His name. Your congregation will be jumping and celebrating on this one.

Overcome // An up-tempo declaration that God has given us the victory over the shackles of our sin. He has overcome! There is so much hope in this song.

With Me // This track has a folk hymn feel to it , similar to In Christ Alone, and could be adapted to an acoustic set. The song speaks of God’s faithfulness. He is the Rock we can stand on when everything else around us seems confusing and unstable.

Love Has Won //  All about the Gospel! It has a great up-tempo country-pop feel but is probably the least “congregational” song on the album.

Psalm 130 // This track is in 6/8 time and starts with soaring piano which moves to violin later on and creates a beautiful opportunity for an acoustic set if instrumentation is limited. Again, the melody is contagious and is my favorite on the album. I found myself singing this one for a couple days after my initial listen.

Hallelujah! Our God Saves // A great song for Easter, declaring that death is defeated and the grave is empty. Although the verses feel a little disjunct from the chorus, it has a great corporate feel to it and is perfect if you utilize a worship choir.

Mercy // This track begins to wind down the album. This one could allow your violinist to shine as it begins and ends with beautiful violin solos. An intimate hymn, this song reflects on the work of Christ on the cross. It would be perfect for a Good Friday or communion service but I would probably do it without the bridge to keep the focus on the sacrifice of Jesus.

Only in You // Mostly an acoustic ballad, there are some beautiful ambient guitar tones and pads on this one. This is such a comforting and reassuring song for those who are doubting, feel like their losing faith or going through a time of uncertainty. It reminds the worshiper that God, as Creator, is sovereign, that He cares and that He’s listening. So why should I worry? He is all we need for eternity.

Presence // This track is a perfect song for quietly and reflectively dwelling in God’s presence. It can be used in corporate or personal worship settings where the worshiper can set aside the distractions and ask God to make them aware of His holiness and glory and then respond to it in awe and wonder. The build into the bridge is captivating and contains my favorite line in the song: “No song we sing, no offering, could ever compare to Your glory”. Similar to Revelation Song, every heart will be engaged when you sing this song.

I sincerely hope this is the first of many projects we’ll see from Woodside. I have a feeling we’re witnessing the rise of some new heart cries that will be sung in Detroit and beyond. My top picks for corporate worship would be Can’t Be Broken, Alive, Psalm 130 and Presence.