A Worship Tool You'd Be Crazy Not to Use

By Jon Nicol

A worship leader friend of mine, Scott, raved to me about an online resource called WordToWorship.com. So I looked it up.

The site itself is very unassuming. In fact, I might’ve browsed past it had not Scott been so adamant that I check it out. It’s essentially a worship planning tool that allows you to search by keyword, theme, or scripture reference to find related worship songs.

Here was Scott’s initial experience, in his own words:

I tried it today for this Sunday's message which will include Heb. 2:14-15, Rom. 8:12-17, 38-39. So I did that particular search and it kicked out 17 pages of songs (most of them contemporary, but some hymns as well).

The search engine reads between the lines (catching songs that pertain to any of the verses you've listed). It also mentions the theme (and the verse it pertains to), and then when you click on the song link. AND it provides links to CCLI, PraiseCharts, YouTube, etc... as well as the lyrics and other Scriptures that pertain to the song. It's awesome!

This guy has put a ton of work into this and it's so utterly useful!

Scott likes it. A few days later I got another email from him:

I did a search by theme…once again, great stuff! The results come up with other Scriptures that have the same theme, other songs that have the same theme (or that word in the title)…this guy has cross-referencing like mad goin’ on at this site! Wow, is this gonna help with weekly prep! Hafta say, this absolutely blows all the big guys away—SongSelect, PraiseCharts, etc…

By the way, Scott’s not on payroll at WordToWorship (nor related to the developer).

My own quick searches were equally impressive. We’re in a series on the fruit of the Spirit, and this week is "goodness." Over 30 songs kicked out. (See screen shots at bottom of the post.) Several had me moaning, “Oh, I shoulda planned that one…”

And Scott’s right – the cross-referencing is amazing. You get related scriptures (with Biblegateway links), the links to the music services (CCLI, PraiseCharts, MusicNotes), and a YouTube link where you’ll likely find a version of the tune. (Again, check out the screen shots.)

By all appearances, this looks like a labor of love from the developer, Steve Partlow. (an IBM software engineer and volunteer worship leader at a Lutheran Church in New York). There are no ads or other means of monetization that I can tell. So I’d encourage you, my worshipteamcoach.com friends, to

First, check it out, and soon.
Become a member – no cost. You’re able just able to contribute to the forum and “star” songs to help enhance the search feature.
Spread the word – it’s a great resource.
Offer to help out with WordtoWorship.
Steve seems intent on making it better through a community people. So consider giving a few minutes (or hours) to help make this great resource even better. Maybe one of you can develop it into an iPhone/iPad app. I'd pony a few bucks for that app...

As I use WordToWorship in the context of my own worship planning, I'll post more about it. And please give me your thoughts on it, too, and other great "hidden gem" resources you find like this.

Word to Worship search result list