Every year Worship Leader magazine announces its “Reader’s Choice” awards. They give their readers a limited list, and ask them to choose their favorite artists, songs, and albums from the previous year. This year I was happy to learn that Sons & Daughters was nominated for two categories: Best Worship Project and Best Compilation Project.
I have mixed feelings about Christians giving out awards to each other, especially in the music world. On the one hand, I know awards are an attempt to recognize and promote what most people think is worthwhile, beneficial, or glorifying to the Lord. That’s great. We’re to give honor to whom honor is owed (Rom. 13:7) On the other hand, I know that the true value of any ministry, church, or song can’t be determined by a survey. We’ll all find out on the last day (1 Cor. 4:1-5). The fact that a lot of people like what we do is no guarantee that 1) God likes it; 2) it’s better than things that are lesser known; 3) we’re doing it for the right reasons; or 4) we’re doing what God has called us to do.
As I looked at the list of nominations this year there were a number of albums and songs I think are outstanding. We’re really honored to be in their company. There were also folks I’d love to see included, like my friends from Sojourn Music.
That being said, we wouldn’t produce albums if we didn’t want people to hear them, use the songs on them, and benefit from them. So for that reason alone, I’m grateful that more people will become aware of Sons & Daughters through the Reader’s Choice awards. We want people to feed on the truths, realities, and joys of knowing that through Jesus Christ we have been adopted into God’s family, and that’s what Sons & Daughters is all about.
Enough philosophizing. If you like what we’re doing at Sovereign Grace Music, go over to the Worship Leader site and vote!
Done already
Good luck (Am I still allowed to say that being a Calvinist?)
Thanks, Matt. I guess you can say “good luck” as long as you recognize that it’s only “luck” from our perspective.
But the question we all had before we buy it…is it a children’s CD or a grown up CD?
Kathy, it’s a grown up CD, but some people say our kid’s CDs are grown up CDs, too.
I’m so glad to hear the Christian community is acknowledging your music! I ALWAYS plug SGM to other Chrsitians. Being on the west coast your ministries and music are not very well known here. I long for that to change. Plus we could use some more alive reformed churches down this way. Being a worship leader, we do several of your songs in our church. I am getting ready to introduce “Isn’t He good” hopefully this Sunday. I am always searching for good corporate worship songs. A lot of younger stuff has been coming out of SG music instead of songs more for corporate worship. I hope there will be a good balance of songs coming out that we can use in church. Is this something also on your heart?
Carri, yes, we’re hoping to provide a cross-section of songs on our albums. Some that are multi-generational, others for a younger crowd, and some that are meant to be listened to. Thanks for your encouraging words.
First off congratulations for sons and daughters.
In reference to your children’s albums…
I was a first timer at Worship God this past year, the children’s music and choir really did make a huge impact on me. The song Peace was very well and beautifully written, the fact that children were singing a song that we adults can relate to (as sons and daughters of God) really made it absorb.
I honestly didn’t want them to end…
I am glad to hear of your nomination. Our church has been using SGM music since August. In a Word — Satisfation. We have been doing songs from Next 2009, Pslams, and Sons and Daughters. All have such great Value in melody and especially lyrical content. My Pastor really likes the way some of the songs have a “hymnal quality” (as he would call it) that has been so refreshing. Can I ask? I thought I saw a children’s CD. Are those songs easily teachable to young children or more like your 9-14 year kids? One last thing, I have just got done with listening to your talk from Leading and Feeding your Team and Closing the Gap. WOW. My Pator and I get together on Mondays and I asked him if he would be willing to “Dig for Gold” about worship and how we can learn more about what God wants from our Worship Time, etc. and he said he would be more than happy to do that. I am so elated and thankful to God that we found your SGM website. Thanks, Bob!
Gill, thanks for your very encouraging words. Our 2nd kid’s CD, To Be Like Jesus, is appropriate for kids age 6 and up.