Nostalgia for the Late 90s and Early 2000s
If you’re anything like me, you probably grew up in the late 90’s early 2000’s era. There was just something simpler about that time. Maybe it was the multiple sitcoms, or romcoms that were made, or all the pop culture that was happening, or maybe it was just the fact that we were kids and didn’t have to think much about what was going on around us in the world. One thing that really hits all the nostalgic buttons for me, is the music from that time, especially early 2000s worship songs.
Iconic Early 2000’s Christian Bands and Artists
We’re talking Skillet, Barlow Girls, Relient K, DC Talk, Super chick, David Crowder Band, and the list could go on. Not only did we have some solid bands that we could listen to, we had some of the best, in my opinion, worship songs that were ever written. Think about it, it was just the beginning for many of them; Chris Tomlin, MercyMe, Matt Redman, Paul Baloche, Chris Hall, and more. These artists were just starting out, and they were writing songs that would soon become the anchor for Worship music.
The Power of Meaningful Lyrics and Creative Music
Not only were they writing powerful, convicting, heartfelt lyrics, they were also creatively thinking about how to put them to the music. Unlike listening to contemporary worship music today; which is like having a playlist on repeat, but you didn’t notice because the songs were all identical from the start. I’m kidding, kinda… There are some pretty stellar contemporary worship songs out today, I just have a soft spot for the oldies.
Incorporating Early 2000s Worship Songs into Your Setlist
You may be wondering, where all this is going, are we just going to listen to some chick remind us of the good ole days or is there something more to this? Well, if you’re like me and love the oldies, you may want to incorporate them into your set list on a Sunday, but you may not know how. Look no further, you’ve come to the right place! I have created a list of some throwback worship songs, you know the ones we still jam out to like the early 2000s worship songs, and how I would incorporate them into a Sunday morning service.
Let’s start with the upbeat songs, that you could place either in the beginning of the service or even after a sermon to end the service on an upbeat note.
Oh, Happy Day – Tim Hughes (2003)
Not only would this go great for an Easter service, but it’s a wonderful song to incorporate if you’re talking about the death and resurrection of Christ. It reminds us that it was truly was the greatest day in history.
Blessed Be Your Name – Matt Redman (2002)
This is such a fun song to not only play and sing but to get your congregation ready to worship. It’s an easy song to throw as a 2nd song or even at the end of the service. Easy lyrics for them to catch on too.
Come, Now is the Time to Worship – Brian Doerksen (1998)
This is a perfect song to put right at the beginning of a setlist. It is a great call to worship, one that gets the people ready to worship and focus on what Christ has done for us. Plus, it does have a pretty sweet guitar solo, so that’s a bonus.
Today is the Day – Lincoln Brewster (2008)
Now this one is a little newer, in comparison, but still a solid throwback and would be a great opener for a throwback set or really any Sunday morning service. Easy for the congregation to catch on, and also great a reminder of why we worship.
Marvelous Light – Chris Hall (2005)
I mean the lyrics really speak for themselves on this song – “Sin has lost its power, death has lost its sting. From the grave You’ve risen VICTORIOUSLY!” Great for any service really, but especially an Easter service.
Now if you’re anything like me, you don’t want to do all upbeat songs, so here is a list of slower songs that are just great to put either right before the message, or even at the end of a service if you’re wanting your congregation to really think about the sermon that was preached.
The Heart of Worship – Matt Redman (1999)
I mean – this song is a convicting heartfelt prayer to God. It’s perfect if you’re preaching a sermon about worship or really anything. It reminds us that we must truly surrender everything to Christ – and redirects our focus back on the heart of worship.
How Great Is Our God – Chris Tomlin (2004)
This song is a song that just declares the greatness of God. A great declaration of who we worship and could be placed before we open the word of God or even at the end to remind the congregation how great God is before they leave and return to the homes.
God of Wonders – Marc Byrd and Steve Hindalong (2000)
Though it has a mid-tempo feel, it is a great option for a 2nd or 3rd song that allows a moment of reflection on God’s majesty.
Give Us Clean Hands – Charlie Hall (2000)
This is not only a simple song for a congregation to catch onto it’s a prayerful, slower song of confession that is reminding the people to seek God’s holiness. And could be a perfect closer to a service.
Mighty to Save – Hillsong Chapel (2010)
Yeah, I know, this isn’t really an early 2000’s song, but I mean I couldn’t not include this one. Killer lyrics, killer music and literally the gospel in a song. Great for sermon series on the cross or again a good Easter song.
Now there are plenty of other songs that I know I didn’t include, like Trading my Sorrows, Lord I Lift Your Name on High, Shout to the Lord, Above All and the list could go on. Truth is I could do a whole big long list on some of the best throwback worship songs, but my hope was to spark an idea for you to include some of these worship songs into your contemporary worship service. If I didn’t accomplish that – I at least hope you enjoyed the nostalgic feeling of listening to these early 2000s worship songs.