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Resourcing the Church with Songwriters

The Songwriter Initiative of the Center for Worship Leadership exists to support modern songwriters serving within the LCMS church body and seeks to be a positive resource and influence for those writing for the church-at-large. Music and melody, as a vehicle for the proclamation of the Gospel and expression of praise to God for all that he is and has done for us in Christ, has always been a valued part of our tradition. Necessarily, then, our creativity requires guidance and meaningful training so that those who are called to write in service to the Gospel will benefit. To that end, the Songwriter Initiative exists to support songwriters throughout the church, empowering each artist to create art that glorifies God, while creating a community that shares the common goal of sharing the Gospel message of Jesus.

Kip Fox

Kip Fox

Director of CWL Songwriter Initiative

[email protected]

Kip Fox

Kip has been leading worship for 12 years and writing songs for 20. As a nationally recognized songwriter and worship leader he has had several artists record his songs. He currently serves as a worship leader at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Mesa, AZ, and is a student in the MA program at Concordia University Irvine.

Resources from The Songwriter Initiative

Gone

The new single from The Songwriter Initiative!

Gone

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I Will Glory in the Cross

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Final Word

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Your Will Be Done

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Bethlehem

The new single from The Songwriter Initiative!

Bethlehem

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Arise

The new single from The Songwriter Initiative!

Arise

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Psalm 46 (A River)

Psalm 46 (A River)

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Christ My Victory

Christ My Victory Cover

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United in Christ

United in Christ Cover

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Rescue

Rescue Cover

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Todah Yahweh VBS Package

Download the VBS package for “Todah Yahweh” today!

Today Yahweh cover

Click below to download these FREE resources.

VBS PACKAGE

Todah Yahweh

Psalm Library

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What I Found

Psalm Library

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God Who Bleeds

Psalm Library

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Surrounding Me

Psalm Library

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Inhale

Psalm Library

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Songs for Worship, Vol. 1

The new EP From the Songwriter Initiative!

Psalm Library

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The Psalm Library

Miikka E. Anttila calls Ephesians 5:19 the “words of institution” of church music that we speak “to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart.” While churches often have many resources to facilitate the singing of hymns and other spiritual songs, Psalm arrangements are often less accessible.

The Center for Worship Leadership Psalm Library provides the church with these settings to continue in this tradition of the people of God engaging in and singing the Psalms as a part of their gatherings. Psalm singing connects us to the ancient church, but even more importantly, to Christ. After all, the Old Testament book Jesus quoted the most was the Psalms!

Psalm 46 (A River)

By Kip Fox and Paul Elliot, Copyright 2024


V1

Let the waters rage
Let the mountains tremble
Let the whole earth shake
We will never stumble
We belong to the city of God
We belong to the city of God

V2

Let the nations rage
Let the kingdoms crumble
Let the wars be waged
We will not be troubled
We belong to the city of God
We belong to the city of God

Chorus

There is a river flowing
There is a river flowing
There is a river flowing down

V3

Let the nations rage
Let the kingdoms crumble
Let the wars be waged
We will not be troubled
We belong to the city of God
We belong to the city of God

Chorus

There is a river flowing
There is a river flowing
There is a river flowing down

Bridge

Be still and know the Lord is
Eager to be found
He is our mighty fortress
Lay your weapons down

Be still and know the Lord is
Eager to be found
He is our mighty fortress
Lay your weapons down

Lay your weapons down

Chorus

There is a river flowing
(Let the waters rage)
(Let the mountains tremble)
There is a river flowing
(Let the wars be waged)
(We will not be troubled)
There is a river flowing down
(We belong to the city of God)
(We belong to the city of God)

Ending

There is a river flowing
(Let the nations rage)
(Let the kingdoms crumble)
There is a river flowing
(Let the wars be waged)
(We will not be troubled)
There is a river flowing down
(We belong to the city of God)
(We belong to the city of God)


Paul Elliott

Paul Elliott

Dr. Elliott received his Ph.D. and M. Phil. from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion and is the lead professor of Hebrew for Concordia University Irvine's Christ College. Dr. Elliott published “The Israel of God in the Sermon: Connecting Old Testament Texts to New Testament People” in Feasting in a Famine of the Word in 2016 and is preparing a commentary on the prophet Habakkuk.

Kip Fox

Kip Fox

Kip has been leading worship for 12 years and writing songs for 20. As a nationally recognized songwriter and worship leader he has had several artists record his songs. He currently serves as a worship leader at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Mesa, AZ, and is a student in the MA program at Concordia University Irvine.

Psalm 56 (Your Promise)

By Kip Fox and Paul Elliot, Copyright 2023


V1

All day long, i’m surrounded
All day long, i am overwhelmed
With the sound of the walls closing in

All day long, You have listened
All day long, You have turned Your ear
To the sound of my hands trembling
So while You’re listening

Chorus

I will praise You
For Your promise
To deliver me from my enemies
I will trust You
In defiance
Of what fear may say, I will not be afraid
For, my God, You’re on my side
And what other hope have I,
Than what You have promised?

V2

All day long, You defend me
All day long, You have caught my tears
So I’ll sing til’ my heart can believe
That my God is for me

Chorus 2

I will praise You
For Your promise
To deliver me from my enemies
I will trust You
In defiance
Of what fear may say, I will not be afraid
For, my God, You’re on my side

Bridge

I will praise you
Before I see the end
Of this story
You have saved me from death
Lord, my feet are secure
As I walk in the light of Your presence

Chorus 1

I will praise You
For Your promise
To deliver me from my enemies
I will trust You
In defiance
Of what fear may say, I will not be afraid
For, my God, You’re on my side
And what other hope have I,
Than what You have promised?

Than what You promised


Paul Elliott

Paul Elliott

Dr. Elliott received his Ph.D. and M. Phil. from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion and is the lead professor of Hebrew for Concordia University Irvine's Christ College. Dr. Elliott published “The Israel of God in the Sermon: Connecting Old Testament Texts to New Testament People” in Feasting in a Famine of the Word in 2016 and is preparing a commentary on the prophet Habakkuk.

Kip Fox

Kip Fox

Kip has been leading worship for 12 years and writing songs for 20. As a nationally recognized songwriter and worship leader he has had several artists record his songs. He currently serves as a worship leader at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Mesa, AZ, and is a student in the MA program at Concordia University Irvine.

Psalm 65 (Hope Has an Answer) Radio Edit

By Kip Fox and Mike Middendorf, Copyright 2022


V1

God in Zion, You have heard our prayer
Blessed are your people far and near
All you wounded, weary and alone
Look now our salvation is made known

Chorus

All of the questions that come in the night
All of the hours we pray for the light
Every longing that wakes with the morn
Hope has an answer, the Savior is born

V2

Through him every mountain finds its peak
Raging seas fall silent when he speaks
All things hold together by his hand
Rivers flow and blessings fill these lands

Bridge

And on the farthest seas
Tales of your awesome deeds
Will bring the greatest powers to their knees


Mike Middendorf

Mike Middendorf

Michael P. Middendorf is professor of theology in Christ College at Concordia University Irvine. Raised in St. Paul, Minnesota, Dr. Middendorf received all of his education at Lutheran schools, including a B.A. in pre-seminary studies from Concordia University-St. Paul (1981). He worked there for three years as an admissions counselor and guest instructor of Greek before enrolling at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO, where he earned his M.Div. (1987), S.T.M. (1989), and Th.D. (1990) degrees. Before he began working at Concordia Irvine in 2001, Dr. Middendorf served as a parish pastor in North Dakota and taught at Concordia University Texas. Mike is the author of the CPH commentary on Romans.

Kip Fox

Kip Fox

Kip has been leading worship for 12 years and writing songs for 20. As a nationally recognized songwriter and worship leader he has had several artists record his songs. He currently serves as a worship leader at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Mesa, AZ, and is a student in the MA program at Concordia University Irvine.

Psalm 72 (Long Live the King)

By Paul Elliott and Kip Fox, Copyright 2020


V1

There is a king who rides on the heavens
His coming lifts the eyes of the poor
For all the powers of their oppressor
Can hurt them no more

He is a king like no one before him
His justice falls like rain on the hills
And all who live their lives with that hunger
Will have their fill

C

Long live the King
Forever he shall reign
Let the heavens ring with his praise
Long live the King
The sun and moon will fade
His kingdom never passing away
Long live the King

V2

There is a righteous fire in his footsteps
An everlasting peace in his wake
He is the king from ocean to ocean
And age to age
Age to age

B

Humbled low in a manger
Lifted high on a tree
Rose, victorious savior
Jesus Christ, our King


Paul Elliott

Paul Elliott

Dr. Elliott received his Ph.D. and M. Phil. from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion and is the lead professor of Hebrew for Concordia University Irvine's Christ College. Dr. Elliott published “The Israel of God in the Sermon: Connecting Old Testament Texts to New Testament People” in Feasting in a Famine of the Word in 2016 and is preparing a commentary on the prophet Habakkuk.

Kip Fox

Kip Fox

Kip has been leading worship for 12 years and writing songs for 20. As a nationally recognized songwriter and worship leader he has had several artists record his songs. He currently serves as a worship leader at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Mesa, AZ, and is a student in the MA program at Concordia University Irvine.

Dr. Paul Elliott

Education

  • Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, M.Phil., 2013; Ph.D., 2018
  • Concordia Seminary – St. Louis, M.Div., 2009
  • Concordia University – River Forest, B.A., 2003

Professional Experience

  • Concordia University Irvine, Assistant Professor, 2016-present
  • St. John Lutheran Church, Assistant Pastor, 2009-2016
  • Hebrew Union College/Xavier University/University of Dayton, Adjunct Professor, 2010-2016

Publications Completed

  • “The Israel of God in the Sermon: Connecting Old Testament Texts to New Testament People” in Feasting in a Famine of the Word: Lutheran Preaching in the Twenty-First Century, 2016.

Forthcoming

  • “Community and Closure: The Church in the Individual Complaint Psalms” in The Church as Fullness in All Things: Recasting Lutheran Ecclesiology in an Ecumenical Context, expected 2018.
  • Ambrose of Milan and His Use of Philo of Alexandria in His Letters on the Hexaemeron, Dissertation. Habakkuk, Concordia Commentary, expected 2022.

Teaching/Research Interests

  • Old Testament/Prophetic Literature
  • Early Jewish and Christian Exegesis
  • Second Temple Judaism
  • Northwest Semitic Languages

CJ Armstrong

Degrees Earned

  • University of California, Irvine, CA, Ph.D. 2012
  • Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO, M.Div. 2001
  • Washington University, St. Louis, MO, M.A. 2001
  • University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, B.A. 1996

Research Interests

  • Greek and Latin literature; epic; Augustan poetry, especially Ovid; history of literature; ancient history of Greece and Rome; mythology; New Testament

Teaching Interests

  • Greek and Latin language and readings; ancient history; mythology; social history; Bible; New Testament readings

Psalm 130 (Out of the Depths)

by CJ Armstrong and Kip Fox, Copyright 2021

Psalm Library
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V1

Out of the depths I cry
You hear my voice and you do not turn your eye
Away from me
Out of the depths I cry
In your great mercy, you will come from on high
To rescue me

C

If you Lord, kept a list of all our sin
Then who Lord, who of us could stand
With you Lord, the turning of our hearts begins
With your forgiving hand

Br

My body, my spirit, my heart and my soul
Are watching, are waiting, are holding to hope
Like watchmen are waiting for morning to come
I wait for the dawn of your unfailing love

Br 2

O church, arise, lift your head, look up
For with the Lord is unfailing love
Redemption comes with the morning sun
So put your hope in the Risen One


CJ Armstrong

CJ Armstrong

CJ Armstrong is associate professor of history and theology at Concordia University Irvine and assistant pastor at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Hacienda Heights, CA. He has a PhD from University California Irvine, and especially enjoys teaching Greek and Latin language and readings, ancient history, mythology, social history, and the Bible. He is also the director of CUI's honors program.

Kip Fox

Kip Fox

Kip has been leading worship for 12 years and writing songs for 20. As a nationally recognized songwriter and worship leader he has had several artists record his songs. He currently serves as a worship leader at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Mesa, AZ, and is a student in the MA program at Concordia University Irvine.

Dr. Paul Elliott

Education

  • Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, M.Phil., 2013; Ph.D., 2018
  • Concordia Seminary – St. Louis, M.Div., 2009
  • Concordia University – River Forest, B.A., 2003

Professional Experience

  • Concordia University Irvine, Assistant Professor, 2016-present
  • St. John Lutheran Church, Assistant Pastor, 2009-2016
  • Hebrew Union College/Xavier University/University of Dayton, Adjunct Professor, 2010-2016

Publications Completed

  • “The Israel of God in the Sermon: Connecting Old Testament Texts to New Testament People” in Feasting in a Famine of the Word: Lutheran Preaching in the Twenty-First Century, 2016.

Forthcoming

  • “Community and Closure: The Church in the Individual Complaint Psalms” in The Church as Fullness in All Things: Recasting Lutheran Ecclesiology in an Ecumenical Context, expected 2018.
  • Ambrose of Milan and His Use of Philo of Alexandria in His Letters on the Hexaemeron, Dissertation. Habakkuk, Concordia Commentary, expected 2022.

Teaching/Research Interests

  • Old Testament/Prophetic Literature
  • Early Jewish and Christian Exegesis
  • Second Temple Judaism
  • Northwest Semitic Languages

Psalm 42 (The Longest Night)

By Kip Fox, Adam Countryman, and Tim Saleska, Copyright 2021

Psalm Library
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V1

Just as a deer longs for streams
There is an ache in my soul
To see the living God
When will I find my way home?

As mornings turn into nights
I've tasted only my tears
My foes are mocking me,
“Why has He left you here?”

C

Why are you downcast, oh my soul?
Why such a troubled mind?
I will praise and put my hope
In my Savior and my God

V2

All of these memories are strong
As I cry out in despair
I hear the sounds of the crowd
I see your people in prayer

I used to lead them in song
Echo their shouts with my own
I walked with multitudes
Now I walk alone

B

And the deep calls to deep
All your waves and your breakers fall over me
Your love carries me
Through the longest night I sing


Kip Fox

Kip Fox

Kip has been leading worship for 12 years and writing songs for 20. As a nationally recognized songwriter and worship leader he has had several artists record his songs. He currently serves as a worship leader at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Mesa, AZ, and is a student in the MA program at Concordia University Irvine.

Tim Saleska

Tim Saleska

Dr. Timothy E. Saleska is professor of Exegetical Theology and dean of Ministerial Formation at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Saleska is the author of many books including the first volume of commentary on the Psalms, Psalms 1–50, in the Concordia Commentary Series (Concordia Publishing House, 2020)

Adam Countryman

Adam Countryman

Adam is a worship consultant at Countryman Consulting who has served the church in many capacities, including Music Director at Concordia Lutheran Church in San Antonio and National Youth Gathering House band director.

Psalm 16 (Resurrection Day)

By Kip Fox and Reed Lessing, Copyright 2022

Psalm Library
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V1

Apart from you there is no goodness
You are my portion, Lord
A solid rock, a mighty fortress
You make my lot secure

I know that my inheritance
Reaches beyond the bounds of death
My boundary lines drawn with a cross,
Marked with my Savior's living breath

V2

Deep in the night when I awaken
Your word is magnified
It tells me I will not be shaken
You're always by my side

PRE

Chorus

My heart is glad
My spirit rejoices
Your path leads to life
My future is known
You will not leave me down in the grave
I'm yours forever
This is my resurrection day


Kip Fox

Kip Fox

Kip has been leading worship for 12 years and writing songs for 20. As a nationally recognized songwriter and worship leader he has had several artists record his songs. He currently serves as a worship leader at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Mesa, AZ, and is a student in the MA program at Concordia University Irvine.

Reed Lessing

Reed Lessing

Dr. Reed Lessing is a Professor of Theology and Ministry at Concordia University and Director of the Center for Biblical Studies. A Pastor with over twenty years of parish ministry and a professor with fourteen years as a professor at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, he is the author of five commentaries in the Concordia Commentary Series—Isaiah 40–55, Isaiah 56–66, Amos, Jonah, and Zechariah, several books on the Old Testament, and sermon series, Bible Studies, and devotional booklets for Concordia Publishing House, Concordia Seminary, and Creative Communications for the Parish.

Psalm 1 (That Man)

By Chad Bird, Kip Fox and Ben Lange, Copyright 2023


V1

Blessed is that man who did not walk in the wisdom of this world
Blessed is that man who never faltered
Blessed is that man who set his heart on the teachings of the Lord
Blessed is that man who knew His Father

Chorus

He’s like a tree
Down by the living water
Strong and tall he stands
He’s evergreen
Blooming on every branch
Blessed is that man

V2

Blessed are the ones who plant their feet on the path of righteousness
Blessed are the ones who've been forgiven
Blessed are the ones find that shade and lie down and get some rest
Blessed are the ones who trust in Jesus

Bridge

He is the vine, we are the branches
We will abide and we will grow


Chad Bird

Chad Bird

Chad Bird is a Scholar in Residence at 1517. He has served as a pastor, professor, and guest lecturer in Old Testament and Hebrew. He holds master’s degrees from Concordia Theological Seminary and Hebrew Union College. He has contributed articles to Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, Modern Reformation, The Federalist, Lutheran Forum, and other journals and websites. He is also the author of several books, including The Christ Key & Limping with God.

Kip Fox

Kip Fox

Kip is a songwriter and the Director of The Songwriter Initiative…an initiative of the Center for Worship Leadership at Concordia University Irvine. He holds an MA in Theology from CUI and over twenty years of experience as a songwriter and Director of Parish Music. His passion is to find, connect and develop songwriters and composers in the church. Kip also teaches Songwriting for CUI's Commercial Music program.

Ben Lange

Ben Lange

Ben Lange is a worship leader at Faith - Oakville in St Louis Missouri. Music has always provided a beautiful and powerful connection point between him and Jesus. Married with two small boys, Ben loves making a joyful noise with his cacophonous crew, banging on the living room piano and an old guitar. Since high school, songwriting has been a vehicle for worship and praise in his personal life. At church, he is passionate about leading fellow believers in worship, and also feels called to equip the next generation of worship leaders, working with students and young adults.

Our Projects

Monthly Curated Articles

Monthly Curated Articles

On a monthly basis, the Songwriter Initiative will send out curated content to its members. Topics will range from hymn text considerations, musical hermeneutics, modern song structure, liturgical consideration, helpful tips, etc. These will be delivered with the intent to create conversation, creativity, and community.


One-On-One Coaching

One-On-One Coaching

Members of the Songwriter Initiative will have access to one-on-one coaching from experienced, published songwriters through online video calls. Coaching will be offered in several tiers of intensity, ranging from one-time critiques to continuous development. These coaching experiences will be offered with the intent to strengthen and develop songwriters, young and old, throughout the church.


Online Webinars

Online Webinars

Throughout the year, the Songwriter Initiative will deliver online webinars featuring experts on a wide range of songwriting topics. Members will be able to sign up to view and participate. These events will be offered with the intent to inspire and equip songwriters in an online class format.


Professional Gatherings

Professional Gatherings

On an annual basis, members will have the opportunity to gather together for in-person coaching, co-writing and fellowship. These events will be offered with the intent to cultivate community, camaraderie and craft-development.


Collective Resources

Collective Resources

The Songwriter Initiative will create and distribute resources for the church using the new songs, hymns and spiritual songs of its members. These resources will be distributed with the intent to serve and support congregations throughout the world in their diverse musical contexts.

3 members of the songwriter retreat worshipping

Songwriters Come to Campus for Writing Retreat

This community has grown into a very supportive group of all different ages, vocations, and writer skill levels.
Read More
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