Writing Worship: How To Craft Heartfelt Songs for the Church
Nashville, Tenn. (December 2019) – What’s the most important ingredient in crafting an impactful worship song? Dove Award-winning songwriter and worship leader Krissy Nordhoff knows it’s all about relationships: with God and one another. In her first book, Writing Worship: How To Craft Heartfelt Songs for the Church, available March 1 through David C Cook, Nordhoff invites aspiring and seasoned lyricists on a journey of exploration and skill development because, as she states, “your voice is valued by the King and needed by the church.”
A professional songwriter for over twenty years and founder of the Brave Worship writing community, Nordhoff is the recipient of three Dove Award nominations and the winner of a Dove Award for Worship Song of the Year for the beloved anthem “Your Great Name.” Her songs have been recorded by artists including: Natalie Grant, Tauren Wells, Darlene Zschech, Jenn Johnson (Bethel Music), Mandisa, David and Nicole Binion, Corey Voss, Aaron Shust, Travis Cottrell, Prestonwood Worship and Philips, Craig & Dean.
Though she’s been writing since childhood, it has only been within the last 10 years that the Nashville area wife and mom’s songs – born from her tears and triumphs – would travel the globe and help others plumb new depths in their relationships with God. Through Writing Worship, Nordhoff hopes to impart the lessons she learned to help writers discover, cultivate and nurture the songs in their hearts in order to write impactful worship songs for themselves, their congregations and the global church.
While focusing on their relationship with God through prayer and two-way journaling, readers of varying skill levels will learn to craft lyrics and melodies, learn to self-edit during the writing process, clarify a song’s purpose and co-write songs customized for their churches and communities. Nordhoff also offers free resources such as video tutorials, a songwriter personality assessment, topical podcasts, a leader’s guide for group learning and a bonus audiobook.
An instructor who regularly coaches individuals and church worship teams in writing and co-writing for their communities, Nordhoff is passionate about unlocking God’s fresh revelation through new songs and the head-heart connection found in music.
“Whether in times of challenge or victory, worship leaders and songwriters have an opportunity to meet the congregation right where they are,” she explains. “Worship songs help us gently approach people experiencing trials and lead hearts to healing. Often we can encourage through song as we never could through the spoken word.”
Nordhoff and David C Cook release Writing Worship [Paperback | $16.99 (US) | ISBN 978-0-8307-8079-2] globally March 1. For additional information, visit KrissyNordhoff.com or follow Nordhoff on Twitter @KrissyNordhoff and Instagram @Krissy_Nordhoff.
David C Cook is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the global Church with life-transforming, Christ-centered materials. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado—with offices in Illinois, Ohio, Tennessee, and the United Kingdom—David C Cook produces resources that are published in over 150 languages and distributed in more than 170 countries. Originally founded in 1875 as a curriculum publisher, David C Cook now also publishes numerous bestselling books, resources, music (Integrity Music), and media from a variety of award-winning authors and artists. Learn more about David C Cook’s mission at DavidCCook.org.
Media contact: Shannon Walker Media Relations, shanwalkr@gmail.com
What others are saying about Writing Worship:
“Krissy Nordhoff is a true craftsman of songs, a true worshipper of God, a true lover of people, and a true believer in helping others. I know that if you carefully and prayerfully apply the principles she shares in Writing Worship, the songs will come… whether for an audience of the One or many.”
Darlene Zschech, worship leader, songwriter, author, senior pastor of HopeUC (New South Wales)
“No matter what stage or skill level you are at when it comes to songwriting, you will take away a deeper knowledge of not only practical songwriting techniques but also what really matters when it comes to writing songs for the church. This book is a must-read for anyone wanting more of Jesus and more songs!”
Mike Grayson, worship experience director for Cross Point Church (Nashville, TN), songwriter, former lead singer of MIKESCHAIR
“Krissy’s focus and passion for saying just the right words with just the right melody is her trademark, along with keeping the writing process fun and heartfelt. You will learn so much from reading her book and will be inspired to write your new songs immediately…”
Paul Baloche, Dove Award-winning songwriter, worship leader, founder of LeadWorship
“Krissy carries the heart of the Father and the kingdom of God with unspeakable depth. This isn’t just any book—this is an awakening of identity and destiny. You’re about to go to a whole new level!”
Jenni McGrew, founder of Worship Leaders Collective, pastor of Hope City Church (Abbotsford, B.C.)
“Very few people have encouraged me in songwriting like Krissy has. She is a gifted songwriter who has devoted her life to helping others find their voice. This book should be read by anyone who wants to write songs for the church. It is not just for the professional, but it is for anyone who has ever dreamed of writing a song. As Krissy will tell you, “everyone is invited to the table.”
Dustin Smith, worship leader, songwriter, founder of Here Be Lions, pastor of HopeUC (Nashville, TN)
