A 6-filter framework for evaluating any congregational worship song. Song must pass all six to earn regular Sunday use.
1. SCRIPTURAL — Theologically sound
- Aligns with Scripture, Divine Principle, True Parents’ teachings
- Reflects God’s shimjeong (parental heart)
- Era-appropriate (Settlement, not restoration warfare)
2. CLEAR — Message is straightforward
- Says what it means throughout (verses, chorus, and bridge)
- Visitors understand core message without insider context
- No lazy filler phrases (“roar roar roar like a lion”)
- Bridges are where lazy writing hides — always check them
3. SINGABLE — Congregationally accessible
- Average person can follow the melody
- Range: roughly middle C to C above (more leeway on lower notes)
- Works stripped acoustic (no production masking weaknesses)
- Intergenerational — children and elders can participate
4. GOD-CENTERED — Focus on God, not us
- Centers on God’s character, heart, will
- “I/me” language points toward surrender/service, not self-improvement
- Creates space for God to move — doesn’t manufacture emotion
5. EVANGELISTICALLY EFFECTIVE — Serves the mission
- Helps visitors experience God’s heart
- Removes barriers to accepting True Parents
- Inspires members to invite friends
- Creates emotional space for the Holy Spirit
6. NECESSARY — Fills a real need
- Resonates with your community’s actual context
- Worth the real cost of teaching: band rehearsal + weeks congregating
- Addresses a gap in current repertoire
- Still relevant in 6 months
Scoring guide: 25–30/30 = use regularly; 20–24 = use selectively; 15–19 = use rarely with context; below 15 = don’t use for Sunday evangelism.