Balancing Written and Spontaneous Songs

Balancing Written and Spontaneous Songs

Brian Johnson

We’re entering into an era when there are extremes in worship. On one end we have only the prophetic and on the other only the set list. There’s not one way that’s better than the other, it doesn’t have to be one way or the other. Learning how to implement both as the Spirit leads is

A prophetic song can be either unrehearsed or rehearsed. The criteria is that "it has the breath of God on it", it’s what God is saying.

We need to be lead by the Holy Spirit, not an idea or a concept.

Some people are called to extremes - John the Baptist was extreme and he was called to it. But together we form a team with many strengths.

Some people and denominations are scared of the prophetic. We have the heavenly opportunity in this world to bridge the gap and show these people the Heart of the Lord. Baby steps are the key. Don’t get anxious and rush into it. Teach people slowly about it.

A prophetic song doesn’t have to be long or have a lot of words or notes.

It’s important not to create an “us and them” mentality when confronted with people who don’t practice the prophetic. It’s also important to come in humbly and honor the people you’re leading.

Brian shows a great way to “trick” (lead) people into prophetic song. It’s important to gain the trust of your leadership and to gain a place of authority and favor in your church.

“It’s one thing to know when the wind comes into a room, but it’s another thing to know when it changes.” You also need to know when to stop. A lot of that is based on personality, whether you are more outgoing or timid. Brian explains how he is on the more timid side so he watches his dad, Bill Johnson, or his wife, Jenn, or other key people for guidance.

Brian shares some stories of where the prophetic has been impacting in his own life. Sometimes it’s worth putting prophecies that you have received into song, perhaps it’s meant to be a corporate blessing.

Creating a prophetic culture in your church is really important. Some simple ways to do this: - “Everyone sing out a new song / the song that’s on your heart” during worship
- Give space
- Look for the “Selah” moments

Never push the prophetic, be lead. Always lead from love, don’t start with trying to have the deepest revelation on the planet.

Music is powerful. It can do what the spoken word alone cannot. It’s important to be skillful so that when God breathes something you are not limited by your ability to play.

“Music, by its very nature, is prophetic and has the power through God to cause change.”

“Music opens a door to the invisible realities, whether evil or good”

“The definition of a prophetic song is a song with the breath of the Spirit on it”

The spiritual victory followed the prophetic song every single time in the bible.

One of the 7 words for “praise” means “to praise before the fact”.

Brian closes prayer for the students.