2024 Songwriting Initiative

Welcome to the 2024 Brethren in Christ U.S. Songwriting Initiative!

Together with a larger project connecting worship songs to our 10 Core Values, this initiative seeks to encourage creativity in the denomination through the writing of new worship songs that reflect our values.

Songwriters of all levels of ability are invited; the goal is not to spotlight a few people, but to cultivate a culture of creativity. Please join us, even if you will be writing your very first song!

La versión en español de esta página web estará disponible pronto.

Rules

  1. Entries must express at least one BIC core value in its theme, explicitly or implicitly.
  2. Entries must be under five (5) minutes
  3. Entries must be original songs, without any musical or lyrical borrowing, aside from Bible quotations. Rewritten hymns will not be accepted
  4. Limit three (3) entries per person
  5. Group submissions are permitted
  6. Membership in a BIC church is not required for entry

Selected entries/entrants will be:

  • included in an online BIC song database*
  • recorded at Messiah University by a team of musicians to be shared with BIC congregations*
  • invited to a songwriting workshop with The Porter’s Gate at Messiah University in February 2025

*Please note that entrants may choose to only have their song heard by the panel of artists, and not released in public form. We recognize that some are learning how to write songs while others are ready to present a finished product. All stages are welcome!

Tips

  • Consider congregational singability when choosing keys and ranges.
  • The performance quality of the entry does not matter; well-produced songs are not at an advantage.

How to Submit

Record yourself or someone else performing your song. Create a PDF of the lyrics. Musical notation is not necessary, but may be included. Complete the online entry form (below), attaching the mp3 or link, and the lyric PDF.

Entries must be submitted between August 1 and November 1, and a panel of artists will review all entries by mid November.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Have questions?

Email the songwriting team; use subject line “Songwriting Initiative.”

Songwriting Initiative Submission

Songwriter's name(Required)
Category(Required)
Division (age group)(Required)
Core Values: Experiencing God's Love and Grace, Believing the Bible, Worshiping God, Following Jesus, Belonging to the Community of Faith, Witnessing to the World, Serving Compassionately, Pursuing Peace, Living Simply, Relying on God
Drop files here or
Accepted file types: mp3, Max. file size: 16 MB.
    Submit your song either as a .mp3 file or as a web link below. Submissions MUST include either an mp3 file or link to be accepted.
    Submit your song either as a web link or as a .mp3 file above. Submissions MUST include either an mp3 file or link to be accepted.
    Max. file size: 16 MB.
    Musical notation is not necessary, but you may include it.
    Publicity of Submission(Required)
    Acknowledgement(Required)