Sovereign Grace Music (SGM) has recently released a worship CD for children, Awesome God. It is their first attempt to teach children about God through song, and consists of twelve songs covering God and His attributes, Jesus Christ, and the gospel message.

I want to begin by expressing my deep appreciation for SGM's desire to release God glorifying worship music for children. As a father, a former associate pastor who often led children's ministry, and an active member of my current church body, I have yearned for more theologically sound and edifying music for children. Awesome God is a rare attempt to fill this void.

The lyrics are simply fantastic. Hearing children sing about God's sovereignty, eternality, omniscience, omnipotence, and omnipresence warms my heart. How often do children's songs sound like this?

Gracious Father
It was Your love for the world
That moved You to send your only Son
Gracious Father
This was your plan from all time
To have a people to call your own
Gracious Father
Full of mercy, I sing Your praise

(Chorus)
Father, I love You
Praise You Jesus, only Son
Spirit, I adore You
Holy God, Three in One

Precious Jesus
Though You were reigning on high
Humbly You came and were born a man
Precious Jesus
You were the servant of all
You gave Your life as the Father planned
Precious Jesus
Full of kindness, I sing Your praise

(Repeat Chorus)

Holy Spirit
You bring this good news to men
You open up blinded eyes to see
Holy Spirit
Come now and open my heart
Reveal the Lord Jesus Christ to me
Holy Spirit
Full of power, I sing Your praise

(Repeat Chorus)

This song is "Three in One," a wonderful summary of the Trinity. Adults rarely sing hymns and songs about the Trinity anymore, let alone children! Nevertheless, this is just a small taste of the biblical doctrine that fills this CD.

However, I must also admit that I find much of the music too rock oriented and guitar laden. I wonder how fitting some of these songs would be in corporate worship. To be honest, this CD reminds me of a theologically robust WOW Worship CD with children singing. This may not present a problem for some (and I admit that I am not necessarily up to speed on preteens and contemporary music), but I do see some of the music as limiting the rich lyrics.

At the same time, I still think this CD is a wonderful addition to any child's music collection. Listening to and singing along with these songs would be great for children who enjoy this style of music. As a result, I recommend this CD and look forward to more children's music from SGM.

(Originally posted at the A-Team Blog: http://ateam.blogware.com/blog/_archives/2006/1/9/1632747.html )