6 Worship Songs For Discipleship (The Jesus Way)

Worship is more than a Sunday event; it is a lifestyle of following Jesus. Jesus made the call clear in Luke 9:23: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”

In a culture that celebrates comfort and self-promotion, we need songs that remind the church that the way of Jesus is different. It is the narrow road. Songs of discipleship shape our character, reminding us that we are called to be like Him, not just to like Him.

Why These Songs Form Disciples

We selected these songs because:

  • They are counter-cultural. They celebrate values like humility, surrender, and sacrifice that the world rejects.
  • They are committal. They move beyond casual praise to a firm decision to follow Christ at any cost.
  • They are formative. Singing these lyrics shapes our hearts to love what Jesus loves.

6 Songs To Walk The Narrow Road

  1. The Jesus Way – This song is essentially a manifesto for the modern disciple. It lists the beatitudes and the choices we make to follow Christ: “If you curse me, I will bless you… if you strike me, I will embrace you.” It is challenging and beautiful.
  2. Lead On Good Shepherd – Discipleship is a daily walk. This song captures the rhythm of following the Shepherd “step by step, day by day.” It emphasizes that we don’t need to know the destination as long as we know the Guide.
  3. Christ Be Magnified – This anthem aligns with Paul’s declaration in Philippians 1:20. It asks that in every part of our lives—life or death, joy or sorrow—Christ would be the one who is seen and magnified.
  4. Give Me Jesus – To be a disciple is to treasure Jesus above all else. This simple song helps us practice renunciation: “You can have all this world, just give me Jesus.”
  5. Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me – The Christian life is impossible to live in our own strength. This modern hymn reminds us that discipleship is not about trying harder, but about relying on the power of Christ working within us.
  6. Build My Life – “I will build my life upon Your love.” This song is a commitment to foundational living. It asks God to “show me who You are” so that we can live essentially as mirrors of His love to the world.

Example Discipleship Setlists

Setlist 1 (The Cost of Following)

  1. The Jesus Way – Clearly defines what it looks like to follow Him.
  2. Give Me Jesus – A quiet response of choosing Him over the world.

Setlist 2 (Daily Dependence)

  1. Lead On Good Shepherd – Commits to the daily journey of obedience.
  2. Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me – Anchors that obedience in God’s grace.

How To Use These Songs In Your Church

  • Use for commissioning. These songs are perfect when sending out missionaries, ordaining new leaders, or graduating students. They mark a moment of dedication.
  • Respond to hard sermons. If your pastor preaches on sacrifice, money, or forgiveness, The Jesus Way is the perfect song to land the plane.
  • Teach the bridge. The bridge of Christ Be Magnified (“I won’t bow to idols”) is a powerful declaration. Encourage your church to sing it as a defiant stance against culture.

Next Steps

Evaluate the lyrical diet of your church. Are you singing enough songs that challenge them to die to themselves? Add The Jesus Way to your rotation this month to help form your congregation into true disciples.

By Timothy Norris, WorshipChords Editorial Staff

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