7 Worship Songs For Discipleship (Following Jesus)

Jesus never called us to be fans; He called us to be followers. Discipleship is the daily decision to say “no” to self and “yes” to Him. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer famously wrote, “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.”

Worship songs about discipleship are dangerous prayers. They are vows to follow Jesus regardless of the cost. These songs help a congregation move beyond emotional highs and into the gritty reality of obedience.

Why These Songs Draw The Line

We selected these songs because:

  • They are costly. They acknowledge that following Jesus requires sacrifice (“I surrender,” “take the world”).
  • They are specific. They don’t just say “I love you”; they say “I will go where You go.”
  • They are counter-cultural. They reject the values of the world (fame, fortune) in favor of the Kingdom.

7 Songs To Take Up The Cross

  1. The Jesus Way – “I choose surrender, I choose to love.” Phil Wickham’s anthem is a manifesto for the modern disciple. It contrasts the “ways” of the world (sword, strength, pride) with the beatitudes of Jesus, forcing the singer to choose which path they will walk.
  2. Take You At Your Word – “If You said it, I believe it.” Obedience starts with trust. This song captures the childlike faith required to follow Jesus. It is a declaration that His Word is the final authority in our lives, even when it doesn’t make sense.
  3. Christ Be Magnified – “I won’t bow to idols, I’ll stand strong and worship.” Discipleship involves refusing to bow to the culture. This song is a bold stance against the idols of comfort and popularity, asking only for Christ to be glorified in our bodies (Philippians 1:20).
  4. Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) – “Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders.” Following Jesus often means getting out of the boat. This song is a prayer for the courage to go into the “unknown” places where He is calling us.
  5. Make Room – “I will make room for You to do whatever You want to.” You cannot follow if your hands are full. This song is about the discipline of letting go—clearing out our own agendas to let the Master lead.
  6. As For Me And My House – “We will serve the Lord.” Discipleship happens in community. This song draws a line in the sand for the family unit, declaring that despite what the rest of the world does, this household is committed to serving God.
  7. Build My Life – “I will build my life upon Your love.” The ultimate act of a disciple is building their life on the teachings of Jesus (Matthew 7). This song is a commitment to a firm foundation that produces a life of fruitfulness.

Example “Follower” Setlists

Setlist 1 (The Decision)

  1. Take You At Your Word – Trusting the command.
  2. The Jesus Way – Defining the path.
  3. Christ Be Magnified – The ultimate goal.

Setlist 2 (Stepping Out)

  1. Build My Life – The foundation.
  2. Make Room – The surrender.
  3. Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) – The step of faith.

How To Use These Songs In Your Church

  • Preach the lyrics. Before The Jesus Way, read the bridge (“I choose surrender…”). Remind the church that these aren’t just pretty words; they are a counter-cultural philosophy of life.
  • Baptism Service. Christ Be Magnified is perfect for baptisms. As people come out of the water, the church singing “I won’t bow to idols” reinforces the public declaration they just made.
  • The “Yes” Prayer. End the set with Take You At Your Word and ask everyone to simply say “Yes” to whatever God has been speaking to them during the service.

Next Steps

Following Jesus costs us everything, but it gives us even more. This Sunday, use Christ Be Magnified to align the heart of your church with the only ambition that matters: His glory.

By Lucas Barnett, WorshipChords Editorial Staff

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