8 Worship Songs For Evangelistic Services (Inviting The Lost)

An evangelistic service has one primary goal: to present Jesus clearly so that people can respond to Him. Romans 10:13 promises, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” The music in these services isn’t just a warm-up; it is part of the proclamation.

When leading worship for a “friend day,” an outreach event, or an altar call, song selection is critical. You need songs that avoid insider “Christianese” jargon and focus on the simple, powerful truth of the gospel: we were lost, He came for us, and now we are free.

Why These Songs Reach The Heart

We selected these songs because:

  • They are clear. They explain the mechanism of salvation (the cross, grace, freedom) without being confusing.
  • They are inviting. They create a welcoming atmosphere for those who feel far from God.
  • They are familiar. Many are well-known or have simple melodies that a first-time visitor can catch onto quickly.

8 Songs To Present The Gospel

  1. O Come To The Altar – “Are you hurting and broken within?” This song addresses the spiritual state of the seeker immediately. [cite_start]It is the perfect invitation song because it doesn’t demand perfection; it simply asks people to come. [cite: 3]
  2. Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) – Almost everyone, believer or not, knows “Amazing Grace.” [cite_start]This version adds the celebration of freedom (“My chains are gone”), bridging the gap between cultural familiarity and personal salvation. [cite: 1]
  3. Living Hope – This song is a narrative of the gospel. It walks through the “chasm” that separated us, the silence of the grave, and the victory of the resurrection. [cite_start]It tells the full story in a way that is easy to follow. [cite: 2]
  4. Mighty To Save – The chorus is a simple, powerful thesis statement: “Saviour, He can move the mountains.” It reassures the skeptic that God is not weak; [cite_start]He is mighty to save and willing to rescue. [cite: 3]
  5. Glorious Day – “I ran out of that grave.” This song captures the feeling of being saved. [cite_start]It describes the transition from a “heavy weight” to freedom, making it a high-energy celebration of the new birth. [cite: 1]
  6. Jesus Paid It All – This hymn answers the question, “Do I need to fix myself first?” with a resounding “No.” [cite_start]It clarifies that Jesus paid the entire debt, leaving nothing for us to do but accept the gift. [cite: 2]
  7. Death Was Arrested – This song frames salvation as a rescue operation. [cite_start]By personifying death as a criminal that was arrested, it gives a fresh, compelling perspective on what happened at the cross. [cite: 1]
  8. This Is Amazing Grace – “Who breaks the power of sin and darkness?” This anthem celebrates the King who lays down His life. [cite_start]It is joyful, energetic, and centers the room on the scandalous nature of God’s love. [cite: 4]

Example Evangelistic Setlists

Setlist 1 (The Invitation)

  1. [cite_start]Mighty To Save – Establishes God’s power to redeem. [cite: 3]
  2. [cite_start]Living Hope – Tells the story of the cross and empty tomb. [cite: 2]
  3. [cite_start]O Come To The Altar – Provides a clear moment to respond. [cite: 3]

Setlist 2 (Freedom From Sin)

  1. [cite_start]Glorious Day – Celebrates walking out of the grave. [cite: 1]
  2. [cite_start]Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) – connects with the unchurched through a familiar melody. [cite: 1]
  3. [cite_start]Jesus Paid It All – Declares the sufficiency of Christ’s work. [cite: 2]

How To Use These Songs In Your Church

  • Explain the “Why.” Don’t assume visitors know why we sing. Briefly say, “We sing because God rescued us, and we want to thank Him.”
  • Keep the lights up. In an evangelistic service, pitch-black rooms can feel intimidating to new people. Keep the house lights up enough so people can see their neighbors and feel safe.
  • Use the lyrics. Ensure the lyrics on the screen are readable and timely. Nothing makes a visitor feel more like an outsider than not knowing the words to a song everyone else is singing.

Next Steps

The next time your church plans a “Bring a Friend” Sunday, build your setlist around O Come To The Altar. Create a clear, unhurried path for people to walk from their seats to the arms of Jesus.

By Jonah Stevens, WorshipChords Editorial Staff

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