8 Worship Songs Perfect For Choirs (Harmonies And Layers)

For a season, choirs almost disappeared from modern worship, replaced by small bands and backing tracks. But the sound of the choir is returning. There is no substitute for the power of dozens of voices singing in harmony; it provides a visual and sonic representation of the “great multitude” in Revelation.

These songs are chosen because they are not just solos disguised as worship songs. They have structures—like call-and-response or soaring bridges—that allow a choir to add weight, texture, and majesty to the service.

Why These Songs Fit The Choir

We selected these songs because:

  • They are structural. They often use “Call and Response” (leader sings, choir answers) which is a staple of gospel and choral music.
  • They are majestic. They tend to be anthems that sound bigger with more voices.
  • They are harmonic. The melodies allow for altos and tenors to find distinct, beautiful parts.

8 Anthems For Many Voices

  1. Is He Worthy? – “He is.” Andrew Peterson and Chris Tomlin brought the liturgical “Call and Response” back to the mainstream with this song. It is tailor-made for a choir, with the leader asking questions (“Does the Father love the Son?”) and the choir responding with the affirmation.
  2. Revelation Song – “Holy, Holy, Holy.” This song is a harmonic playground. The chorus is open and expansive, allowing a choir to stack harmonies that fill the room. It mimics the song of the angels, making a large choir feel perfectly appropriate.
  3. Agnus Dei – “Alleluia.” This song is essentially a classical choral piece adapted for modern worship. The long, sustained vowels on “Alleluia” and “Holy” give the choir a chance to shine with dynamic swells and rich texture.
  4. Holy Forever – “And the angels cry, Holy.” This recent anthem from Chris Tomlin has a timeless, ethereal quality. The chorus lifts effortlessly, and having a choir back up the leader adds a “heavenly” layer that a single voice cannot achieve.
  5. All Hail King Jesus – “All hail the Lord of Heaven and Earth.” This is a coronation song. The sheer power of the chorus demands a “wall of sound.” A choir adds the necessary regal weight to declare the Lordship of Jesus.
  6. Hymn Of Heaven – “There will be a day when all will bow.” As the name implies, this is a modern hymn. Like the hymns of old, it is built for mass participation. The final verse, which builds to a crescendo, is a perfect moment for the choir to unleash their full volume.
  7. How Great Thou Art – “Then sings my soul.” You cannot beat the classics. This hymn has a dynamic range—from a whisper to a roar—that choirs excel at navigating. It connects the modern church with the rich history of choral worship.
  8. In Christ Alone – “My hope is found.” With its structured verses and strong melody, this song is easy to arrange for four-part harmony (SATB). It provides a solid, theological foundation that sounds confident and strong coming from a choir.

Example “Choral” Setlists

Setlist 1 (Call & Response)

  1. Is He Worthy? – The question.
  2. Revelation Song – The vision.
  3. Holy Forever – The eternal song.

Setlist 2 (Majesty)

  1. How Great Thou Art – The classic.
  2. Agnus Dei – The worship.
  3. All Hail King Jesus – The coronation.

How To Use These Songs In Your Church

  • Use the aisles. If you have a choir, try having them process in from the back during All Hail King Jesus. Placing singers in the congregation helps bridge the gap between “stage” and “audience.”
  • Teach the parts. For In Christ Alone, take a moment to teach the congregation the tenor or alto line. It turns the entire room into a choir.
  • Visual leadership. A choir is a visual aid. When the choir is engaged, smiling, and lifting hands during Holy Forever, it gives permission for the rest of the room to do the same.

Next Steps

We were made to sing together. This Sunday, use Is He Worthy? to engage your church in a dialogue of worship, reminding them that the answer to every question is Jesus.