About once a week, I receive a search request regarding praise and worship suitable for persons who are mentally challenged. This is a thorny problem that I’ve dealt with before in entries. While the contemporary song writers have responded to the genuine need for teaching theology during praise and worship, this often results in complicated lyrics that are too difficult for our members who are developmentally delayed to understand or follow.
This newest trend in worship music also means that a lot more idioms and word pictures are used. “The trees of the fields will clap their hands” is a wonderful word picture taken from the Psalms. However, our members have absolutely no idea what that means. Even after trying to explain the lyrics, they sit looking puzzled and confused. This comes from the fact that our members are concrete learners. They understand concrete concepts and ideas–not abstract ideals.
Recently, our executive director, Richard Stimson, went on a search for new music. His search was pretty specific. He wanted split-tack music that flowed from one song to another without a break between each song. He also wanted music that was presented in “sets.” At Special Gathering, we find that regarding praise and worship, time is an important element to consider. Our members can last between 15 and 20 minutes. They enjoy songs that is no more than three minutes long. Sometimes they can endure a four minute song, but that is the exception.
His search led him to www.wholehartedworship.com . They have a set of four CD’s called “Praise and Worship for Small Groups.” Be sure you order the split tracks. These are at the bottom of the page. The set at the top of the page cost less but it is NOT split track. There is also a 15 word sheet packet . This is great because you can get all the words for an additional $12. There are 100 songs on the four CD’s. The cost for these four CD’s is $75. That is, 75 cents per song. It would cost you more if you attempted to steal them.
The down side is that only a couple of the songs flow from song to another and these don’t copy easily from one CD disk or MP3 player to another without a break in the flow of the music. I, personally, like to use CD’s that I have made so that I can protect my originals. If you are going to use the flowing set of songs, you will probably need to use the original disk. However, that is the only downside that I have found.
As an aside, after ordering several other disks they offer, I found that these four disks are great for our needs but the other CD’s contained song that were too long or too complicated.
These songs are mostly newer with a sprinkle of the “oldies.” I like the mix. In addition, the people at Whole Hearted Worship are wonderful to work with. If you have a question, you can call them at 800-950-7922.
