I figured that since Joyce Borger is present on here from time to time and there are many other individuals who are well versed in reformed theology and have a wealth of experience, I would solicit some feedback on how churches (councils/worship committees/what have you) evaluate the songs used in worship services. I know the denomination recently released Lift Up Your Hearts and that is a fantastic resource, but what do you do with the new music that is continually coming out? What do you do with the music that didn't make it into the hymnal? (Admittedly, I don't know if churches in the CRC are supposed to use only music from an approved hymnal). Either way, there is currently music outside of the hymnal being used in corporate worship services.
With this, sometimes I end up wondering if a song was examined but rejected by the committee putting together the hymnal and we are now utilizing the song unaware of its theological/musical/whatever shortcomings. In some ways I wish there was a group that would examine songs and make available to CRC churches a list of "approved/not approved" songs (with reasons why songs are not approved). Or, as another thought, that Reformed Worship would highlight a song or two in each issue and talk about what makes the song great for corporate worship in the reformed church.
These are my thoughts and wonderings, as unrefined as they are (consider this a disclaimer - I didn't fully flush out my thoughts/ideas because I am looking to start a conversation). Looking forward to hearing from everyone!