What happens next?

Assuming you have 'eligible' songs that you have sent us, we will confirm with you that we have received your song(s) along with chords and lyrics. Then the following is what we do with the songs:

 

Step 1 – we acknowledge receipt* of the song(s) and will endeavour to listen to them within 4 weeks.

This involves the VRUK office staff, executive management and A&R personnel both in the UK and US. This is what we’re looking for at this stage:

> Is the song saying something new or fresh or expressing something in a fresh way?

> Is the song theologically accurate?

> Does the song fit in with the Vineyard set of worship values of accessibility (i.e. is it easy for a congregation to sing), intimacy (i.e. does it help the worshipper to reflect deeply on his/her relationship with the Lord) and integrity (i.e. is the song expressing truth about where you as the writer is in your relationship with the Lord)?

> Will it work in the wider church– i.e. some songs work well in their local churches but we are looking for songs that will work well on a national and international level?

 

*If you haven't received an acknowlegement from us within 2 weeks of sending in your submission please contact us on 01482 462690.

 

Step 2 – we will communicate our response to you which will be one of two as follows:

1.We think the song has some real potential as a congregational worship song and we will therefore take it before a panel of experienced and trusted songwriters for more specific feedback and input. We also have selected and trusted theologians available to look at the songs to give their opinion.

 

2.We have chosen not to put your song forward to the next round of development. It may be that we think it is unfinished (in which case we will say so) or that it is not what we are looking for. This does not by any means mean that we do not value you, or that we don't want to hear other songs that you write in the future; but that this song isn't right for our purposes. If it is working well in your church or small group we would encourage you to continue using it. We will endeavour to give you some feedback - however this will likely be general rather than specific.

 

Step 3 – any songs that go through the Step 1 Response 1 route will receive some quite specific feedback and recommendations, both from the panel and also from VRUK. We will also look at these songs closely with regard to future publishing and recording possibilities.

 

We hope that you are comfortable with this process and that you will choose to trust us with your songs. You can be assured of our confidentiality and sensitivity with regard to your song(s) and won’t share our opinions outside of the established structure as set out above unless you have given us permission to do so.

 

Once again, we very much appreciate your willingness to submit your song(s) to us and for trusting us with them.