I’ve been inspired (and even entertained) by numerous worship albums over the years, and there are some that have made me want to add songs to my church’s repertoire. Sojourn is the rare example of a congregation that makes me want to attend/join based solely on their music ministry.

 

I’m (mostly) kidding, but considering how predictable worship music has become in the last five years—most of them opting for the same style as Hillsong, Chris Tomlin, or David Crowder—Sojourn is undeniably a gasp of fresh air. This is worship music for the hipper-than-thou and the so-called post-Christian crowd, as well as the liturgically-minded craving something new yet still grounded in old.

 

Considering the blend of rootsy Americana with modern rock and alternative pop, I bet Derek Webb and Sandra McCracken would love this Louisville, Kentucky congregation. I absolutely adored Sojourn’s 2007 release Before the Throne, and their Advent Songs project is a Christmas album that’s also a standout.