In the early 2000s, the contemporary Christian music scene was experiencing a revival. Worship songs were becoming more popular than ever before, thanks to the success of artists like Chris Tomlin, Hillsong United, and Casting Crowns.
These songs became a staple in churches all around the world. This is thanks to their inspiring lyrics and catchy melodies capturing the hearts of congregations everywhere.
As we reflect on the past two decades, it’s clear that these worship songs have had a lasting impact on the Christian music industry. Some of the most popular songs of the 2000s are still being sung in churches today. Their messages of hope and faith continue to resonate with people of all ages.
Our top 2000s worship songs are taken from the CCLI top 100 lists. The data for these lists come from all churches in CCLI-licensed denominations. Because churches have been using CCLI to record worship song usage in church, they have the most accurate data for what was popular during that time.
Estimated reading time: 13 minutes
Table of contents
What Worship Music Was Popular in the 2000s?
Several factors contributed to the rise in the popularity of worship music during the 2000s. One key factor was the growing trend of contemporary worship services in churches.
Many churches were looking for ways to engage younger generations and create a more modern worship experience. Thankfully, contemporary worship music was a perfect fit.
Festivals & Conferences
Firstly, a key factor was the rise of Christian music festivals and conferences, such as Passion and Hillsong Conference, which brought together thousands of young people to worship and hear from Christian speakers.
These events helped to create a sense of community and unity around worship music and helped to spread the popularity of certain songs and artists.
The Digital Age
Secondly, the advent of digital technology also played a significant role in the popularity of worship music during the 2000s.
With the rise of digital music platforms like iTunes and YouTube, worship music became more accessible to a wider audience, and people could easily discover new artists and songs.
Lyricism
Finally, the emotional and spiritual depth of worship music resonated with many people during a time of social and political turmoil.
Songs like “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)” and “How Great Is Our God” provided a sense of hope and comfort to listeners, and helped to create a space for people to connect with God on a deeper level.
The Top 10 Worship Songs of the 2000s
These are the top 10 worship songs of the 2000s. The songs on this list became hugely popular during the decade, and some still inspire to this day. CCLI licensing has provided the data for this list.
1. Shout to the Lord
“Shout to the Lord” is one of the most beloved worship songs of all time, written by Darlene Zschech and made famous by Hillsong Church. First released in 1993 on the album “People Just Like Us,” the song gained international recognition after being included in Hillsong’s 1996 album “Shout to the Lord.”
The song’s powerful lyrics speak of God’s greatness and the overwhelming love and grace He pours out on His people. Its lyrics pull heavily from scripture, especially from the Psalms.
In addition to its musical and lyrical impact, “Shout to the Lord” also played a significant role in the growth and global influence of Hillsong Church. The song’s success helped to put the Australian megachurch on the map, and it has since become a staple in many churches’ worship sets.
Decades after its initial release, “Shout to the Lord” remains a powerful anthem of praise and worship, and a testament to the enduring impact of Hillsong’s music on the Christian worship music scene.
2. Lord I Life Your Name on High
“Lord I Lift Your Name on High” is also another classic praise and worship song written by Rick Founds in 1989. The song has become a staple in Christian music and is widely recognized and loved by believers all around the world.
The simple yet powerful lyrics of “Lord I Lift Your Name on High” focus on the greatness and holiness of God, and the joy and gratitude we feel in His presence. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody make it easy to sing along to, and its message of praise and adoration has resonated with Christians of all ages.
Countless artists and worship bands have covered “Lord I Lift Your Name on High” over the years. And it has become a favorite in church services, youth groups, and Christian gatherings. Its enduring popularity exemplifies the song’s ability to connect people to God and inspire them to worship Him with joy and thanksgiving.
3. Open the Eyes of My Heart
“Open the Eyes of My Heart” is one of the most well-known worship songs of the 200s. It has been sung in countless churches and worship gatherings since its release in 1997.
Written by Paul Baloche, the song’s lyrics express a longing to see and experience God’s presence more deeply. Its chorus is simplistic, but so powerful, harkening back to Moses’ cry on Mount Sinai: “Open the eyes of my heart, Lord. I want to see You.”
The song’s gentle instrumentation and sincere message creates a space for listeners to connect with God on a personal level, making it a timeless classic in the genre of Christian worship music.
4. Here I am to Worship
“Here I am to Worship” is a modern classic worship song written by Tim Hughes in 1999. It has become a favorite in many churches and worship gatherings worldwide.
The song’s lyrics express a heart of surrender and devotion to God, acknowledging His greatness and goodness. Its majestic yet intimate chorus – “Here I am to worship / Here I am to bow down / Here I am to say that You’re my God” – has resonated with believers of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds.
With a simple melody and poignant message, Tim Hughes’ “Here I am to Worship” points us towards heaven, encouraging us to connect with God in a meaningful way.
5. Come Now is the Time to Worship
“Come Now is the Time to Worship” is a contemporary worship song written by Canadian songwriter Brian Doerksen in 1998.
The song has become a favorite in many Christian churches and worship gatherings around the world due to its heartfelt message and soaring melody. Its welcoming lyrics and melody invite us to enter into a space of worship and adoration, acknowledging the greatness and worthiness of God.
The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to connect listeners with God on a personal level and inspire them to offer themselves in worship and surrender.
6. How Great is our God
“How Great is our God” is a modern Christian worship song written by Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, and Ed Cash. The song has become a staple in contemporary worship services. It is often used as a closing song or a call to worship.
The lyrics express the awe and wonder of God’s creation and majesty, proclaiming His greatness and sovereignty over all things. The melody is simple and memorable, making it easy for congregations to sing along and participate in worship.
The song’s popularity has led to many covers and adaptations in different languages and musical styles. This has made it a global anthem of Christian worship.
7. You Are My King (Amazing Love)
One of my personal favorites on this list, “You Are My King (Amazing Love)” is a Christian worship song from the 2000s written by Billy J. Foote. The lyrics express gratitude for Jesus’ sacrificial love and recognize Him as the King of Kings.
The song has become a beloved classic in the Christian worship repertoire. It is often used in Easter and Good Friday services. The song glorifies Jesus for His great sacrifice and the “amazing love” He showed us on the cross. It has always resonated with me, along with many other believers.
The song has been covered by various Christian artists and worship teams and is a favorite among congregations worldwide. “You Are My King (Amazing Love)” is a beautiful reminder of God’s unconditional love for us and the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made for our salvation.
8. Blessed Be Your Name
“Blessed Be Your Name” is a famous Christian worship song written in 2002 by husband and wife team Beth and Matt Redman. It was written in a time of deep hurt for the couple, which makes the lyrics even more powerful. The words are a powerful declaration of God’s sovereignty and faithfulness, even in times of difficulty and struggle.
The song is based on Job’s response to his tragic circumstances in the Bible. In it, he says, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” The song has become a beloved favorite in contemporary worship services. It is often used as a call to worship or a song of thanksgiving.
“Blessed Be Your Name” is a wonderful song of God’s goodness and a source of comfort and strength for believers in difficult times.
9. Forever
In 2001, Chris Tomlin released the hugely popular worship song, “Forever”. The song celebrates Jesus’ victory over sin and death through His resurrection and ascension. It proclaims that He reigns forever as the King of Kings while pouring out thanksgiving.
The melody is powerful and dynamic, building to a soaring chorus: “Forever, He is glorified, forever, He is lifted high.” The bridge features the phrase, “We sing hallelujah, we sing hallelujah, we sing hallelujah, the Lamb has overcome,” inviting the congregation to join in worship and praise.
“Forever” reminds us of the hope and victory that we have through Jesus Christ. It reminds us of all the reasons we have to give Him thanks.
10. You Are My All in All
“You Are My All in All” is a beloved worship song written by Dennis Jernigan in 1991. The song expresses a deep and personal relationship with God. It declares Him as the ultimate source of love, joy, and purpose.
With a memorable melody, “You Are My All in All” has become a staple in many churches around the world. Jernigan wrote the song during a difficult time in his life. It serves as a testimony to the transformative power of God’s love and grace.
Over the years, the song has been covered by various artists and translated into different languages. This has allowed it to spread its message of devotion and surrender to a wider audience. “You Are My All in All” continues to be a powerful reminder of God’s unchanging faithfulness and goodness.
Using ‘2000s Worship Songs in Your Church
Don’t those songs bring you back? So what if you want to use any of them during your worship service? Churches must register the worship songs they use through CCLI in order to use other artists’ songs in their services.
CCLI provides a comprehensive service to churches and other organizations that use copyrighted worship songs in their services. With a CCLI license, churches can legally use and reproduce thousands of worship songs without fear of copyright infringement.
How to Use CCLI
Here’s how to use CCLI in your church services:
- Obtain a CCLI license: Firstly, to use copyrighted worship songs legally in your church services, you need a CCLI license. You can obtain a CCLI license by registering with CCLI and paying the annual fee based on the size of your congregation. Once you have a CCLI license, you can access and use thousands of worship songs from CCLI’s database.
- Search for songs: Secondly, CCLI’s SongSelect database is a valuable resource for churches looking for worship songs. You can search for songs by title, artist, lyrics, or theme. SongSelect provides lyrics, chord charts, sheet music, and audio recordings of songs that you can use in your services.
- Report your usage: Thirdly, as part of your CCLI license agreement, you are required to report the songs you use in your services. You can report your usage online, using CCLI’s Reporting feature. Reporting your usage ensures that the songwriters and publishers receive fair compensation for their work.
- Stay compliant: Finally, when using worship songs in your church services, it’s important to ensure that you are following copyright laws and regulations. With a CCLI license, you can rest assured that you are using copyrighted worship songs legally and ethically.
Using CCLI in your church services is a great way to legally access and use thousands of worship songs. With a CCLI license, you can search for songs, report your usage, and stay compliant with copyright laws and regulations.
If you have questions on if you are allowed to change lyrics, use songs during church live streams, or any other questions, check out their Q&A right here.
Popular Praise and Worship Songs of the 2000s
And there you have the most popular worship songs of the 2000s! Hopefully, this took you back to amazing church services in that decade when you heard these songs. If you are interested in using the songs in your service, make sure you register and comply with the CCLI service.
Want more worship resources? Check out our advice on creating a seamless worship experience online and off.
More Worship & Christian Music Resources
About The Author
Comments 1
Does any one remember a group from Canada probably Ontario who were affiliated with the Christian Reform Church?I think they were called For Him but these guys were not the same as the American group 4Him. They came to Imlay City Mi to preform. My wife loved their rendition of Alpha and Omega.