This classic Ken Medema song is a plea for God's Spirit to fill those who earnestly lift up their burdens in prayer, expecting God to do great things. Its memorable congregational chorus returns between jubilant verses set with a lively syncopated piano accompaniment. This song is suitable for a variety of worship purposes. Learn More

A new song from The Many that names some of the ego games and wounded patters in which we often lose ourselves. The song then also names how the Extravagant Love, Mercy, and Grace of God can transform us and make a new way of living and being possible. The song ends with the simple but powerful proclamation that "there is enough to go around" in the abundance of God's Love. Right now all we have for this song is the video and lyrics and chords. We're working on a lead sheet and piano arrangement and will have them available ASAP. CCLI #7140923 Learn More

A short sung prayer asking for openness of heart and mind in preparation for difficult but necessary conversations concerning how to better love all of our neighbors. Note: The audio file is just the melody and guitar, and the video features a fuller production with vocal harmonies and trumpets all played and sang by Christian. Learn More

"In the Valley" is a song to be sung after a mountaintop experience like a beautiful retreat or a week at a church camp, or in silence, or in nature, or in circumstances we face each day. It might well be sung before a sermon. Learn More

Ken Medema sets this traditional hymn with a lovely pianistic accompaniment designed to focus our attention on the hymn's fervent prayer for God's healing for the ways our hearts fall short because of our selfish ambitions and personal agendas. We need God's healing to be able to serve this hurting world. This musical setting is suitable for a variety of congregational gatherings. Learn More

This piece is a meditation based on the Magnificat of Mary. It asks us to hold in our hearts the prophetic message that God will lift the lowly and bring down the proud. Learn More

"God of the Movements and Martyrs" was written in honor of the 85th anniversary of the North Carolina Council of Churches. the Council was formed in 1935 to address racial injustice, and continues to work for peace, justice, equity, and inclusion. The hymn honors Christians who have been working for a better world for generations, because of their faith, and invites all of us to join in that sacred work. Note: There are several different versions of this song on the CMP site. Each version has it's own product page and related downloads available. It is the same song done in several different styles by several different artists. Learn More

The brilliant lyrics of Brian McLaren naming some of the "false gods" that he does not believe in, and affirming the beautiful Divine Truth he does embrace and to which he commits his life. Probably a bit more of an anthem or solo song that a congregational piece, but very much worthy of being used liturgically. Learn More

"God of the Word" is an earnest prayer to seek God in the chaos of our lives, to find grace and communion in God's presence and among fellow believers. Learn More

Ken Medema borrows the chorus from this well-known African-American spiritual and adds contemporary lyrics in this poignant plea for racial justice and personal repentance. He adds jazzy pianistic flourishes, light percussion, and an improvised solo vocal line over the traditional chorus, which is sung by the choir of the St. John United Church of Christ in Kankakee, Illinois. This piece is suitable for multiple types of gatherings and worship services. Learn More

Ken Medema reminds us where we find our true strength in “We Will Raise Our Eyes”--an upbeat, easy-to-learn song with a contemporary “take” on the text of Psalm 121. In the middle of the song, Ken pairs the famous Hamburg hymn tune with new lyrics about God’s steadfast protection of us. This song can be performed as a congregational chorus or as a solo, and can be accompanied by piano with options to include organ. Additionally, this song is part of a series of psalm settings by Ken that are featured on CMP, including “God I am Beaten, Battered, and Bruised (Psalm 56),” “All My Life (Psalm 73),” and “It’s Good to Give Thanks (Psalm 92)”—each with a different sound and style. Check them out! Learn More

A very simple yet profound prayer for healing, peace, non-violence, and wholeness.  Very easy to learn and sing, yet full of potential for layers of harmony and many different musical approaches and styles. 
 

This beautiful contemporary hymn seems destined to be a powerful and joyful anthem for congregations committed to honoring the diversity, promise, and Extravagant Welcome that is at the heart of the Gospel. This song makes powerful use of the biblical symbol of the rainbow as a sign of God's sustaining Love and a call for the church to be a diverse people of the full range of Divine Love and Light. CMP is convinced that Canadian composer David Kai has hit a home run with this song, and that this song will be a joyful gift to open and affirming congregations in particular. Learn More

From Brian McLaren:  "In the Lord's Prayer, we not only acknowledge our sins ("Forgive us our trespasses") but also our hurts ("those who trespass against us.")  These days we have many songs about our sins, but few songs that acknowledge our hurts.  That was my goal in this song."

From CMP: Brian McLaren was on a road Sabbatical for the first 8 months of 2016.  During this time away from the grind of constant travel and preparation for live events Brian wrote, rewrote, compiled, and recorded demos (not finished studio recordings) of 21 songs.  9 of these demos are currently available here on the CMP site, and we are in the process of creating lead sheets and piano arrangements for them.  If you would like to purchase this entire collection of Brian's demo's, lyrics, and some notes he wrote about each song (21 songs for $18), please email Bryan Sirchio, CMP Lead Designer, and he will send you a link you can use to purchase Brian's entire collection.