I love to employ song medleys in multi-ethnic worship and here’s why:

1) There is such a “separate but equal” mindset in our churches and ministries when it comes to generations, cultures, and languages. This is dangerous and stands in direct contrast to Jesus’ prayer in John 17 that we model the unity of the Trinity. We should be, as God Himself is, together, diverse, and equal. Putting two songs together in one medley, if done well, says “These two languages belong together. These two generations belong together. These two cultures belong together. So do we.”

2) I like worship that flows together. Song medleys help worship go somewhere, and give more time for the congregation to soak in the truth that is being sung, rather than singing one truth, stopping, and singing something totally different.

3) I have always enjoyed working to create something new out of existing resources. My friend, Marie, is great at re-purposing used items. I like to do that with songs by melding them together in a medley.

This is a video (shot by my 7 year old son Elias, so it’s kind of bumpy!) from a recent event in which I blended the song “None But Jesus” with the chorus in Arabic “Elai Yesua.” I have found that this little Arabic chorus (also have translations in Eng, Span, and Swahili)goes well with many different songs, as it is simple, singable, and exalts the person of Christ. But, it especially works well in this pairing…

“Elai Yesua, Elai Yesu (It’s only You, Jesus. It’s only You)”

“There is no one else for me…now I live to bring You praise.”

“Elai Yesua, Elai Yesu (It’s only You, Jesus. It’s only You)”

“All my delight is in You, Lord…all of my hope, all of my strength…forevermore!”

“Ni we we Tu Baba (Swahili) (It’s only You, Jesus. It’s only You)”

Multicultural Worship Medley: None but Jesus w/ Elai Yesua