One of the purposes of this website is to provide knowledge regarding music projects that might be of use to you in your ministry. Being involved in the music ministry presents many privileges, and one such has been the opportunity to write music for our choir. Come and Sing is a collection of such songs that was released in 2006. This collection of 11 songs ranges from upbeat and energetic, to reflective and introspective. While I would certainly recommend this for your choir, you might also consider using these songs with various sized ensembles.

1. I’ll Cherish the Cross
2. O Come and Sing
3. Not I, but Christ
4. Salvation
5. The Love That Sent Jesus to Die
6. Praise the Lord!
7. The Morning Trumpet
8. My High Tower
9. Do Not I Love Thee
10. It Is Good to Sing Your Praises
11. I Gave My Life for Thee

Preview pages and place your orders here.

New from SoundForth, this anthem is sturdy and energetic. I wrote this in honor of my wife’s grandmother, Vera Erickson, who lived with us during the last years of her life. This was one of her favorite songs. Vera had a strong impact on me, and was an active member of our family. She is missed, but we also rejoice in her testimony and faithfulness to Christ.

Publisher’s description:

Heaven is the last and greatest chapter in the story of God’s love for His children. Koerts’ new look at this traditional anthem will stir the hearts of your choir and congregation anew as they long for the glory that awaits them in Christ. Celebrate the eternal reward of heaven with one of the most beloved gospel songs in churches today. Koerts’ setting of the old familiar melody incorporates a creative and fresh treatment that young and old alike will be certain to enjoy.

Preview and listen here.

Introducing 1777—A Colonial Christmas. This complete Christmas program, published by SoundForth, will have a significant impact on your congregation. My team at Victory Baptist Church in Jacksonville had a great time planning and developing this program. It comes in a Readers Theatre format, and performance notes and ideas allow it to be easily adapted as a fully staged program. This is a powerful program! I’m pleased that it is now available for your ministry.

Publisher Description:

We often forget that our freedoms were purchased by the sacrifice of others. This story reveals the hardships and sacrifices endured by a typical American family during the extremely cold Christmas at Valley Forge when George Washington led the colonial army.

The original story by David Burke is adapted for Readers Theatre style performance and can be performed without the expense of sets and costumes. The words simply and emotionally remind a modern audience that we have much to be thankful for as we enjoy our Christmas this year in a free country.

Original music by James Koerts includes: “Prince of Peace,” “Fear Not,” and “Patriot’s Prayer.” Also includes traditional arrangements of “Good Christian Men, Rejoice!” and “In the Bleak Mid-Winter.”

This timely cantata will remind all who hear that Christ came to earth that first Christmas to bring peace to the world–a perfect peace that can only be found through faith in Him.

You can purchase this cantata at the following location:

• http://www.bjupress.com/product/268029?path=4545

I am very pleased to announce the first in a line of new collaborations with veteran lyricist, J. Paul Williams. With hundreds of songs in print, Paul is a very gifted writer, and it was a joy to work with him. Published by Shawnee Press, this is a bright song of genuine submission and consecration to Christ.

Here’s what the publisher had to say:

A contemporary sensibility governs this satisfying new original. We are admonished to place our trust in Christ and through our life he will acknowledge the gift of grace he died to bring us. Fresh music and inspired words make this a must for worship gatherings.

Listen… 

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Preview the music…
Come, Bow Before the Lord (PDF)

New from Lorenz for Christmas 2009, this anthem provides simplicity and a gradual crescendo to a triumphant ending. Of particular interest is the optional flute obbligato and percussion. I’m quite pleased at how this song turned out. And you heard it here first!

Here’s the publisher’s description:

This beloved 15th century tune has been the inspiration of numerous secular and sacred settings through the ages. In his extraordinary new setting, James Koerts suffuses the tune with the awe of Christmas Eve: “What star is this, with beams so bright, more lovely than the noonday light?” Harmonic colors surprise and delight, and optional flute and percussion add to the mood of this beautiful, yet accessible piece.

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See the music here.

This song of consecration is in essence a simple expression of profound truth. As believers, our desire is for a heart that is (as Wesley puts it) “perfect, right, pure, and good,” and as the final stanza indicates, it is not anything we can do ourselves. Just as our salvation is alone the work—or gift—of God (Ephesians 2:8), so, too, is our sanctification—that daily exemplification of the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.

Here’s a word from the publisher:

The great hymn writer, Charles Wesley, gave special attention to the doctrine of scriptural holiness. His understanding of Christian holiness was expressed in his great prayer hymn “O for a Heart to Praise My God.” Your choir will love this sturdy new anthem by James Koerts. Challenge your choir and congregation to learn scriptural doctrines as they sing this reverent and accessible piece.

View a sample page, and while you’re there, check out the audio preview.

This song, earlier released in my choral collection, “Come and Sing,” revisits the text from George Bennard’s classic, “The Old Rugged Cross.” I’m sure your choir or ensemble will enjoy this warm and meaningful selection. Try premiering it as a solo or duet, then later introduce it into your choral repertoire. Here’s what the publisher had to say…

Don’t let the Easter season go by without singing this exciting new setting of “The Old Rugged Cross.” James Koerts does an admirable job of resetting this timeless hymn and then weaving the original chorus back into the flow with such warmth, depth, and expression. Your choir will love the singable new melody, and your congregation will be filled with hope and joy as they consider once again the message of this time-honored hymn.

View a sample page and listen to a preview while you’re there.