Set up an appointment with an organist or choir leader at your church to get gospel music. These experts on gospel music can recommend the right song lyrics for your needs or provide copies of sheet music for educational purposes.
Participate in a gospel choir at your local church to get firsthand experience with gospel lyrics. Gospel choirs differ from church to church, but enthusiasm and a commitment to raising the spirits of parishioners are more important than a professional voice.
Keep a list of religious publishers with your file of song lyrics to stay updated on song books dealing with gospel lyrics. Publishers will put out dozens of books each year analyzing gospel lyrics, the history of this genre and prominent figures in the gospel music world.
Take notes when visiting a church that utilizes different gospel lyrics to broaden your horizons. Engage the pastor in person or send a letter with a self-addressed stamped envelope to the church after your trip to get lyrics specific to a church.
Locate recordings of guitar, piano and organ music that accompanies gospel lyrics. Gospel music involves soulful melodies as well as vibrant lyrics and it is important for you to have the melodies for each set of lyrics you collect.
Store reference books on the Bible and religion near your collection of gospel lyrics to help you analyze this genre of music. You may encounter a place name or an individual from the New Testament that you need to read about in order to fully appreciate the lyrics.
Turn your radio to public radio stations and religious music stations in your town to get lyrics. You can order CDs or transcripts from public radio programs about gospel music and transcribe music off of gospel stations while making your own recording.