First, we have to remember that the majority of our crowd are not great singers. Their range can be limited, so be sensitive in the key of the song.
Next, do songs that are simple and easy to sing as much as possible. It’s good to stretch the crowd with new and fresh songs, but the best songs that last through time are mainly simple melodies.
As far as participation, lead them in expression. Teach them to shout, raise hands, clap, etc. and eventually they’ll do it on their own. Don’t just expect them to instinctively express themselves outwardly.
Most importantly, be led by the Spirit in everything. Prayfully pick the songs every week and be sensitive to the Holy Spirit on how to lead your people in the moment, as well as prior preparation. Find the balance of personal worship on the stage and staying connected to the crowd. It’s important to know where they are during the worship, so we don’t run to far ahead of them.
Sorry, that’s a lot, but I love this subject. Can’t wait to hear how this goes at the retreat.
This is why I developed a “Word Wednesday” on my blog. I feel like if we read God’s Word everyday, we’ll have at least one scripture a week that will grab us. So, I ask people to come and comment with that scripture every Wednesday. Great post, Fred.
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Sunday Setlists - Debut of "You Save" at SSCC
June 15th, 2010 at 3:13 PM“You Save” is great. Different & fresh. Great job.
WHY DON'T THEY ENGAGE IN WORSHIP??
May 18th, 2010 at 9:54 AMFirst, we have to remember that the majority of our crowd are not great singers. Their range can be limited, so be sensitive in the key of the song.
Next, do songs that are simple and easy to sing as much as possible. It’s good to stretch the crowd with new and fresh songs, but the best songs that last through time are mainly simple melodies.
As far as participation, lead them in expression. Teach them to shout, raise hands, clap, etc. and eventually they’ll do it on their own. Don’t just expect them to instinctively express themselves outwardly.
Most importantly, be led by the Spirit in everything. Prayfully pick the songs every week and be sensitive to the Holy Spirit on how to lead your people in the moment, as well as prior preparation. Find the balance of personal worship on the stage and staying connected to the crowd. It’s important to know where they are during the worship, so we don’t run to far ahead of them.
Sorry, that’s a lot, but I love this subject. Can’t wait to hear how this goes at the retreat.
Sunday Setlists #75 - Worship Service Recaps #sundaysetlists
December 28th, 2009 at 9:19 AMthat’s cool, Fred. My brother’s church didn’t have services as well. Not a bad idea.
Sunday Setlists #72 - Worship Service Recaps #sundaysetlists
December 7th, 2009 at 9:43 AMhey fred…sounds like a cool set up.
Sunday Setlists #70 - Worship Service Recaps #sundaysetlists
November 23rd, 2009 at 8:53 AMlove the combo of Doxology/How Great
Sunday Setlists #66 - Worship Service Recaps #sundaysetlists
October 25th, 2009 at 7:22 PMdude…I’m kinda jealous. that’s very cool. Sounds like a very fresh spirit at your church today.
Sunday Setlists #63 - Worship Service Recaps
October 4th, 2009 at 3:11 PMI love that you used a secular song to illustrate a point. So relatable for people.
Sunday Setlists #60 - Worship Confessionals #sundaysetlists
September 13th, 2009 at 7:22 PMHaven’t done Beautiful One in a while. I’ll have to dust it off soon. Hope you’re doing well, Fred.
Who Are We Kidding?
September 10th, 2009 at 9:01 AMThis is why I developed a “Word Wednesday” on my blog. I feel like if we read God’s Word everyday, we’ll have at least one scripture a week that will grab us. So, I ask people to come and comment with that scripture every Wednesday. Great post, Fred.
Top 100 Church Blogs - Speech, Speech, Speech
September 9th, 2009 at 10:33 AMawesome!! congrats!!
Sunday Setlists #59 - Worship Confessionals
September 6th, 2009 at 3:41 PMHoly, Holy, Holy is still one of my personal favorite worship songs. Really captures a lot.
Sunday Setlists #58 - Worship Service Recaps
August 30th, 2009 at 8:03 PMwe did “Glory to God Forever” as well. New favorite tune.
Sunday Setlists Week 56 - Worship Confessionals #sundaysetlists
August 16th, 2009 at 7:52 PMhey fred. We love “Glory to God Forever” as well.
Sunday Setlists #55 - Worship Service Recaps (#sundaysetlists)
August 9th, 2009 at 9:43 PMhey man…gonna have to check out “See His Love”.
Sunday Setlists #54 - Worship Service Recaps
August 2nd, 2009 at 8:38 PMhey man…hope you enjoyed your time off.
#sundaysetlists - One Year Anniversary of Worship Service Recaps
July 26th, 2009 at 7:38 PMhappy anniversary, bro…thanks for this community. great hanging with you and your wife last week.
Sunday Setlists #52 - Concluding 1 Year of Worship Recaps
July 19th, 2009 at 5:51 PMI do a version of “When I Think…” that’s mix of Shane & Shane and the original version. Our church gets into it. See you tomorrow night!
Sunday Setlists #51 - Worship Confessionals
July 12th, 2009 at 6:30 PM2 for 1 today…One of the other worship leaders on here came to my church today, so we did a confessional together. cool stuff.
Sunday Setlists #50 - Worship Service Recaps
July 5th, 2009 at 11:16 PMConsuming Fire is on my to do list. Love that song.
Sunday Setlists #46 - Worship Confessionals
June 7th, 2009 at 3:33 PMI love “How Marvelous”. Powerful worship song. funny spoof…great idea.
Sunday Setlists #45 - Worldwide Worship Recaps
May 31st, 2009 at 1:58 PMyo
Sunday Setlists #44 - Worship Recaps #sundaysetlists
May 25th, 2009 at 8:10 AMgood morning.
Sunday Setlists Week #43 - Worldwide Worship Recaps
May 17th, 2009 at 10:44 PMI’m working at getting others to lead on our team as well. More difficult in a small church, I think.
Sunday Setlists - 40th Week of Sharing Worship Recaps #sundaysetlists
April 27th, 2009 at 10:54 AMglad that worked out for you…hope you’re feeling better.
Sunday Setlists #39 - Mistakes, Dulcimer, and Cello
April 19th, 2009 at 11:32 PMlate, but made it.