the simplest and most familiar to the people.” connect the crowd to God, not the worship out of the greenroom and spend time with
Well-crafted lyrics and melodies are memorable team. Here are six things you and your team the congregation.
and engage the hearts, minds, and voices of can do to E.N.G.A.G.E. your congregation in the congregation. worship.
A. Ask God to multiply your efforts and give you
strength. Our resources may be limited, but
Choose familiar songs. Although the worship E. Exemplify Worship. Leaders who want to God’s aren’t. “For the sake of Christ, then, I am
team enjoys learning new songs, the crowd is engage others in worship must first lead content with weaknesses, insults, hardships,
more interested in worshipping God than they by example. Jesus led His disciples by His persecutions, and calamities. For when I am
are in learning new songs during the worship example. “For to this you have been called, weak, then I am strong.” 2 Cor. 12:10
service. Worship teams need to remember because Christ also suffered for you, leaving their primary role is to serve God by serving the you an example, so that you might follow Engaging people in worship requires planning,
lead pastor and the congregation, not sharing in his steps.” 1 Peter 2:21 preparation, God’s power, and our trusting God
for the results. The best things that happen in
new music. The congregation is more likely to
the worship service are the things God does.
participate when they don’t have to focus on Paul modeled worship when he said, “What learning a new song. you have learned and received and heard and Choose new songs that are easy to learn and hard to seen in me—practice these things, and the G. Give your best. Worship leaders who engage
forget. Be careful: singing too many new songs God of peace will be with you.” Phil. 4:9 the congregation in worship know their music
so well they focus on people more than
will diminish vocal participation (because they
are learning, not singing). However, novelty (the The role of the worship leader and worship programs. The bible says, “If we are leaders,
new) is scriptural and benefits congregational team is modeling true worship: be Authentic. we should do our best.” Romans 12:8b
song 6 times in the bible. (Ps 96:1, 98:1, 144:9, N. Never over-sing or play. Over-singing and I think of leading worship as a matter of life and
149:1, Rev. 5:9, 14:3) playing is unfortunate, and very common, death. Worship leaders and teams need to take
as it silences the crowd and is often a sign their ministry seriously because it is serious.
Choose songs that are aesthetically beautiful, of unhealthy ego or inappropriate song keys. Preparation enables us to focus on people, not
impactful, and bear fruit. California Baptist Bringing attention to ourselves is a misuse of just the program.
University’s Professor of Composition, Glenn the platform. Singing the melody, using a few Pickett, teaches six things that make good ad-libs to encourage participation, is more E. Encourage participation. There are several
music: and helpful to the congregation. “And whatever you ways
Endings, Forward Motion, Building Blocks do, in word or deed, do everything in the name participation; use familiar songs; put the songs
that Build Over Time, Climax, and Interesting of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the in the key of the congregation; be enthusiastic;
Shape. Good music will be both beautiful and Father through him.” Col. 3:17 inspire others with truth, mystery and beauty;
participation. The Bible mentions singing a new
Surprise,
Clear
Beginnings
encourage
participation:
model
give clear instructions; lead in a way that is easy
impactful. Good worship music must also bear
the fruit of congregational participation and
to
to follow; arrange the instruments and vocals
Lead in the key of the congregation.
in a way that encourages the congregation to
spiritual transformation.
G. Get to know your crowd. Many worship teams participate; mix the music so the congregation
spend too much time in their greenrooms and can hear themselves: “O come, let us sing for
not enough time in the Worship Center with joy to the LORD, Let us shout joyfully to the
After choosing great songs the Worship Leader the congregation. Jesus spent time with his rock of our salvation.” Psalm 95:1
must prayerfully, intentionally, and skillfully disciples, but also spent time in the crowds… engage the crowd in worship. The difference with the people: Jesus was interacting with Worship leaders show their love for God
between and artist and a worship leader is a crowd when a woman expressed her faith and others.
subtle, yet profound. An artist is like a fire. in him: “If I only touch his cloak, I will be Everyone watching the fire is amazed at the healed.” Jesus turned and saw her. “Take fire’s awesome power! All the focus is on the heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed fire. By contrast the worship leader, instead of you.” Matt 9:20-22
HOW TO E.N.G.A.G.E. YOUR CONGREGATION
being the fire, lights the fire. The congregation
becomes the fire that engages in red hot Crowd
worship. The point of worship leading is to crowd knows their leader and team. Get
54
participation
February 2018
increases
as
the
Rick Muchow
Rick was the founding Worship Pastor for
Saddleback Church (24 years) and is now a
Professor of Worship, Director of Practicum and
Worship Artist in Residence at California Baptist
University. You can contact Rick at www.rickmuchow.
com for free worship leader resources, personal
coaching and scheduling. Learn about CBU’s BA
and MA in Worship Arts at www.calbaptist/worship.
edu (scholarships available). http://pro.ultimateears.
com/whos-using/praise-and-worship
www.rickmuchow.com
WorshipMusician.com