LEADERS
HIP GATHERINGS | Jon Nicol
DE
n setting, the not-sosing
out and not feel
a limited-size setting,
id. To help them, be
e going and even more
might like. And when
,' give verbal prompts
tc. And when it comes
sing out, consider tip
plification might seem
sound system can help
blow them away. Set
ument and voice to be
ambient sound of the
gives the timid singer
w the loudest person
ely, the loudest person
or the best singer. So,
ore, consider amplifying
when you're putting on your capo or taking
it off.
And please, don’t wing it. Just because the
group is smaller doesn't mean they don't
deserve a well-prepared leader.
6. INVITE PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE IN MORE THAN
JUST SINGING
Create moments where you invite them to read
scripture, pray, or give a word of thanksgiving
or praise. Small settings should allow us more
freedom, spontaneity, and participation.
7. READ THE ROOM AND ENGAGE
This is important in larger worship environments,
but it's critical with a smaller group. If you go
into a 'eyes-closed-head-cocked-to-heaven'
mode and never look at the people you’re
leading, you'll find yourself with a group of
disengaged spectators.
To lead people, you need to engage with them.
In a smaller group setting, close-up connection
can be scary for some leaders. Be brave.
Look out and connect. Don't hide behind your
personal worship experience.
sing for worship are
. Consider taking out
strumentals and also
ithout the dynamics of
f the arrangement may
S INTENTIONALLY
rtant if you're the only
t people by creating
ard pauses between
between the ending of
ning of the next. Know
your music. Figure out
WHERE WE FIND OURSELVES
As I write this, we still don't know what our
weekend worship gatherings will look like as
we progress towards a post-COVID-19 reality.
At least for a while, smaller groups might be
the next new normal. Embrace it. Let go of the
comfortable trappings of your 'full congregation'
tactics. If you don't, you will rob yourself and
your church family of a precious intimacy
that only happens when you're gathered with
the few.
Jon Nicol
Jon’s the founder of WorshipWorkshop.com and
WorshipTeamCoach.com, two sites that help worship
leaders build strong teams and lead engaging
worship. He lives and serves in Lexington, Ohio with
his wife Shannon and their four kids.
WorshipWorkshop.com
WorshipTeamCoach.com
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