way we choose songs . There is a “ buzz ” for those of us on the platform to learn the latest , coolest new songs . We easily take some sense of satisfaction in the thought that our repertoire is “ hip ” and in-step with current “ worship trends ”. It seems to me that a church ’ s team might learn new songs for no other reason than the dreaded FOMO !
But new songs ought not be added if doing so is detrimental to our particular congregation ’ s willingness or ability to sing worshipfully . The willingness and ability of our congregation to sing a particular song should be a far higher consideration than the preferences of - the “ buzz ” for - those who lead .
Having songs that we on the platform can enjoy is a consideration , sure , but there ought to be a far more important goal . Having a cool , fashionable repertoire should not be the objective we ’ re shooting for . Connection is the objective ! A deeper , stronger connection with God and each other through our songs . The songs are merely the vehicles we get to use to get to this higher goal of connection .
A SAD ( REAL ) STORY I was with a church in northwestern USA earlier this year as a guest preacher . It was a smallish Baptist Church where the age range of the congregation was definitely weighted to the above 50 ’ s . Maybe the above 60 ’ s . As our service commenced , the snappily-dressed , enthusiastic , twenty-something “ worship leader ” - fresh out of Theological College with a “ Worship Arts ” major and only recently in this role - plowed through a set of some of his favorite “ worship songs ”. None of the songs had a copyright date older than about five or six years .
I was sad to observe that poor congregation try to follow his lead . Some politely mumbled along . Some stood perplexed and silent . By the end of the third song , a significant number had taken their seats . A few of them with scowling faces .
At the senior pastor ’ s request , I had a good long conversation with the “ worship leader ” ( let ’ s call him Chad ) over lunch after the service . I asked a lot of questions - some of them about his song selections - and I listened to his answers . Disappointingly , Chad was strong in his belief that he was , “… not there to pander to the tastes of the congregation ! I ’ m there to worship God !”
His statement saddened me as I hope it does you too . Disappointingly , and despite his qualifications , Chad was showing ( what I believe is ) a tragic misunderstanding of what it means to worship God and the role of music within the whole life response of worship . More about that here if you ’ re interested .
SOME ADVICE I ’ m not sure he heard it , but I did offer some advice to Chad . And I am offering the same advice to you too :
1 ) We must recognize that , if we have the role of leading sung worship , it ’ s a servant role . Our primary goal should not be our own personal sense of connection with God through our preferred songs . We should lead in a way that allows our congregation to connect with God and each other through the songs . The best , humanly observable , Biblically supported demonstration of that connection is their singing .
2 ) Our servant role may require us to lead songs that are not our favorites . We must choose connection for the congregation over our personal preferences .
3 ) Get to know the people in your congregation - the people you lead in sung worship . Learn from them which songs they long to sing as an expression of worship to God . They might have songs from their past that have deep resonance . Maybe there was a song that was sung when they first came to follow Jesus . Or a song that God spoke through in an hour of great darkness . Or a song that a dearly departed loved one requested at their funeral . Find ways to love and serve your congregation through your song selection .
4 ) Choose songs that best facilitate your
whole congregation ’ s connection with and through the songs . Be willing to absorb a small musical sadness with regard to song selection . Focus on the higher joy of the whole church family singing together as an expression of worship to Almighty God .
GOING DEEPER If you ’ re interested in going deeper , take a listen to Episode 64 of “ THE TABLE - worship leader conversations ”. Podcaster Jason Squire speaks with a panel comprised of some seasoned veterans in our field - Joe Horness , Jason Harris , Tim Tibbles , Michael Bahn and yours ’ truly . We kick things off by talking about how each of us approaches song selection . Intentional consideration of the people we lead , and their level of connection with the songs figures prominently . Each of my recent articles has focused on something we can learn from Pub Choir . Read my earlier articles in this PUB CHOIR vs CHURCH series here :
• A COMPARISON
• LESS IS MORE
• HORIZONTAL CONNECTION
Grant Norsworthy founder of MoreThanMusicMentor . com
MoreThanMusicMentor . com
40 June 2023 Subscribe for Free ...