When crafting a set of Worship, I place a high THE NEED TO REFLECT some understanding of musical theory and I'd
level of importance on the transition simply I remember the first time I heard So Will I by encourage you to research the circle of fourths
because I want to minimize the exits. I want Hillsong, the song was brilliantly led and as and fifths to learn how to do this well by using
to remove as many off-ramps for people's it landed the congregation fell into stunned similar keys and how to link them together.
attention as possible. silence. The weight of the words felt heavy in the room, and no one wanted to rush on. We Linking topics of songs can create a sense
After choosing my songs, generally based on a needed a moment to reflect on the truth we had of journey in the worshipper's mind and help
theme, the next thing I look at is the moments just been singing. deepen their connection and understanding
between those songs.
of the moment. Themes can help create and
I'll often create space to reflect in our sets, resolve tension in a setlist and bring an almost
The first question I ask myself is this, sometimes aided by prayer, some in silence story-like arch to a setlist. Maybe we raise
Flow or No? and often with just an ambient pad to create a questions using certain songs and explain or
base texture for that moment. resolve later in the set with others.
THE NEED TO REITERATE TECHNOLOGY
There's no such thing as a 'No Transition.'
But there are intentional and non-intentional
transitions. I aim to make all my transitions
intentional, after all, that's what leading is
verb
1. repeat something several times,
typically for emphasis or clarity.
about! And while flowing is powerful and is
Well, I almost made it through an entire
article without mentioning any technology! If
you've read any of my previous articles, you'll
certainly in vogue currently, it's crucial to realize Re-enforcing an idea or message through understand just how big of an achievement this
that silence is also a transition. Silence, when repetition can really help our congregations to is for me. It'll come as little surprise that I'm a
intentional, can lead to incredible impacting take hold of the truth they are singing and is big fan of employing technology in my worship
moments (Selah), when unintentional – it can another valid reason why we might need to leading and it's mainly because it helps to
be an exit. pause and elongate the moment we are in. minimize exits and makes transitions far easier.
Here are three reasons why flowing might not So, Flow? Firstly, adding a click using Playback to your
be the right transition.
team's in-ears can bring so much tightness
Having looked at the songs and the moments to your band and remove the need for the
THE NEED TO RESPOND in between and decided we don't need to drummer to count you in. Then, go one stage
To truly worship God requires an action on pause to respond, reflect or reiterate, we can further and add an ambient pad with or without
our part. Sometimes physically, sometimes then look to flow. The idea of flowing is to use the click to fill out the sound and create that
mentally, and sometimes emotionally, but it same or similar keys, tempos and themes to sonic texture you can rest on when flowing or
always requires a response. Looking through create seamless transitions between songs. reflecting!
the Psalms, you'll notice that for the writers Sometimes this is by linking songs, creating simply saying or singing "I Love You, God" medleys and even allowing room for an Finally, you can use the edit feature in Playback
was not enough. There was always an internal improvised or spontaneous moment to occur. to trim songs, create medley or select from pre-
and/or external expression of their infatuation
with God.
Shout to God. Sing a new song. Dance before
determined transitions to help you take you a
Just like writing, we can bend the rules here, good list of songs to a great engaging set of
but understanding them as tools is a great songs, moments, flow and pauses.
place to start.
Him. Clap your hands. Bow down. Lift up your
Right, now it's time for me to send this to the
head. Tell of His might. Stand in awe. Meditate Finding songs in the same key and tempo proof-readers to ensure I've not broken too
on His truth. Walk in His ways. Still your heart. lead to smooth and effecting flowing but use many of the grammar rules!
Cast down your idols. Run to Him. Make a this to season your set and try not to overuse loud noise. Lift your hands. Clash the cymbals. this as a transition. Utilizing this technique, we Praise Him with trumpet. Seek His face. Tell the can link entire songs or even borrow sections nations. and combine them to create inspiring medleys.
Using songs in similar keys help to maintain
Sometimes we need to leave room for people flow but add texture, lift or add variety to
to respond between the songs. the setlist. Doing this well obviously requires
Kristian Ponsford
Director of Products & Market Development at
MultiTracks.com, and he is passionate about helping
worship leaders lead worship well.
MultiTracks.com