WORSHIPTEAMTRAINING
INTRODUCING SONGS IN YOUR CHURCH: TEACHING SONGS EASY
When introducing new songs there is a two-
mp3 – cool. Typically, I’ll have a general idea in
It’s not rocket science, it’s just keeping up with
fold process in Rehearsal and in the Service.
mind for the band/singers, and will provide a
your people. The more friendly we can make
How do you do it? Here are a few ideas I’ve
basic guide on the groove, arrangement, and
the music, the better engaged with new songs
learned in what to do and what not to do.
dynamic. Importantly, I like all the details to be
they will be. No, we don’t give them a private
filled by the band’s ability to put their touch on
music lesson on what the song is doing, we just
the music.
start the song simple and let it grow. Also, we
Psalm 149.1 says: “Praise the LORD. Sing
lean on repeating the chorus a bit more to help
to the LORD a new song, his praise in the
stay in their heads.
assembly of his faithful people.” The Bible
Still, I follow the 5-minute per song approach,
makes this a command: sing to the Lord a new
because I know we’re going to rehearse it again
song. As we learn new songs as leaders, we
next week. It will also stick in their minds better.
Remember this, as you may already know,
also are to help the church learn them as well.
Normally, we will rehearse the song 4-5 times
the church loves to sing new songs, but it’s a
The difficulty is that most congregations don’t
before unveiling it on a Sunday. We will spend
process not a microwave oven. Your team and
get it the first time. It may take a few rounds
a bit more time on the song as we get close to
church has a longer curve to learn than you.
plus a little patience on your part. In the end,
ensure that all is good. Then, we move to the
Most likely, you (and your band) look at music
your church will be singing full as long as you
next tune and keep the momentum going.
everyday, if not, play it, breathe it, and swim
it – your people do not. Besides, they’re not
make it simple. Here are a few things I do to
prepare my team and church when teaching
Remember, people learn better in short stints.
musicians and singers, they are just common
new songs...
At the same time, they should be practicing the
Joes. We have to meet them where they are.
song at home to help save time on rehearsal.
REHEARSAL One thing I need to mention is
“Sing the praises of the LORD, you his faithful
When we praise together, we make worship
creating a “Rehearsal Plan.” Now, if you’re not
people; praise his holy name.” Psalm 30.4
easy for everyone. Psalm 98.1 reminds us: “O
sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done
a planner, it can be as simple as using your
Planning Center Online and make your own
SERVICE When introducing the song, we need
marvelous things.” When we find new songs
annotations or notes within the program. If you
to be careful in how we lead it. A not-so-good
that the church can sing, it opens up new
don’t use this or another software program, a
thing to do is jump right into the song without
inspirations of praise.
pencil and paper will do.
any context. I have found that people are
creatures of habit. They like to take their time;
New songs have a way of speaking into the
After writing out the regular service songs to
they like familiarity; and they love connecting
soul. They become a delightful expression that
cover (toughest to easiest), I list the new songs
the dots.
multiplies praise. Teach your church new songs
by meeting them at their pace. Don’t force the
at the bottom. Still keep time per song to stay
on schedule. Hopefully, everyone heard the
Usually, I will set up the song with a brief prayer
song and don’t force the worship. Allow the
mp3 you sent a week ago. Use the mp3 as a
or Scripture that is in line with the lyrics. Keep it
Lord to move and speak naturally as he uses
guide – not as the rule, unless that’s who you
short and sweet. Next, I provide a little guidance
you. Sing together as you make your joy in
are. Get the basic riff of the song and go for it.
to the church. I’ll start with the Chorus first to
the Lord.
With certain musicians, they may not want to
sing as an example – just by myself on guitar/
hear the mp3, but make-it-up as they go. I love
piano and voice. Why? Most churches sing on
this idea!
the chorus sections anyway.
“Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and
Many times, I’ll introduce the new song with
shout for joy.” Psalm 33.3
only 1 instrument and voice. At this point,
you’re giving your band a blank canvas by
On Verse 1, I’ll add the band, but keep it low so
saying: “Here’s your space to color, watch
the church can hear the lyrics. By the time we
out for your neighbor and paint inside the
hit the Chorus again, everyone’s already heard
picture frame!” Some may not agree with this
the tune and they begin to sing.
approach; plus, we don’t use this method all
“I will give you thanks in the great assembly;
the time. However, it does give a lot of liberty to
among the throngs I will praise you.” - Psalm
the band. If you’re more comfortable using the
35.18
50
May June 2016
WorshipMusician.com
BRANON DEMPSEY
CEO/Founder and Training
Director of Worship Team
Training®. He has an M.Div
in Worship and BM in Music
Composition/Performance
and is a clinician for several
entities.
WorshipTeamTraining.com