Worship Podcast & Blog
I always wonder who comes up with this stuff. The best worship songs ever? Who decides? Is this God’s top 50?
In all seriousness, what is your current favorite worship song? I’m always on the lookout for great songs that resonate with people’s hearts. Just for fun, if someone mentions my current favorite worship song, I’ll send you two of my CDs for free. One for you, one to give away.
Let me know. On your mark, get set, comment.
Do you ever feel a little weird leading worship when there are unbelievers in the room?
Imagine how they feel. It’s more than a little weird to step into a room of jubilant people singing weird songs, clapping their hands, maybe dancing, and maybe, just maybe waving the dreaded streamer. I remember the first time I raised my hand in worship (notice I said ‘hand’. Singular. Gotta start somewhere). It was a big deal for me. I also remember the first time I encountered a streamer waving dancing lady. No comment.
In a related post I talked about 8 ways to engage people in worship. But I want to narrow our focus today. How do we more skillfully engage non-christians in our worship services? If a healthy church is one that has a consistent influx of unbelievers, we need to learn how to connect them. And I don’t believe it involves watering down the Gospel.
I feel this tension every time I lead worship. I’m glad they’re there. They don’t know what’s going on. I desperately want them to experience the power of God.
Here are some ways to engage:
1. Play good music
It makes sense that as unbelievers step into church they aren’t thinking about how to flow in the Holy Spirit and which isle to dance in. They are watching people. They are watching you. They are listening to the music. They are reading the lyrics. Don’t allow sloppy music. Work hard on being good.
2. Sing easily understandable songs
When I’m picking my setlist, I ask the question “will unchurched Joe understand this?” I know I may personally like the song that talks about burning for God in an ocean of wind, but will that make any sense to an unbeliever? Probably not. Focus on songs that articulate the Gospel and aren’t too abstract.
3. Address them
It’s so important to acknowledge unbelievers and empathize with their situation. Bring them along with you. This involves speaking to them, being real, being likable. Don’t freak people out with your personality. Tell them it’s OK if they don’t sing and just stand or sit there. In the meanwhile, pray that the lyrics and presence of the Holy Spirit will reach them deeply.
What would you add to the list? How can we better engage non-Christians in our worship services?
I’m beginning a new tradition here on the blog: The Weekly Wrap-Up. This is simply a way for you to view my posts from the past week in case you missed something or want to review. Enjoy.
Monday
How to Turn Setbacks into Stepping Stones
There is something that I believe with all my heart. There are no setbacks for the man or woman of God. Only stepping stones. “What are you talking about,” you may ask?
Tuesday
Ever been in a worship team situation where all you hear is a mess of noise? Each musician in the band seems to be the captain of their own planet, ignoring the rotation of all the others. This is all too common for musicians to show off what they can do instead of submitting to what a song really needs. Since I’ve already addressed the need for both preparation and spontaneity, I want to focus on one very important aspect of preparation; and that is the arranged song.
Wednesday
My post for this morning may seem vain at first sight. But this is for real. No joke. I’m sitting in Starbucks and I’m baffled once again by how much money people pay for coffee. I mean, people stop in here 2-3 times a DAY for their drink. Starbucks is an experience so many people can’t miss…daily. Amazing. I’m probably a once or twice a week Starbucks drinker (since we use a fabulous Keurig at home).
Thursday
Do You Disciple Your Worship Team?
What I love most about leading worship (I guess besides actually worshiping God) is making disciples. Each member of the worship team is someone called by God whom I have the privilege of pouring into. I believe sometimes we can short circuit what God wants to do through our worship team because we give excuses. “I can’t afford to hire good musicians.” “I just don’t like asking him all the time.” “This schedule is just too busy for people.” “There’s too many services at this church!” Or we just get into ‘weekly maintenance mode’ and lose the big picture of what we are doing.
Friday
As a guy who writes songs for my church to sing, I’m always trying to improve. Here are a few things I use that assist me in my songwriting process. Hope this helps.
As a guy who writes songs for my church to sing, I’m always trying to improve. Here are a few things I use that assist me in my songwriting process. Hope this helps.
I’m always looking for new things to inspire. What has been helpful in your songwriting?
What I love most about leading worship (I guess besides actually worshiping God) is making disciples. Each member of the worship team is someone called by God whom I have the privilege of pouring into.
I believe sometimes we can short circuit what God wants to do through our worship team because we give excuses. “I can’t afford to hire good musicians.” “I just don’t like asking him all the time.” “This schedule is just too busy for people.” “There’s too many services at this church!” Or we just get into ‘weekly maintenance mode’ and lose the big picture of what we are doing.
Let me ask you a couple questions. What culture are you creating with what you’ve got? Do you have a process within your worship team where individual growth is intentional? Are you creating enough margin in your schedule to dream dreams and seek God’s vision for your worship team?
I’d like to share our process with you in hopes that if you don’t have a discipleship strategy for your worship team, that you would start. Or if you do, keep doing it. I’m not saying this way is the only way. Just let it stir your imagination. And let me know if you come up with even better ideas.
When I’m thinking about worship team discipleship, I’m asking the question, “What can we do WEEKLY, MONTHLY, and ANNUALLY?”
WEEKLY
- 15 minute band devotions on Sunday morning (study a good book and/or book of the Bible)
- Pre service prayer (short, declarative prayers)
- Rehearsals (rehearse songs & ‘flow’ moments)
MONTHLY
- Worship Team Workshops (Vocal, Rhythm Section, Worship Leaders, etc.)
ANNUALLY
- Refresh Night (a rehearsal night where we meet off-site and simply worship, cast vision, and hang out. We do this 3x/year.)
- Attend a local conference
What is it that you are doing? What has been helpful for your worship team?