U2, Halftime Shows, and Leading Your Congregation Beyond Songs

[This post is part of a series on Your Guide to Selecting and Leading Songs for Worship. Check out the rest here.]

Ever seen U2 in concert? I cannot say that I have yet, but what I’ve heard from friends and seen via youtube is nothing short of magical. Thousands upon thousands of people are not merely singing songs together – they are fully immersed in the experience. I’ve heard it said that it’s akin to a worship service. People sing loud, lift their hands, cry, and gush over their favorite rockstar superheroes.

Does this video resemble a worship service to you? (And if you were depressed by this years halftime show, be revived by this one).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zqtkik7nTik

As a worship leader, it’s your desire to engage people in the presence of God, not merely sing songs. But how do you lead people to that place – a place of true worship where you and your team are invisible and people are caught up in God’s presence?

These are the worship services I crave – where the glory of God is on display. Where the presence of God is moving upon the hearts of his people. Where people are catching a revelation of the love, majesty, glory, and grace of our God. Where the worship team could walk off stage and people would still be “caught up” in beholding their Maker.

So how do we get there?

I’m not sure there’s an easy 5 step answer to this. In some ways, it’s a sovereign act of God. Young Christians need to mature into this sort of worship. But you know I like to be practical here. So here’s a few things you can implement today to take strides in this area:

1. COACH PEOPLE IN BETWEEN SONGS

Instead of having continuous movement from song to song to song, use moments in between songs to engage your congregation in worship. Be sensitive, yet bold. Coach them on specific actions to take, like lifting their hands, singing a spontaneous song, declaring a promise from God, kneeling, coming to the altar area, praying, etc. I know it can feel a little “cheer leader-ish” but get over it. Many people just don’t know what to do in a worship service and they need YOU to lead them.

2. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF “ALTAR” MOMENTS

I know that everyone programs their services differently, put typically there is time allotted at the end of a service for altar ministry. While it may seem difficult for you to fully engage your congregation with the allotted 15 minutes at the beginning of a service, it can actually be done. But I would encourage you to take advantage of the moments at the altar to have some extended worship. Flow, linger, and allow people to press in a little deeper at the end of the service. This is another way you can mature your congregation in worship.

3. BE REAL

I recently attended one of Integrity’s Seminars 4 Worship and I heard Paul Baloche say something that has stuck with me ever since: when you’re leading worship, think “living room” not “concert”. I think people disengage many times because the worship leader (and band) are merely performing and seem oblivious to the roomful of worshipers. When a guest comes over to your house for dinner, do you dance in front of them and greet them with a shout? Hopefully not. It’s more relaxed. Think of your role as if you were entertaining guests and as you lead, people will “warm up” to you, trust you, and go deep into worship with you.

4. PRACTICE

Being an engaging worship leader is not easy, but will come with practice. Step out there and do it. You may fumble over words, or mess up a song, or seemingly make a fool of yourself. But if you never try, you’ll never succeed. Check out this post on how to practice better as a worship leader.

Question: How do you move your congregation beyond just singing songs?