During this Blog Series we have been looking at creating seamless services for worship.
In case you missed them, be sure to read Part 1 and Part 2.
Today, we’ll look at ways 4-6 you can build excellence on your team and Create Seamless Worship Services.
4. Transitions are key.
One of the areas I think most Worship Leaders struggle with is transitions between songs. And I get it. We went to school for music. No one told us that we have to talk! But learning what to say or not say between songs can be the difference between a good service and a great one.
The key with transitions is to plan them. Don’t just let them happen and hope they work out.
There have been times that I have flown by the seat of my pants and said dumb things on stage.
Not cool.
If I had taken the time to think through what I needed to say, I could have used the moment to encourage people to press in to what God was saying.
So before rehearsal, think about what each transition looks like and then plan it accordingly. Here are several things you can do to transition between songs without loosing the flow of worship.
Pray.
Show scripture on the screen.
Read scripture aloud.
Ask the congregation to read scripture out loud with you.
Encourage the congregation to sing out.
Silence (if intentional can be a powerful thing).
Share what God is doing in your life.
Explain what the lyrics mean.
Teach on what worship is and why it’s important.
5. Communicate well.
Good communication is vital for every good relationship. When we take time to communicate well, we give people clarity and honor their part of the worship service.
Nothing is more frustrating for your team than not knowing what is expected or what to expect.
Here are a few ways you can honor your team by communicating well.
A. Give them the music ahead of time.
I try to send out the order (through Planning Center) at least 10 days in advance. This gives everyone time to practice at home. It also eliminates excuses if they show up unprepared.
B. Let people know if they have a special part in the service.
If you want Julie to sing a solo on the first verse of Living Hope, tell her that before rehearsal. If something is out of the ordinary, be sure to communicate that to your team as well.
C. Keep your pastor in the loop.
Your pastor should never be surprised about what’s happening on stage. Tell him ahead of time and give him the opportunity to make changes if he wants.
D. Tell your tech team any needs you have.
Your tech team is vital to creating a seamless worship service. If they don’t know what’s going on, it probably won’t come across well to the congregation. Be sure to over communicate with them what you are needing and wanting.
E. Update everyone with any possible changes.
There are times in rehearsal when I sense the Holy Spirit leading us to do something different than what we had originally planned. Even if I don’t know for sure that we are going to make that change, I try to let everyone on the team know.
It usually sounds something like this:
“Hey guys, just a heads up – I might go back to the chorus after we finish the last song. So be ready in case we make that change.”
6. Listen to the Holy Spirit.
I saved the best for last. You see without the Holy Spirit, it doesn’t matter how excellent your service is, it won’t accomplish anything of value. That’s why it’s so important to listen to Him and then obey.
One of the reasons I believe you should strive toward excellence is so that you have margin to hear from the Holy Spirit.
If we are so stressed and worried because we aren’t prepared, it will be very difficult to calm ourselves enough to hear what the Lord is saying to us and what He wants to say to our church through us.
Here are some practical tips you can use to listen for the Holy Spirit’s voice.
A. Read God’s Word.
Regularly spend time in God’s Word so you know what He sounds like. If you can’t back it up with scripture, it’s not from the Lord.
B. Pray before planning, while planning and while rehearsing.
Ask the Lord to help you hear His voice. Ask the Lord to show you want He wants to accomplish during the service. He will honor that request.
C. Pay attention to how God is moving.
Be sensitive during rehearsal to how God is speaking to you and the other team members. If God is speaking in rehearsal during a particular moment, make note of that and press into that moment during the service.
Don’t rush through what God is trying to do. Let it sit and let God move.
Every Worship Leader, no matter the church size or style of music, can create seamless worship services that invite the Holy Spirit to move.
It’s not hard, but it does require intentionality and effort to make sure things are done with excellence.
What other things do you do to help create a seamless worship experience for your church? Let’s talk about in the comments.