Worship
March 12th, 2008 | by Scott |So, I’m not preaching this Sunday. Our YM has his parents in town visiting so he has asked to be our resident homiletician.
I’m not the best audience participant. I’d much rather be preaching or teaching than sitting in the crowd. But, I imagine that is true of most people who do what I do.
With that said, I am going to take a stab at leading worship. I don’t think that I have ever attempted a Sunday morning gig as a worship leader. When I was in YM I would do it fairly frequently at different functions but nothing since I transitioned into the pulpit.
So, I ask you: what do you like about worship times? What have you experienced or participated in recently that fostered a memorable period of worship? What songs, order, approaches appeal most to you?
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Now playing: Emerson Hart - Green Hills Race for California
via FoxyTunes
18 Responses to “Worship”
By John on Mar 12, 2008 | Reply
For me one of the most memorable and rewarding moments of worship wasn’t at a service but at a youth rally last year. It was during a performance by Casting Crowns doing the song Who Am I, and it just touched me.
But one thing I will state for the normal weekly service is to be very aware of the tempo. Nothing can kill worship faster than too slow a tempo or switching the pace all over the place. Build up or down just avoid jumps.
By Tracy on Mar 12, 2008 | Reply
I’m really excited that your doing this. I’ve always that you have a gift for leading worship. And going along with what John said; I think your practice on those 100’s of mix tapes from the 80’s gave you plenty of practice of building up or down but not jumping.
By Lane on Mar 12, 2008 | Reply
Good luck with it. Its one of the more important aspects of the “corporate” setting, and one that comes with lots of critique.
Seems like I remember you always brushed song leading duties off on me when I was in your group…if memory serves correct…
By KS on Mar 12, 2008 | Reply
I like when the old and new songs are mixed together. Also when I have felt the service has gone best is to start with two or three very familiar uptempo songs and go from there. Singing songs consecutively has always been good in my opinion. Good luck Sunday.
By Jason Bybee on Mar 12, 2008 | Reply
I like me a good Gregorian chant.
By Scott on Mar 12, 2008 | Reply
John, I hope to focus on momentum and keeping a solid pace.
Tracy, I really don’t have a gift for it. But I appreciate the kindness.
Lane, you are right. I dumped it on you every chance I get.
Kenny, great point. I hope to have few interruptions.
Jason, I’m doing the chant in place of communion. I figure that will get ‘em talking.
By greg on Mar 12, 2008 | Reply
lots and lots of powerpoint…
By matt elliott on Mar 12, 2008 | Reply
For the love of Mike, use a pitch pipe.
By Scott on Mar 12, 2008 | Reply
How about 2-3 slides per verse. Nothing like a little overkill.
Matt, I don’t have the foggiest notion about how to use a pitch pipe.
By matt elliott on Mar 12, 2008 | Reply
Do you know how to tell what a key a song is in or what the starting note is?
By Scott on Mar 12, 2008 | Reply
uhh, no. I’m a worship leading neophyte.
By dan on Mar 12, 2008 | Reply
what the heck is a “worship leader?” is that some sort of ecumenical filler position you guys have created?
some of the comments allude to it being a “song leader.” but then I thought, “Scott? Song leader?” and then I eventually stopped laughing.
hey, love ya man…
By Shane on Mar 12, 2008 | Reply
Do a horrible job. A church should never know about “extra” “talents” a preaching minister might have. It never works out in our favor.
By Justin on Mar 12, 2008 | Reply
Start speaking in tongues…. the angels kind that no one understands. Then translate for yourself.
By Scott on Mar 13, 2008 | Reply
Dan, you don’t have fond memories of my singing ability? You know you could always drive up on Sunday and lead us :S
Shane, truer words have never been spoken.
By len on Mar 13, 2008 | Reply
Scott, on the rare times when I have to lead worship at my church I always have the instrumentalists come early and rehearse the transitions, etc. with me. I suggest that you do the same.
I’m sorry…..it had to be said.
By Robin on Mar 13, 2008 | Reply
Sunday Pastor started his sermon by announcing he would be awarding the First Annual Member of the Year Award. He went through a whole list of things that were not considered - how much money someone gave, who sang the best, who always sits in front, who complimented his sermons the most, who volunteered on the most committess and boards, etc. I wondered through the whole sermon what the catch was going to be. Obviously it was not going to be someone in the congregation. At the end of his sermon he brought on Max who is about 1 1/2 years to 2 years old. Max was the newest member of the Kingdom at our church being baptized last month. (Remember I am Lutheran). Pastor pointed out that Max won the award because he had done nothing to receive God’s love and forgiveness. Pastor reminded us that God loves us no matter how much we do at church, how many services we attend we are His. The focus of the service was worship and at the end of communion the band started singing “Holy is the Lord”. The teenagers were the first on their feet with hands raised and the rest of the congregation followed. You could feel the Holy Spirit flowing through the congregation. It was the most amazing thing - I have never experienced anything as powerful as worship was last Sunday. Praise God.
By Scott on Mar 14, 2008 | Reply
Len, our drum machine is in the shop.
Robin, that does sound like a great service.