Worship Do's and Dont's

A. Worship Do’s

1. Arrange to Flow

a) Effective, Seamless Song Lists

Several important elements must come together to facilitate a worship time that both honors God and motivates the worshiper. A well-thought-out list is like a wide, smooth highway, effortlessly transporting us into the presence of God. A worship song list without flow is like a car with three flat tires. It may get you where you’re going, but you probably won’t enjoy the ride!

b) Systematic Song Selection:

Lyrics Link:

Thematic Link: praise, grace, the cross, forgiveness, salvation, faith, etc…

Response Link:

Tempo link: Begin with fast songs and end with slow ones. First praise, then worship, usually with a moderate-tempo pivotal song in the middle.

Song Keys: key compatibility.

c) Worship Curve (Worship dynamic)

The experience of praise and worship is dynamic. Just as Jehoshaphat did in II Chronicles 20:18, 19, one moment we may have our faces on the floor in worship, the next we’re standing to praise the Lord with voices loud and high.

Facilitating opportunities for emotive expression to God is what worship music ministry is all about, and arrangement is a key element in facilitation.

A moderate-tempo song can be placed between the faster, more boisterous praise and the slower, quieter worship. This facilitates a smooth transition, and helps to keep the shock level of the worship gear shift to a minimum.

d) The Unexpected: creative ideas.

Scripture readings

Prayer

Solos

Video

Speaking between songs

e) Rehearse smooth transitions, and memorize the words and music.

2. Identify the True Worship Team Essentials

a) Know the Lord

The more time we spend studying the Scriptures and building our personal relationship with God, the better able we’ll be to worship and lead others to worship in ways that really matter. In order to fully and effectively express the depth and passion of our worship to God, we must first know His divine character and attributes. We must become intimately familiar with the object of our affection.

b) Know the People

Relationships: laughing when people laugh, hurting when they hurt, being there to encourage them when the heavy situations of life arise—this is how we really know the people we minister to.

c) Know Your Chops

What good are grandiose ideas of lofty praise and heart-stirring worship if we haven’t yet spent the time to become skilled at what we do? If we don’t develop our vocal and instrumental chops, we won’t have any tools in the worship toolbox to minister with.

d) Know the Tunes

Now we can easily know the tunes and share them with those who gather to worship under our leadership. Let’s never take this resource for granted!

e) Know the Destination

Knowing, at least generally, where the worship time is heading empowers us to plan, rehearse, and lead more effectively. This just in from the Department of Redundancy Department: “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there!” “Trust in the Lord…and He shall direct your path!” Proverbs 3:5a, 6b (NKJV).

B. Worship Dont’s

1. Don’t manipulate; facilitate.

Leadership is an honor conferred upon the leader by the people.

With leadership comes authority, and with authority comes responsibility.

As lead worshipers we must provide a safe environment for people to express their deepest, most intimate feelings to God.

It’s not about having them clap when we say, “Clap,” shout when we say, “Shout,” or weep when we say, “Weep.” It’s about giving people permission to sincerely express their hearts to the Lord without fear of manipulation. Always facilitate!

2. Don’t use words without meaning.

As lead worshipers, we don’t want to become redundant. How do we avoid that distinction?

Recording and listening back honestly to our worship times is a perfect way to weed out those repetitive words and phrases.

Ask the Lord for fresh Scripture and insight for each new worship time. Make this your rule: no worship filler!

3. Avoid wrong keys

Be merciful to worshipers with low voices. Take advantage of every opportunity to pitch high songs a bit lower. Remember, they’ll thank you for it!

4. Avoid Wrong Song Sequence

CAUTION: Moving suddenly from quiet worship into loud, boisterous praise has been known to cause a worship coronary in some lab animals! Be sensitive to the ears and nervous systems of those you are leading.

5. Don’t stop between songs.

Avoid the “stop” and “go” traffic syndrome.

6. Avoid Wrong Chords or Style

For correct style, listen to existing recordings, then modify the original arrangement to one that is relevant to the people you are leading.

7. Avoid Wrong Tempo

Make sure the speed supports the message.