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Leading Worship in Your Small Group
By Paul | March 7, 2007
by Chip Roebuck, Director of Music and Media
A couple of verses that I think are foundational regarding worship comes from John 4:23-24 which says “But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” God’s desire is to transform us into worshippers of Him.
Worship is not limited to musical expression. Real worship happens when our spirit responds to God expressing His worth in a way this is pleasing to Him.
Helpful Hints in Leading Worship
1. Simple: For new people attending a small group, it’s good to choose 3 to 4 simple songs. Choose songs where the lyrics are easily understood and spend a little time explaining words that a newcomer may have trouble understanding. If you don’t have accompaniment that can drive faster songs, try to sing mostly medium to slow worship songs that are easier follow. Choose songs that are in the same or related key and tempo. Of course this depends on the skill of the worship leader if you have one.
2. Leading by the Holy Spirit: Be prepared to lead in any style that is appropriate to what the Spirit is doing in your midst; sometimes it is celebration, praise and thanksgiving; sometimes it is quiet adoration; other times, in repentance and prayer. Not all small groups need a musical instrument to worship. Some groups follow worship DVD’s and CD’s, and some do without either; it is an issue of the heart.
3. Variety: Mix worship up and keep a good balance in the styles of worship songs. Try some new things. Singing is the most common way of worshipping the Lord, but there are other ways (e.g. devotional time, a testimony, opening prayer, victory shouts, prayers of praise, use of Psalms, etc.). Encourage people to offer prayers of praise to the Lord during the worship time, giving thanks or praise to God for Who He is.
4. Resources: You can get songbooks and chord books for your small group at the reception desk in the office during the week. Some groups don’t have a guitar or keyboard player and have used various worship DVD sets that have both lyrics and video to lead small group singing.
Here are a couple web links to some Worship DVD resources:
http://www.integritymusic.com/music/music.php?target=nrp/iworshipcd.html
http://shopping.lifetogether.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=DVD-WSP-04
Topics: Instruct |
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