Year: 2021

Planning Worship with a Worship Directory

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Modern options for worship range from fixed liturgical practice at one end to “free church” liberty at the other. The directory approach, common among Presbyterians, falls in the middle. Modern directories are adaptations of the original directory of the church of Scotland (first published in 1645). In recent years many Presbyterian denominations have adopted new directories with the intent of using them to reform and renew worship. A directory not only guides worship, but also is useful as a teaching tool for pastors, leaders, and members.

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Planning Praise-and-Worship-Style Worship

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Planning worship is sometimes problematic for leaders. Prayer is always the prelude to good planning; but the selection and ordering of songs for worship is also a spiritual activity. An effective leader compiles a master song list, allows a theme to influence his or her selections, anticipates the mood of the congregation, and takes into account the musical and lyrical content of each piece. When these preparations are carried out diligently, the leader will be able to lead the people gently into the presence of God.

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Planning Creative Worship

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The communal nature of public worship is shaped and affirmed by liturgy, which is a script of a congregation’s unfolding thought processes, social interaction, and psychological movement. Liturgy proceeds in stages of collective activities that can be both physical (outward) and psychological (inward); it helps a worshiping community gradually move into the presence of God.

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Planning Traditional Worship

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Long-range and short-range planning are essential to worship services characterized by strength, order, and beauty. Pastors and church musicians are responsible for planning, but participation in music during worship should include adult and children’s choirs and the congregation singing hymns, psalms, and anthems together.

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Getting the Most out of Rehearsals

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Many churches ask for some practical ideas for their worship team rehearsals. Often, these practice sessions become mundane and boring. I don’t necessarily have the final word on how to handle these sessions, but here are a few practical tips.

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Leadership with Style and Grace

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This entry discusses use of body language (face, eyes, arms and hands, posture, movements); proper attire; movement and flow of a service; the role of silence; and a worship leader’s relation to the rest of the assembly.

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Practical Advice for Worship Leadership

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Little things count. Improving oneself in the small but important practical aspects of worship leading can lead to greater effectiveness in that role. This entry gives practical instruction in a number of these areas, including visual presentation, oral delivery, movement and choreography, and content of services.

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Developing Communication Skills for Leading Worship

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Three attitudes affect our communication with others: dignity, humility, and respect. Also important to our communication are five areas of confidence: in ourselves, in our relationship with the Lord, in our relationship with the people, in the importance of our ministry, and in the use of our tools.

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