[This post is part of a series on Your Guide to Selecting and Leading Songs for Worship. Check out the rest here.]

Ever seen U2 in concert? I cannot say that I have yet, but what I’ve heard from friends and seen via youtube is nothing short of magical. Thousands upon thousands of people are not merely singing songs together – they are fully immersed in the experience. I’ve heard it said that it’s akin to a worship service. People sing loud, lift their hands, cry, and gush over their favorite rockstar superheroes.

Does this video resemble a worship service to you? (And if you were depressed by this years halftime show, be revived by this one).

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Looking to attract more volunteers while strengthening the team you have? Sometimes all it takes is a little intentionality and evaluation of what you are doing as a leader.

Here’s why I would volunteer on your worship team:

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[This post is part of a series on Your Guide to Selecting and Leading Songs for Worship. Check out the rest here.]

Ever force a family member or friend to ride a roller coaster they didn’t want to ride? And they hated you for it? Sometimes our worship sets are like a crazy roller coaster…that people are forced to endure. Up, down, spinning around, stop, go, headache, whip, punch-myself-in-the-face-this-is-so-awful.

Why? Because there’s no continuity – no flow. It’s simply a hodge podge of songs. I’ve been in worship services (and led worship services) where this was the case. I’d rather not do it again.

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Do you know that your style of worship leading could be hindering people from entering in? Could it be that, good intentions and all, you are a distraction to worship? Before you write me off, consider the possibility and allow me to explain.

When you prepare your worship services, the first thoughts on your mind are probably not trumpet solos and conducting. At least that hasn’t been the case for me. But they both have important lessons to teach us on how to engage a congregation in worship effectively.

This topic of engaging a congregation has really stole my attention the past few months. I’m not content to just perform well. I want people to truly experience God. And based on the fact that you read this blog, I assume that’s your desire too.

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