As we all know there are practicalities in our service as a worship ministry. Communication is one of them. There is one that links both the spiritual end and the practical end of praise and worship, and that is the act of exhortation. By its definition, it is an address or communication emphatically urging someone to do something. Here are some points to consider if you would like to explore and improve your exhortation.
1. What to Say and What Not to Say
- What to Say:
- Purposeful and Encouraging Language: The words a worship leader chooses set the tone for the congregation. Begin with a warm, inviting greeting, such as, “Good morning, church family! Let’s take this time to prepare our hearts for worship.” Using language that invites and welcomes everyone helps build an open and inclusive environment.
- Scripture-Focused Language: Use verses or words that remind everyone of God’s greatness, love, and faithfulness. For example, quoting verses like Psalm 95:6, “Come, let us bow down in worship,” directs focus back to God and His worthiness of our praise.
- Inviting Authentic Worship: Phrases like, “Let’s worship from our hearts” or “Lift up His name with thanksgiving” encourage sincerity in worship without adding pressure. This also aligns with Jesus’ teaching in John 4:24, that worship should be “in spirit and in truth.” Avoid overly repetitive language or cliches by praying beforehand about the words you use
- What Not to Say:
- Avoid Judgmental or Pressuring Language: Statements like, “Why aren’t you singing?” or “You should worship harder!” can create a sense of guilt, which can hinder a true spirit of worship. Instead, always encourage with positive language.
- Minimize Personal Stories During Worship: Personal stories can be powerful, but too many can shift focus away from God. Be selective, using only those that serve the worship theme and help people relate to God in the moment. Overuse of personal anecdotes can sometimes come off as self-focused rather than God-centered.
2. Call to Worship
- Purpose: The call to worship is an invitation to engage with God, shifting hearts and minds from daily concerns to a space of reverence. A well-chosen scripture, such as Psalm 100:4 (“Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise”), can beautifully set the tone.
- Execution: With confidence and warmth, lead the congregation to focus their minds on God, saying something like, “As we gather, let’s remember God’s presence with us. Let’s lift our hearts in praise.” Keep it short but impactful to transition smoothly into worship.
3. Understanding the Call to Worship:
- What a Call to Worship is:
- The call to worship is more than just a start; it’s an intentional invitation to set aside distractions and enter into a place of focus on God. This moment helps align everyone’s hearts and minds with the purpose of worship. You’re inviting the congregation to turn their gaze away from daily struggles and toward God.
- Effective Call to Worship:
- Use a meaningful scripture or short exhortation to set the atmosphere. For example, “As we gather today, let’s remember that God is here with us, ready to receive our praise,” or quote Psalm 100:4, “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.” Keep it brief but impactful to smoothly lead into worship.
- Keep it Focused on God: Avoid getting into announcements or logistical details here. The call to worship should create a moment of spiritual preparation that sets a reverent tone, inviting everyone to engage directly with God.
4. Inviting People to Engage in Worship
- Creating an Inclusive Invitation:
- Think of your invitation to worship as a way of saying, “This is a safe space, and everyone is welcome here.” Statements like, “Feel free to worship in a way that feels meaningful to you, whether that’s standing, singing, or simply reflecting,” make worship accessible for everyone.
- Encouraging Participation with Freedom:
- Use language that invites people to actively join in without pressure, such as, “Let’s sing this next song together,” or “Let’s worship as one body.” Offer gentle guidance, like, “Feel free to lift your hands or sing out in worship,” which invites expression while respecting everyone’s comfort levels.
- Respecting Diversity:
- Not everyone in the congregation may be accustomed to expressive worship, so it’s helpful to invite participation in a way that doesn’t alienate anyone. Worship leading should foster unity, allowing everyone to worship in their unique, heartfelt ways.
5. Creating an Atmosphere of Worship
- Setting a Reverent and Joyful Tone:
- As a worship leader, you set the spiritual temperature of the room. Your posture, expressions, and tone can encourage an atmosphere of reverence and joy. Demonstrate a sincere focus on God and a sense of awe. You’re inviting people to experience the presence of God, not just to sing songs.
- Using Transitions Wisely:
- Between songs, use brief prayers or quiet, reverent statements to maintain the flow of worship. Soft instrumental music can help carry the spirit of worship forward without interrupting the congregation’s focus. For example, between songs, you might say, “Let’s take a moment to thank God for His goodness” or “Holy Spirit, fill this place as we draw near to You.”
- Avoiding Performance Mindset:
- A worship leader should balance enthusiasm with humility, remembering that the goal is to draw attention to God rather than the worship team. Enthusiasm is valuable, but if it becomes showy, it can become distracting. Authentic worship is about keeping our focus on God and leading the congregation to do the same.
Questions:
- In your experience, what words or phrases from a worship leader have helped you feel more connected or engaged in worship? Are there any that have been unhelpful or distracting?
- How can we, as worship leaders, create an atmosphere that is both inviting and reverent? What specific actions or words can help balance joy with humility?
- What are some effective ways to invite people into worship without making anyone feel pressured or self-conscious? How can we be sensitive to varying comfort levels in worship styles?
Part 2: Intentional Leading
Question:
How can you and your team be more in tune and intentional in leading your congregation?
Reflection:
Go back and listen to one of your services and consider ways that worked and could be improved to better engage and invite your congregation to worship.
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
May I find the wisdom and understanding to follow Your will and the sensitivity to always watch over and care for the people I serve. May I take joy in the privilege of giving my life to them and to You. Let my heart be filled with gratitude when someone comes to know You through my work. And may I always remember that I am merely a willing vessel, blessed to be in Your presence as I serve Your people.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.