Song selection...man this can keep you up at night? OR...you simply throw it together last minute. Let me give you a few simple tips for Sunday morning. There is a formula that will help you to create a good environment for Sunday morning. Please remember that this is a guideline...NOT a rule, but a plan that will help you when you are stuck.
1. Always remember that the congregation is entering the building cold. The majority of church attendees have not been in prayer for the last half hour, they just wolfed down breakfast, couldn't find a thing to wear, were stressed about getting to church on time and than finding a parking spot...UGH!!! They need some time to acclimate themselves to the service. Try to start with a song or 2 that is fun, inspiring and light. The theme of the song does not have to be "fluffy" but the feel of the music needs to be inviting, simple to sing and allow the congregation to feel as though "church" has begun.
2. I would strongly recommend that you insert a scripture or a reading that will set the theme for the service. We often forget that The Word Of God is incredibly powerful in the praise and worship part of the service! Allow HIS word to capture the congregation. Once your transition from the faster, upbeat style of music has happened with the spoken word, or welcome prayer - you can than move into something a little more contemplative. Try to have the prayer or the scripture tie in thematically so as to have a smooth transition.
3. Come out of the contemplative and you can go one of 2 ways...IF the flow seems to be moving towards soft intimate worship or if the theme calls for that - go to a chorus or simple well-known song that the people can worship to without the need of the words...OR you can take them to a mid tempo style...It is a good idea to always have a couple songs chosen and than allow spontaneity to direct this. The Holy Spirit is so kind and gentle, but we often do not allow Him to direct once we have a path...true spontaneity only comes from FORM!! If we plan the service and leave space for God to move HE WILL!!
4. With the theme in mind, have a closing song that will tie into it, or at least will set the mood for the style of message that is about to be spoken. It is vital to know the direction of the service. It is awkward if the soft, intimate worship is met by a funny comment. We need to be sensitive to the Spirit and allow Him to influence our planning, and than also leave room for the prompting during the service.
5. Just because you plan and leave space, and pick songs according to the theme - don't be surprised if every once in a while HE changes the plan on you. BUT - our job is not to anticipate that HE will change the plan every week, therefore we don't make one...Plan as though God will not move, and than leave space for when HE DOES!! (by the way - God is always present and is always seeking to bless us!! - it's just a saying...you know what I mean!!)
Prayer is a huge part of service preparation. God will direct and lead. Our job is to communicate what God has laid on our heart. Do not be caught last minute trying to put it together...Plan, create and allow Him to lead.
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