Leading Worship - Caleb Ariyo

True worship is a valuing or a treasuring of God above all things (Rev 4:11) This can be achieved with a right understanding of God’s nature (John 4:24) which helps to know a right valuing of God’s worth.” Let’s start with the inner essence of leading worship (Lead vocalist) and then work out to the more public expressions of worship services 

Leading worship is an important part of any church service. Effective leadership will encourage the congregation to join you in meaningful, heartfelt prayer and praise. Most services start with worship and praise and that shows how important and effective leading worship could influence the whole service. So let's discuss the major things to be considered in leading worship.

1.  Starting worship: 

  a)  - Before starting the worship: make sure every thing needed for the worship is set i.e the sound, instrumentalists, back ups, stage light e.t.c then let your countdown begins. Musical instruments leads most times with a related intro to the starting song.
     A good worship leader do not start worship by singing directly, it is expected for lead vocalist to say few words of greetings, edification, comfort e.t.c so as to bring the whole congregation into oneness.

 b) - Greetings (could be optional): e.g Good morning church, shake hands with the person next to you, smile and so on...

 c)  - Share the truth: it is important for worship leaders to point out biblical explanations related to worship e.g (Psalm 100:1-5), or say something related to the: lyrics of the first song to be led, pastor's sermon, personal experience, biblical confessions, prayers e.t.c All these keep the congregation in a high note of expectance towards the  worship to be led.

 d) - Instructing the congregation: Be polite when instructing congregation e.g ''wherever you are can you just wave your hands to Jesus as we worship this great God'' 
      Please avoid telling congregation to stand up to worship, there are different burdens in the heart of the congregation some could be sad and some happy, therefore  it is the duty of the worship leader to influence the atmosphere to the extent that standing up or kneeling down becomes willing  and automatic without instructing. This is the reason why a worship leader must understand how to enhance an atmosphere of worship

2. Things to consider in leading worship:

a) Spirit filled and sensitive : Our source and  object of worship is God (Rom 11:36) without God factor, there is no purpose for worship and God is worshiped in the spirit realm (john 4:24) worship is all about the spirit .This is the most important aspect in worship, we need to see the spirit in charge and not ourselves as the worship leader. It is an atmosphere shift where Anything can happen, so we need to be sensitive to the atmosphere. Atimes you dwell more than you planned or think for a particular song when you notice the pace of influence and charge the current  song gives to the atmosphere. There could be times when you don't plan singing a song but it keeps coming to you right on stage and you ended singing it mightily. More also, there are times when you just need to stop vocals and intrumentals and and just strings instrument to be played and so on. All these are  Different dimensions that could surface as the holy spirit takes charge in worship. That is why it is necessary for worship leaders to speak in tongues frequently in closet and public ministrations... Tongues sound in worship enhances the worship flow,  and the  aptness  of the congregational worship

b) Song selection : When selecting worship songs, always imagine the atmosphere the song will create. In most cases, This could be achieved by :

 i)  Sing songs that are known by the congregation: Most times sing songs your congregation are familiar with and if you are introducing a new song unknown to them, make sure it is simple for congregation to flow with. For example, sing the easiest part of the song .Most times, the chorus & bridge part of songs are easily learnt by congregation.

ii) Select songs that are inspiring and soul lifting: it is very important to consider the lyrics and the tone of the songs. Good lyrics and tone gives a natural vibe to the congregation. Therefore,It is good for worship leader to know songs that are soul catching, some songs make people go screaming, emotional, in awe, trembling e.t.c

iii) Be conscious of the congregation: Know their biblical depth /believe so as to know the type of songs to be selected. Some songs lyrics aren't biblical to some churches while to some it's biblical and some songs lyrics are generally accepted...More also,  During worship, dwell more in songs that bring an atmosphere shift. Once you notice this atmosphere changes you can repeat the song as long as you like at your discretion. 
Atimes changing to another song could kill the vibe in the atmosphere, so it is possible you end the worship with that song and in the other way, it could be changing to another song that will increase the vibe, so the worship leader's discretion is needed here.

c) Song arrangement:  you've selected worship songs. Now what? Most songs call for more than simply the original skeleton of voice and instrumentals. But just how do you arrange ? Proper arrangement makes songs suit in as a medley and this makes music interesting.
      In song arrangement, it is good for song to climb i.e start worship on a good note and gradually the worship get more intensed till the end of the worship. Just don't start worship with high vibe and later on the vibe decreases along the line....if you are starting on a high note of intensity maintain it till the worship session is over. All these mentioned are determined with proper song arrangement.              For instance, Some songs generally are of high intensity while some are calm. The calm type are usually good for starting worship, so as a worship leader you should know the vibe and intensity each song could give . This will help in song arrangement. Other major tips in song arrangement are
i) Arranging songs based on style, pitch , tempo, and rhythm
ii) Arranging songs based on lyrical interpretation
iii) Arranging songs based on lyrical alikeness

d) Vocal power : your vocal strength amplifiers your vocal delivery and this naturally captivate the audience attention i.e it makes the song sounds real.

e) Great Pronunciation: the lyrics of your songs should be well delivered. Your pronunciation really matters than you think.

f) Stage management and attire should be pleasant for sighting : As a worship leader try to know your feedback. How you look on stage? Your Charisma ? The fitting attire and not being a distraction. E.g making a video record of your worship helps in stage management.

g) Musical knacks: when leading worship your Adlibs, riffs, runs , and high pitching are very important. It make songs interesting and of course, effective to listeners. All the knacks listed, should be done when necessary. I've noticed some of our singers that are actually skillful, overdo this in worship. As a worship leader or instrumentalist you should be discipline in your knacks especially when ministering in worship, stop making worship all about you or how skillful you are.



Thank you for reading! It's my pleasure to entertain any question related to Worship Leading.