SMALL GROUP WORSHIP

Here are some quick pointers for people who lead musical worship in small groups.

Be Prepared
Pray about preparing your set, be asking what does God want to say to the group and how can you help people respond? Try and communicate with the speaker and find out what the topic is, this may help you in choosing and shaping songs.
Worship God with the songs you have chosen, we cannot lead people to places we have not been ourselves. Leading worship is a great responsibility and one we must take seriously.
Practice transitions between the songs to help keep the set flowing and focused. Don’t be afraid to use silence though if you feel it is more appropriate.
If you want to start with a few words to help usher people from the business of life into a place they are ready to focus on and worship God in song, don’t be afraid to write down some thoughts/words/scripture etc…. It’s better to read from a sheet and be focused then ‘blag it’ and waffle / be inaccurate.
In relation to this don’t be afraid to use Chord Sheets, again It is better to use them and lead well, than not use them and lead badly.

Be Practical
Think about song keys.  Try to be aware of the difference in men and women’s standard vocal ranges, and plan your songs accordingly.  As a rule in a small group setting, maybe don’t go above a C in the melody, as this can alienate people, If in any doubt, always go with a lower key.
Try not to use songs with male and female parts, (unless you are all confident singers) this can make things very uncomfortable for people!
Always sing and lead with confidence, musical worship in a small group setting is very intimate and exposed and this can be unnerving for some people.  As the leader, you need to inspire confidence, by singing out and leading with boldness as well as sensitivity.

Be Perceptive
When leading, try and keep your eyes open as much as possible to gauge what God is doing in people, and so you know whether to go further and deeper with a song, or to bring it to a close.
Don’t be afraid to make eye contact with people – the Biblical model of worship is both vertical (directed towards God) and horizontal (directed to encourage each other). (Col 3:16).
Be aware of the Spirit prompting you to repeat sections of songs, to emphasise particular lines or key phrases perhaps.  Be brave and follow His leading, even if it might be scary or unnerving – God is in control and it’s a safe place to experiment and explore as a group.

Be Punctual
Make sure you have plenty of time to settle yourself, get your music out and get your instrument tuned up. There is nothing more hindering then coming in late and leading when flustered and unprepared.