Question:
What do you do, as a worship leader, when introducing a new song to the congregation? My mentor worship leader (read: worship pastor) has repeatedly encouraged me to have the congregation sit when I introduce a new song, play it through a couple times, then have the people stand on maybe the third chorus. I know it depends on the church, but the church I got to is largely based on fast paced, varied modern worship with lots of new songs being introduced on a constant basis. I find having them sit wholly unnecessary, and kind of akward.
So what do you folks do?
Answer:
We try to avoid the popcorn effect, where it seems like we're making the congregation sit and stand all the time, but sometimes they like to be sitting when they first hear a new song-then they're more comfortable, and they can listen to the song. Often when we teach a song its a choir anthem first though, so it may be a different situation.
Answer:
Lots of times, I will do a new song during the offering, where the congregation isn't participating. I project the lyrics, and some will join in before it's over. Then I will work the song into the next week, and probably again 2 weeks after that.
If I'm want them to sing the song the same week I introduce it, then I let tempo dictate whether or not they sit. If it's upbeat, I have them stand. If slower, I let them sit the whole time (and put the song in a set where they remain seated, or will stand later).
Answer:
yeah thats what I do, I will play the song before the service and announce that it is a new one we willl be doing later then when we do it in the service they will have an idea as to how it goes.
God Bless, Rich
Answer:
We play the song and generally repeat it the sunday after next because people do get board with too much repetition. But we also have a cd that we play before, after, and during the fellowship time at our church and it is normally full of new songs that we plan to do in the future.
Answer:
Originally Posted by Tony Lots of times, I will do a new song during the offering, where the congregation isn't participating. I project the lyrics, and some will join in before it's over. Then I will work the song into the next week, and probably again 2 weeks after that.
This has been one of our primary methods for introducing new songs, too.
In His love,
Nate
Answer:
Wet hair. Lather. Rinse. Repeat.
But seriously...
I think introducing new songs during a time when the congregation does not normally sing is a good idea. (1) It allows them to get to know the song before trying to sing it. (2) It doesn't disrupt the flow of the congregational worship by having them struggle with a song they don't know.
Answer:
This is all good strategy, but for the sake of arguement...
It's important not to treat people like they're stupid. If you pop a new song into the rotation without warning, it's not like they're going to curl into the fetal position. Provide the words and give them time to catch on; they will.
Answer:
Originally Posted by Mr. Squirrel This is all good strategy, but for the sake of arguement...
It's important not to treat people like they're stupid. If you pop a new song into the rotation without warning, it's not like they're going to curl into the fetal position. Provide the words and give them time to catch on; they will. I don't believe it's an issue of intelligence (although I see your point). Rather, it's the balance of trying to introduce new material into a worship setting without disrupting the event. In many cases, the time spent learning a new song does not contribute to the overall worship environment.
This is why I rarely do more than one new song in a service.
Answer:
Originally Posted by Tony I don't believe it's an issue of intelligence (although I see your point). Rather, it's the balance of trying to introduce new material into a worship setting without disrupting the event. In many cases, the time spent learning a new song does not contribute to the overall worship environment.
This is why I rarely do more than one new song in a service.
You're absolutely right. My comment was simply for shedding light on another angle.
In my church we like to introduce songs while the congregation is seated, as well.
Answer:
i prefer to stick it in the middle of the worship somewhere, and just before we do it announce that it is a new song, and then if its fast ask them to clap their hands.... this way they get involved without making a huge thing.... most songs are pretty easy, and the congregation will catch on....
that being said sometimes sitting is good too!
Answer:
We usually do new songs as a prelude or offertory. Usually the congregation is mostly sitting then.
Answer:
...yeah...we do the prelude thing too....then repeat the song for a couple sundays in a row....sometimes we'll introduce it at the midweek service first...just to see how it is accepted.
Answer:
heartofworship.com has a great article here about how to introduce new songs!
hope it helps
pat D
Answer:
that article is here actually!