For today and the next two days I’m going to be posting some videos from a recent Sunday morning at my home church. I know that sharing principles is different from actually seeing what takes place, and a number of people told me how helpful it was the last time I posted the audio from one of our Sunday meetings.
The order of songs that morning was:
How Great is Our God (Chris Tomlin)
Haven’t You Been Good (Steve Earl)
Come Christians Join to Sing (Trad. hymn, vs. 3 by Kevin Hartnett)
Lost in Wonder (Martyn Layzell)
Speak O Lord (Keith Getty & Stuart Townend)
We sang the first two songs as a medley. We had to do the first song a little faster than normal and the second a little slower, but I think it worked. After that, I walked away from the piano to encourage the church in what we were there to do. I don’t think the congregation needs to be exhorted like this every time we sing. Other options are praying, read Scripture, share a testimony, or something else. But it’s helpful to help people understand early in the meeting to remember why we’ve gathered. Everyone isn’t at the same place of understanding or experience.
I try to make what I say engaging, personal, biblical, and usually related to some line we’ve sung or are about to sing. In this case, it’s the latter. I’m trying to connect who God is with where people are at and explain why it makes a difference.
Tomorrow I’ll post a video of the song that followed this exhortation.
Bob,
Thanks for this. This is very helpful to see a lot of things you teach put into action through video from your church.
Often times I don’t slow down enough during the music time of the worship service. Sometimes I think to myself, “Okay, I have to go quickly so that the people won’t get sick of hearing me talk and so we can get to the message, which is what they’ve come to hear.” Wow, what a lie I’m telling myself! God’s Word is the central aspect of the service, but I have an opportunity to help people focus and quiet there hearts as they are reminded of what Jesus has accomplished.
Thanks again for your long-distance mentorship you’ve had to me through your blog. I’ve recently been listening to all the messages from the Worship God confrerences and they’ve impacted my life and ministry significantly. Thanks!
Excellent exhortation, Bob. Thanks for sharing!
Bob,
It is so helpful to learn from you as you craft exhortations and song selections for Sunday morning…could you explain why you chose these songs and put them in this order?
Jon
Looking forward to the video of you guys playing “Come, Christians, Join to Sing.” Thanks for your service to Christ and his church.
Thanks Bob, it’s good to hear that it is not our choice to praise the Lord. It is his grace. Thanks, continue working for the glory of Christ!
Gabriel
That was real food for thought! Thank you! That totally puts Christ at the centre and takes the focus off us! I LOVE it! I am so enjoying these posts!