I\u2019m aware that for many people reading the question posed in the title of this post, their immediate and firm answer is, \u201cNothing!\u201d<\/p>\n
I, too, have been the victim (and the perpetrator) of comments during corporate worship that are more distracting than helpful. That\u2019s why I want to list ten practical aspects today that hopefully will keep a well-intentioned, zealous leader from misinterpreting what I\u2019ve been saying.<\/p>\n
1. Recognize that God\u2019s words outlast ours. If I say something, I want to direct people\u2019s attention to the unchanging truth of God\u2019s Word, rather than my own creativity or insights. Sometimes simply reading a Scripture is the best thing to do. Have a Bible\u00a0 with you when you lead, and don\u2019t read Scripture casually or quickly. It\u2019s also helpful to memorize, or at least be very familiar with, any Scripture you refer to.<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n 2. Plan the progression of songs so you don\u2019t have to say that much. 3. Behold the beauty of brevity. 4. Brief phrases (spoken or sung) between lines of a song can accomplish the same goals as longer comments. Repeat a line\u00a0(\u201dThis the power\u2026this is the power<\/em>\u201c) 5. Varying the length, timing, sources, etc. of what you say can keep people from checking out mentally. 6. Don\u2019t underestimate the value of preparation. 7. View testimonies, personal illustrations, and non-biblical quotes like spices – use them sparingly or they ruin the meal.<\/strong><\/p>\n 8. Don\u2019t assume you have to play your instrument while you\u2019re speaking. 9. Prayer is speaking, too. The same principles apply. 10. Ask others for feedback to find out how you can grow. One final point. It\u2019s not necessarily the lead musician\u2019s job to talk. It could just as well be the pastor, and in some cases,\u00a0should<\/em> be the pastor. But every worship leader could benefit from thinking more carefully about how, when, and why to say something when they lead. Sad to say that after 30 years, it\u2019s something I\u2019m still learning.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n You can read part one here<\/a>, and part two here<\/a>. The message these posts were taken from can be downloaded for free at the Sovereign Grace Online Store.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n
\nFor the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Heb. 4:12<\/a>; cf. 2 Tim. 3:16<\/a>)<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n
\nI\u2019ve found that speaking sooner is usually better than later. It\u2019s helpful to consider how last lines and first lines connect. If a song doesn\u2019t need an introduction, don\u2019t give it one. Starting with the chorus sometimes makes a better transition from the last song.\u00a0While there\u2019s no \u201crule\u201d that says we can\u2019t say something between every song, it\u2019s generally not a good idea. You only need a road sign when you turn.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n
\nSay what you need to say: one thought, one Scripture, one application.\u00a0If you have trouble following what you\u2019re saying, your listeners won\u2019t fare much better.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n
\nRather than speak between songs, you can say something during<\/em> a song.\u00a0But don\u2019t interject phrases so often that people grow immune to your comments. A few ideas:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n
\nContrast a line\u00a0(\u201dI am not skilled to understand\u2026but you know it all<\/em>\u201c)
\nExpand on a thought (\u201dHow deep the Father\u2019s love for us\u2026displayed at the cross<\/em>\u201c)
\nAdd to a thought (\u201dHow great is our God\u2026you rescue sinners<\/em>\u201c)<\/p>\n
\nSimply put, don\u2019t do the same thing every time you lead.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n
\nTwo minutes of speaking might take two hours of preparation.\u00a0It can be helpful to write down what you plan to say. That will help you to organize your thoughts, avoid rambling, run it by your pastor, and keep it from going too long. But don\u2019t read it! I\u2019ve found that the more time I\u2019ve taken to prepare, the easier it is for me to share spontaneously and from my heart.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n
\nThe Holy Spirit doesn\u2019t require<\/em> musical accompaniment to do his work. Ask someone else to play, or talk without the music.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n
\nConsider thinking through how you\u2019ll pray.\u00a0Root your prayers in God\u2019s promises, not simply our responses.\u00a0Remember you\u2019re praying for the group, not just yourself. It can be helpful to use phrases from songs to deepen their impact.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n
\nYour pastor, your spouse, your children, and a good friend are all good options for finding out whether what you\u2019re saying is helpful or not. And remember that every mistake is an opportunity to grow.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n