We All Like New Things: Why Singing a New Song Is Important

Introducing new songs is vital to keep worship fresh, but it can be challenging. Over-relying on familiar songs leads to diminishing returns. Regular evaluation of your song choices, even soliciting feedback, reveals when it’s time for something new. Go slow, just 1-2 songs per month. Use repetition across services and over weeks to build familiarity. Tell people it’s new and teach it line-by-line. Surround a new song with “home runs” to avoid alienating some. Try different arrangements over time. New songs, though requiring persistence, breathe life into worship by speaking to new seasons.

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12 Ways To Grow Your Worship Ministry

Are you trying to grow in your calling as a worship leader? Here’s a powerful list of 12 keys that presents wisdom gained from author Mark Cole’s 30+ years of leading worship. Things like developing administrative skills, running effective rehearsals, picking great songs, building a strong team, mentoring new leaders, keeping your heart soft before God, and more. Wow! A few keys that stand out – spending enough time in worship beyond just practicing, bringing along new musicians, and taking real time off each week. How are we doing with spiritual disciplines like Bible reading, prayer, and alone time with God? And what about family? When did you last have a date night with your spouse? Let’s keep pressing in to be all God has called us to be.

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Behind the Decline: Unraveling the Forgotten Reasons of Fading Neighborhood Churches

Sam Rainer, President & Senior Consultant at Church Answers, explores the challenges faced by neighborhood churches in today’s changing landscape. As a contemporary church worship leader, understanding these issues is crucial for fostering growth and vitality in your congregation.

Rainer delves into the historical context of neighborhood churches, highlighting how many struggled to adapt to shifting demographics during the civil rights movement. He notes that while the “white flight” of churches was a significant factor, it doesn’t fully explain the ongoing decline of neighborhood churches.

The article presents seven key reasons for this decline, each offering valuable insights for worship leaders seeking to revitalize their churches. Rainer discusses the detrimental effects of a “me-first” mentality, where personal preferences take precedence over God’s mission. He also explores the “church bubble syndrome,” which creates invisible walls that limit the reach of the gospel.

Rainer emphasizes the importance of having an expectation of growth and being aware of demographic mismatches within the community. He stresses the vital role of vibrant prayer in renewing neighborhood churches and the impact of poor leadership coupled with apathy or antagonism toward the community.

The article also addresses the significance of attractive facilities, noting that a church campus should be a point of pride in the neighborhood. Rainer explains how both run-down and inaccessible campuses can be unattractive to potential visitors.

Despite the challenges, Rainer believes in the potential for a neighborhood church comeback. He highlights the advantages of smaller campuses, tailored ministries, and the opportunity to capture people based on local presence rather than denominational preference.

If you’re a worship leader looking to understand the factors contributing to the decline of neighborhood churches and seeking inspiration for renewal, this article is a must-read. Rainer’s insights and practical observations will help you navigate the challenges and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead for your church.

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9 Tips for Teaching Your Worship Team a New Song

Introducing a new worship song to your team can be tricky, but good preparation is key. Here are 9 tips to help your team learn a new song well, like sharing the original recording, finding great charts, showing live videos, using training resources, purchasing multitracks, writing vocal parts, modifying the song structure, and more.

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The Top 20 Fast Worship Songs of 2023 [with Tutorials]

Looking for the best fast tempo worship songs to elevate your service? Here’s a compiled list of 20 upbeat praise songs [with tutorials!] with driving rhythms, passionate vocals, and powerful messages that will get your congregation singing, dancing, and celebrating God’s goodness.

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4 Ways To Bring Your Congregation Forward In Worship

Do you long to see your congregation more fully engaged in worship? Here are 4 practical ways to help move people forward on their worship journey. The keys that jump out – take time and don’t rush changes. Know the congregation’s “sweet spot” and work with it, honoring what connects them to God. Model passionate worship first, then gather a team to represent that engagement. Teach about worship engagement through song choices and instructions. Listen carefully to responses to new things, understanding people’s longing for the familiar. This isn’t about pushing preferences, but pastorally serving the church family. Change takes time.

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5 Best Practices For Leading Worship For A Funeral

Leading worship at a funeral service comes with unique challenges and opportunities. Music can provide comfort and healing to those who are grieving, but how do we choose the right songs and instruments? Dan Wilt shares 5 best practices for worship leaders serving families in mourning. From recognizing the vulnerable emotional state of attendees, to selecting instruments and songs that create peace, Wilt provides guidance on serving with sensitivity.

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