This week I have the awesome privilege of leading worship with a terrific group of musicians, singers and choir. I am very excited. I asked the Pastor what he was preaching on and he gave me the text above emphasizing the theme of "putting God in charge of your future," a TERRIFIC sermon for me right now in this transition. I thought I would share my set list with you and some of my thoughts behind it.
Opening Song - Power in the Blood - medium tempo bluesy feel.
*Because this church is very blended, I chose a familiar hymn with a different rhythm style. We start right out proclaiming that through the Blood of Jesus Christ WE have POWER over sin. The song is affirming and reminding us where our strength comes from.
Welcome etc.
Indescribable- I chose this song because once again it reminds us of the awesome power of God. If God made all of Creation how can we not give Him all praise?
Hosanna - Another song about the majesty of the King - with the wonderful middle kicker - break my heart and make it clean, open up my eyes to the things unseen, show me how to love like You have loved me etc. Here we segue into our submission to God and recognizing that He must be at the forefront. A song of submission.
We Declare Your Majesty - After such a song of submission and heart cry we once again lifted our voices to declare the mighty power of God and the final line "in adoration we bow before your throne."
Finally - The Kari Jobe version off the new Hymn CD Be Still My Soul - In You I Rest. This song is very personal - simple, quiet and contemplative. It allows the congregation to settle themselves and reminds us that in order to put God first we must Be Still and trust.
As I was preparing this set list and found the song by Jobe I went to Youtube and the first comment that was listed was from a young woman who had been contemplating suicide (no reason given). She shared this with readers: "I turned on pandora to listen to some piano music because I felt stressed like I couldn't take it anymore and the piano piece of this came on. I looked it up to hear the lyrics. ...the coincidence that this had to be the song I'd hear right after thinking about suicide. Wow. Chills go through me. I think this is a message".
My lead in to the song:
"How appropriate as many young people contemplate suicide because of the stress in their lives from the world. Allowing Jesus to shape our future is the message Pastor has for us today. As we sing this song this morning - allow yourself to be still of all thoughts or anxieties you have and let Shepherd minister to you today through His Word."
I hope someone somewhere benefits from the process I use to create a worship service. Always keep three things in mind.
1. Select music that supports the Pastor's text. Don't preach the message for him, but set the table well.
2. When unsure of the churches "style", ask and then stay on the slightly more conservative side. Unless you are there to "perform" a concert - keep it simple, beautiful, and easy to participate in.
3. Create to the worship ministries strengths. I did my homework and found out that they have tremendous vocalists and highly gifted musicians. Knowing this, it allowed me to choose songs with key changes and big vocal "lifts" that would work with less skilled musicians, but would take longer to learn. I have one hour to rehearse all songs with the band and singers.
Feel free to leave any comments below or on my Facebook Page!
Blessings this week and may you ALL have a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit in your Worship this Week!
Cathy
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