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Suggestions for Song-Leading from an Outsider's Perspective
I love to preach God’s word, but I also love to sing His praises. Both are, thankfully, a frequent occurrence. I have led singing, but I’m not good at it. Apparently I lack the rhythm gene- or at least others have so suggested. I may not be good at preaching either. But at least I’ve had a lot more practice at preaching, and it doesn’t make me nervous like song-leading does. Then too, I’ve been “blessed” over the years with a lot of advice regarding preaching. Much of it has come from those who have never preached, and likely never will do so. Such doesn’t mean I automatically dismiss their perspectives or disregard their suggestions. After all, some of them have heard at least as many sermons as I’ve preached, if not more so! Besides, their “helpful hints” are mostly well intentioned and positively delivered. Sure, some criticisms emanate from shortsighted perspectives, are naïve in their objectives, or may even be selfishly motivated. But others are genuinely meant to make the lessons better for everyone.
Such things prod me to offer some well-intentioned and hopefully positively delivered suggestions for song-leaders, despite me not really being one of you- but as one who has “sat in the pew” and sang a lot of songs over the last several decades. These “helpful hints” are genuinely rendered with the best of intentions toward making our song services more fitting praise to our great God, and more edifying for the congregation.
Take circumstances into consideration when selecting songs. A sermon about death and dying might not be the best choice right after a family in the congregation has lost a loved one. Likewise, take such things into consideration when selecting the hymns you plan to lead. There are going to be times when you’re called upon to lead the song service at the last minute. That’s different. When you only have a few minutes to put together a list, do the best you can. (Perhaps you could prepare and keep a “back-up list” on hand for such occasions?) But when you have it, take the time to consider the specific conditions and circumstances of those being led, and try to select songs that will enlighten or encourage rather further burden their hearts. Songs, too, should be “good for edification according the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear” and sing, Ephesians 4:29.
Consider the capabilities of those being led. There are songs in most hymnals that are simply beyond the capabilities of those untrained in music to sing- at least not without a lot of practice. Save those complicated, difficult songs for special occasions when the audience is more likely to be composed of folks capable of doing them justice. Otherwise, select songs that include and encourage participation rather than those that exclude and discourage it. (Hint: If it doesn’t have a tune that can be whistled, it’s probably beyond the capability of most untrained folks to sing.) Think about the comparison to preaching/teaching again. What if the Pre-K bible class teacher selected Matthew 24 as the text for that class? Little would be accomplished, would it? The “material” has to “match” the capability of the participants. Additionally and related, there are times and occasions for learning “new” songs. The Sunday morning worship service probably isn’t one of them. Struggling through a song we don’t know, or for which we don’t have the capable personnel, and thus can’t really sing, is a wet blanket on the spirit part of worship, cf. John 4:34-24. While our song services should never be regarded as a performance, keep in mind that we are offering “up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name,” Hebrews 13:5. Let’s make sure that the “fruit” is ripe before we offer it to God.
Try to select songs that go together. They can be along a central theme, or be strung together to relay or reinforce a particular spiritual concept or principle. In my opinion at least (which is mostly what this piece really is anyway!), the songs need not necessarily “go with the sermon.” Depending on the week he’s had, the preacher may not even know what he’s preaching until late Saturday night or early Sunday morning. But that shouldn’t necessarily prevent you from having a goal in mind for the song service. What if the sermon was just a collection of random, unconnected verses that happened to be “in the Book” and were particular favorites of the preacher? It wouldn’t do much toward the education or edification of the audience, would it? Likewise, songs carefully chosen, specifically ordered, and thoughtfully led can do much to “teach and admonish,” Colossians 3:16. One more thing on this particular point: when you have a theme or goal for the song service, be sure to take the time to explain to us why you chose each particular song and how it relates to your overall objective. It would be hard to “get the point” if the preacher just read a bunch of verses without explaining how and why they are connected, and what point they collectively make. And finally,
Please “lead,” don’t just “sing.” There is a substantial difference, just like there is a difference between “reading aloud” and “preaching.” And the difference it isn’t just about whether or not you can “beat the time” with your hand while you sing. It is about engaging those whom you seek to lead.
- Please tell us “how” you plan to lead us in each song. Which verses are we going to sing? Will we sing the chorus after each verse, or once after them? Are we going to sing slow and low at the beginning, then faster and louder in crescendo toward the end? Do we need to remember that the alto, tenor, or bass takes the lead in the chorus? We’ll do better at all of these things if we know or are reminded of them in advance.
- Please sing loudly enough that we can hear you over ourselves. If we’re not accomplished singers- and most of us aren’t, or if we’re not very familiar with the song, we have to focus almost all of our attention on the words and music on the page or screen. Thus, we may not be able “watch” you as closely as you or we would like. We need to hear you. If your voice isn’t strong enough or loud enough for us to hear you over our own voices when we “sing out” as we should, then by all means use the microphone- that’s one of the reasons it’s there! Even if we don’t know the difference between 4/4, 3/4, or 6/4 meter, or which one your hand is beating, we can follow your (leading) voice… if we can hear it.
- Please “connect” with us. What if the preacher never looked at his audience, but just stared blankly his Book as he spoke? What if he never changed facial expressions or the tone of his voice? What if he never became passionate about the relevance and purpose of his message? What if he never gestured or emoted? Would the audience be engaged to him as the messenger, or connected with and to the message? Remember that you’re not just “leading” the words and melody of our songs, you’re leading our hearts in praise to God and our minds in “speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs,” Ephesians 5:19. Be expressive and passionate about what you’re leading, and those being led will respond in kind- all to the praise of His glory!
Just to be clear and to prevent unwarranted conclusions, the “suggestions” above are just that- suggestions. They are not “aimed” at anyone, they are “given” for everyone to whatever benefit they may bring to the praise of our God and the encouragement of one another in song.
- Suggestions_for_So ... _from_Outsider.pdf (91.77 kB)
