I just realized I completely forgot to mention where I heard this concept! I read it in Biblical Foundations of Corporate Worship by Scott Aniol - amzn.to/3SKmPb5 (If you purchase the book through this link, I'll receive a small commission). I wasn't necessarily on board with everything in this book but I found it an interesting (and short but insightful!) read nonetheless.
I am the worship leader for Calvary chaple Shuswap in canada BC. I have always opened with the word of God. I agree with you, its much more impactful to respond when God speaks first!! Love your videos. Thankyou for taking the time to do them.
Thank you so much for the scripts! It really helps me figure out the context and how to assemble what to say in between worship songs and how to start.
We open every Sunday with a Call to Worship from Scripture as well. Worship (not as singing but as presenting yourself as living sacrifice) is a response to knowing how God has moved on our behalf. We must hear from God first to truly be able to sing with joyful hearts. This is something every music leader in a church has to understand, and unfortunately it seems lost in most modern church contexts. Thanks for sharing this info, Spencer!
This vid is already a year old, but I comment none the less… I grew up in a tradition with a large church organ. Services would start with organ music and once it ends there was the pronouncement from the minister with a passage of scripture followed by the first hymn. What you are proposing is more in this direction and I agree it sets a very different mindset.
Great video! Thanks, Spencer! After reading Matt Meeker's Corporate Worship book, (can't recall the exact title) we begin our worship with greetings, a moment of silence to get focused on God, and then scripture reading, then song and scripture reading in between songs (4 songs in all) that relate to the following song. Scripture reading helps with song transitions and relays why we are singing a particular song. Take care y'all!
Every church I've been a part of for the last 30 years that has had a contemporary service has practiced worship as a monologue. It's not like a traditional service where the congregation sings hymns together. Where did the contemporary church ever get the idea to turn off the house lights during the music? Some worship leaders claim it's to make the congregants more comfortable, less afraid to sing and be seen by others. I can't shake the feeling that the worship portion of most contemporary services is more like a concert. I've tried to have this discussion with several worship leaders. But I've been made to feel that, as a sound tech, I don't really understand how contemporary worship works. I continue to pray about it.
I totally agree! My Pastor came up with a call to worship, which would be the reading of scripture, and he wants to do it after the first song. But I was saying we should put scripture before the songs because scripture is more important, but he still wants to keep it after the first song 😪 great video!
Hmm... I think sometimes people want to put music first because they think it'll start off the service with the right "energy." That's why most of the time people (including myself sometimes) start with an upbeat song. Starting with Scripture isn't a hard and fast rule, I just think it's a good idea. So, be in conversation with your pastor but ultimately we have to submit to our pastor's vision for how the church service is led. Keep leading well Anthony! 👊
It is not to start off with big energy. It might be wise to wait a song because people are just entering and not able to yet focus. 1 song in they have set their things down and put their attention towards worship instead of missing the scripture or call to worship because they are getting themselves and family settled. That's my humble opinion. But this will look different in each setting of course.
@@thelittlerustictylerlittle673 I get that, but we, as worship leaders, also want them to participate in the full worship. If they are coming in and settling during the song, they miss half the point. p.s. my church does a one song, no intro whatsoever, then a clumsy "call to worship" with a verse halls thought through, then a second song. and finally announcements, sermon, 3 more song, ends of service
I lead the worship team at a liturgical church (Lutheran - LCMS) and I guess just take for granted that we speak the Word of God as a church every week multiple times within even the first 10 minutes through confession/absolution, psalm/antiphon, etc.. I used to think it was "boring", but if your description of contemporary worship services is accurate, I wouldn't trade this at all. It's very disheartening to hear that churches just sing songs and consider that "worship" by itself. While songs have scripture in them, it's not the same as hearing or speaking God's word. This video gives me a new appreciation for liturgy and I pray more churches move that direction. Thank you for realizing this and starting it in your church. What's old is new again.
Hi there brother. I'm from Philippines. Shalom. I would like to ask you about the commitment of a member in a worship team. Can a member of a worship team play in church and in school activities such as battle of the band or special number singing worldly songs? Other church leaders are allowing their worship team members to play outside as long as it is a school activity. What are your thoughts on this. Can you please include this in your future videos? Thank you so much & God bless
On Sunday mornings, everyone knows I open the service with good morning New Life Center! Isn't it good to be in the house of the Lord?! Everyone starts ramble in to get in their place. I say let's all stand up if we can. I cover some of the announcements and then do my scripture of the day. I ask if there's any prayer requests and then I pray. If there's not any prayer requests, I will ask someone else on the praise team to open in prayer... we do our Bible declaration, give the Lord a shot of praise, and then, go right into song. Sometimes I tell them that alters are open, as usual let's do this together or let's do that together. Sometimes we have a lot of new people and they just don't know how to worship so when we instruct them as a whole, I think it draws them into the unity of the church And teaches them how to worship. The last three or four Sundays have been extremely powerful!
Spencer, I really really hope you won't consider this question, rude, or like I'm imposing on you and your church, but is there anywhere I could go either live or archived to here your worship band playing in a worship service? I've heard you with your guitar a bit on this channel, but I would absolutely love to hear your entire band in full context.
Not imposing at all. Here's a link to my church's livestream: www.youtube.com/@salemunitedbrethren4637 Prepare yourself to see a normal worship leader serving in a normal local church 🙂
@@LeadingWorshipWell so, I noticed one thing when listening to your music. It sounds to me like you are influenced heavily by Bob Dylan. Your vocals just sound very similar to him. Like, ridiculously so. Would you tend to agree, or have you honestly never really thought about it. I'm going to be honest when I say this with complete love, and with complete respect, but I'm not so sure that I'm really crazy about your vocal. I however have huge huge respect for what you do, and I love the content you produce on your TH-cam channel. And, doctrinally speaking, I agree with 99.999% of it. It just felt like with the vocal, when I listened to the last service that you had on the TH-cam channel link you provided, it almost sounds like you're purposely trying to sound like another singer. As I said, I hear a lot of Bob Dylan in this. I don't think that you purposefully meant to do that, but what I would say to you would be, the same thing that you have said to everyone else on your channel, just be yourself. It sounds to me like the vibe I got was that you were trying too hard. Please don't take it personally! I'm simply just offering my personal opinion.
@@ChrisGilland lol! Thanks for your comment Chris. I'm not offended. But that's literally my normal voice - I'm not a Bob Dylan fan and I'm not trying to sound like anyone else 😂 I know I'm not the best vocalist in the world. I've talked about that many times on the channel. Luckily you don't have to be the best vocalist to lead worship. Glad you're here Chris! Your comments always bring a smile to my face 🙂
I just realized I completely forgot to mention where I heard this concept! I read it in Biblical Foundations of Corporate Worship by Scott Aniol - amzn.to/3SKmPb5 (If you purchase the book through this link, I'll receive a small commission).
I wasn't necessarily on board with everything in this book but I found it an interesting (and short but insightful!) read nonetheless.
Amen! I love this advice. Thanks. ❤
Sometimes just cold starting is absolutely fine too. It really depends on what God is leading in that moment.
And how do you know God is leading one way or the other?
I am the worship leader for Calvary chaple Shuswap in canada BC. I have always opened with the word of God. I agree with you, its much more impactful to respond when God speaks first!! Love your videos. Thankyou for taking the time to do them.
Hello alicia! It's Tasha from Kelowna Calvary Chapel! :) Can't go wrong with the word!
hello!! it’s a small world!!! 🤣 😂
Thank you so much for the scripts! It really helps me figure out the context and how to assemble what to say in between worship songs and how to start.
We open every Sunday with a Call to Worship from Scripture as well. Worship (not as singing but as presenting yourself as living sacrifice) is a response to knowing how God has moved on our behalf. We must hear from God first to truly be able to sing with joyful hearts.
This is something every music leader in a church has to understand, and unfortunately it seems lost in most modern church contexts. Thanks for sharing this info, Spencer!
Love it! Keep leading well Nicolas! 👊
A Very good call Nicolas.
This vid is already a year old, but I comment none the less…
I grew up in a tradition with a large church organ. Services would start with organ music and once it ends there was the pronouncement from the minister with a passage of scripture followed by the first hymn. What you are proposing is more in this direction and I agree it sets a very different mindset.
Good wisdom brother. Well done on this video.
Thank you for this
Awesome wisdom here, thank you.
Great video! Thanks, Spencer!
After reading Matt Meeker's Corporate Worship book, (can't recall the exact title) we begin our worship with greetings, a moment of silence to get focused on God, and then scripture reading, then song and scripture reading in between songs (4 songs in all) that relate to the following song. Scripture reading helps with song transitions and relays why we are singing a particular song. Take care y'all!
I've definitely been influenced by Matt's book. Thanks for sharing that Jason! 👊
@@LeadingWorshipWell what's the title of the book?
Great video. Too many churches do not worship even though the go thru may girations and much emotional manipulation
Every church I've been a part of for the last 30 years that has had a contemporary service has practiced worship as a monologue. It's not like a traditional service where the congregation sings hymns together. Where did the contemporary church ever get the idea to turn off the house lights during the music? Some worship leaders claim it's to make the congregants more comfortable, less afraid to sing and be seen by others. I can't shake the feeling that the worship portion of most contemporary services is more like a concert. I've tried to have this discussion with several worship leaders. But I've been made to feel that, as a sound tech, I don't really understand how contemporary worship works. I continue to pray about it.
You’re absolutely right!
Well first Off this Made me Laugh 😅, but also I very well Understand You.
This is super helpful, thanks so much!
I totally agree! My Pastor came up with a call to worship, which would be the reading of scripture, and he wants to do it after the first song. But I was saying we should put scripture before the songs because scripture is more important, but he still wants to keep it after the first song 😪 great video!
Hmm... I think sometimes people want to put music first because they think it'll start off the service with the right "energy." That's why most of the time people (including myself sometimes) start with an upbeat song. Starting with Scripture isn't a hard and fast rule, I just think it's a good idea. So, be in conversation with your pastor but ultimately we have to submit to our pastor's vision for how the church service is led. Keep leading well Anthony! 👊
It is not to start off with big energy. It might be wise to wait a song because people are just entering and not able to yet focus. 1 song in they have set their things down and put their attention towards worship instead of missing the scripture or call to worship because they are getting themselves and family settled. That's my humble opinion. But this will look different in each setting of course.
@@thelittlerustictylerlittle673 I get that, but we, as worship leaders, also want them to participate in the full worship. If they are coming in and settling during the song, they miss half the point.
p.s. my church does a one song, no intro whatsoever, then a clumsy "call to worship" with a verse halls thought through, then a second song. and finally announcements, sermon, 3 more song, ends of service
I thank you so much, this IS a great word ;)
Glad you're here Jasmine! Keep leading well! 👊
I lead the worship team at a liturgical church (Lutheran - LCMS) and I guess just take for granted that we speak the Word of God as a church every week multiple times within even the first 10 minutes through confession/absolution, psalm/antiphon, etc.. I used to think it was "boring", but if your description of contemporary worship services is accurate, I wouldn't trade this at all. It's very disheartening to hear that churches just sing songs and consider that "worship" by itself. While songs have scripture in them, it's not the same as hearing or speaking God's word. This video gives me a new appreciation for liturgy and I pray more churches move that direction. Thank you for realizing this and starting it in your church. What's old is new again.
Thanks for sharing Andrew! That's definitely an advantage of a liturgical church. Keep leading well! 👊
good points! do you have any footage or video of you leading worship? so we can see in action? :)
Hi there brother. I'm from Philippines. Shalom. I would like to ask you about the commitment of a member in a worship team. Can a member of a worship team play in church and in school activities such as battle of the band or special number singing worldly songs? Other church leaders are allowing their worship team members to play outside as long as it is a school activity. What are your thoughts on this. Can you please include this in your future videos? Thank you so much & God bless
On Sunday mornings, everyone knows I open the service with good morning New Life Center! Isn't it good to be in the house of the Lord?! Everyone starts ramble in to get in their place. I say let's all stand up if we can. I cover some of the announcements and then do my scripture of the day. I ask if there's any prayer requests and then I pray. If there's not any prayer requests, I will ask someone else on the praise team to open in prayer... we do our Bible declaration, give the Lord a shot of praise, and then, go right into song. Sometimes I tell them that alters are open, as usual let's do this together or let's do that together. Sometimes we have a lot of new people and they just don't know how to worship so when we instruct them as a whole, I think it draws them into the unity of the church And teaches them how to worship. The last three or four Sundays have been extremely powerful!
I think it's dialogue 🎉
Sounds great to me! Keep leading well Kimberli! 👊
Spencer, I really really hope you won't consider this question, rude, or like I'm imposing on you and your church, but is there anywhere I could go either live or archived to here your worship band playing in a worship service? I've heard you with your guitar a bit on this channel, but I would absolutely love to hear your entire band in full context.
Not imposing at all. Here's a link to my church's livestream: www.youtube.com/@salemunitedbrethren4637
Prepare yourself to see a normal worship leader serving in a normal local church 🙂
@@LeadingWorshipWell so, I noticed one thing when listening to your music. It sounds to me like you are influenced heavily by Bob Dylan. Your vocals just sound very similar to him. Like, ridiculously so. Would you tend to agree, or have you honestly never really thought about it. I'm going to be honest when I say this with complete love, and with complete respect, but I'm not so sure that I'm really crazy about your vocal. I however have huge huge respect for what you do, and I love the content you produce on your TH-cam channel. And, doctrinally speaking, I agree with 99.999% of it. It just felt like with the vocal, when I listened to the last service that you had on the TH-cam channel link you provided, it almost sounds like you're purposely trying to sound like another singer. As I said, I hear a lot of Bob Dylan in this. I don't think that you purposefully meant to do that, but what I would say to you would be, the same thing that you have said to everyone else on your channel, just be yourself. It sounds to me like the vibe I got was that you were trying too hard. Please don't take it personally! I'm simply just offering my personal opinion.
@@ChrisGilland lol! Thanks for your comment Chris. I'm not offended. But that's literally my normal voice - I'm not a Bob Dylan fan and I'm not trying to sound like anyone else 😂 I know I'm not the best vocalist in the world. I've talked about that many times on the channel. Luckily you don't have to be the best vocalist to lead worship. Glad you're here Chris! Your comments always bring a smile to my face 🙂
I feel personally attacked.
Why?
@@iglesiacdone it’s just a joke. It means I’ve been guilty of doing what he’s talking about. Great video.
Haha! 😂 I'm coming for you Chris. Watch out!
This isn't new. This is ancient. The Church has been doing this from the beginning.