The importance of song selection pt. 1

Song selection is the FIRST step in having a successful praise and worship set. Some of you are saying ‘duh….it’s the first thing you do!’. Well I’m not talking about the action behind it I’m talking about the philosophy behind it. Here are some things I would encourage you to consider when preparing for you set.

1. Prayer - This seems 101 I know but if you’re honest with yourself most leaders don’t pray about the set their putting together. They select songs that they know people like, or that are on the radio or songs that they like and no one else will really get in to. We’ve all had the experience of being in the middle of a worship set and something just isn’t clicking. You can’t pin point it but it just lacks something. Often times I’ve found it’s preparation. I haven’t prayed enough about the set or I didn’t have a clear direction from God on where the set needed to go so it basically didn’t go anywhere. I choose songs that I thought people would get in to and they didn’t. I didn’t pay attention to God. It is SO important that we include God in the process.  In fact He should be the first step of the process. Worship is about connecting with God. Don’t you think God knows the best way to connect? Listen to what God may be speaking to your heart as you think all week about your set. I don’t know when your ministry’s practice times are but it’s my opinion that the later in the week the better. This gives you as much time with God as you need to find that direction. Also, if you’re unsure about a song or two, practice a few extra songs so that on Sunday if you decide to let God deviate your plan you’ll be prepared. Also, don’t be afraid to commit to the urge of the Spirit on Sunday if that’s what you feel. If over the weekend you feel that God is choosing a song that you didn’t choose previously then go for it. If it’s God it will work. He won’t leave you hanging. If it was just bad pizza talking back to you then you might be in trouble!

Let’s learn to stop, breathe and listen to God. Let Him direct our worship leading. There is no other source that should dictate to us the direction of a worship set. God and God alone. It’s about Him anyway. Don’t you think we should include Him?