From Jeremy Verhines serving in Jackson, Missouri
QUESTION:Small Group Worship?
"I am researching for material that will help me teach about contemporary worship. It is going to be delivered in a small group fashion. I am having trouble even finding anything. Help?"
RICK MUCHOW:
The contemporary movement is all about authenticity and experience, which is simple in presentation and ideal for small groups. Fortunately there are many resources available! We had a relatively brief period in the modern history of the church where big orchestras accompanied the rock band, but the model now is 4 people in a band with one as the lead singer. You can easily use the songs from today’s contemporary worship artists in a small group context.
Here are some of my tips for small group worship. Sing fewer songs using less time than in a congregational service. My experience in a small group is that I can sing a song for them to listen to and ask them to join in when they know it.
Music is a great part of small group participation but that participation involves more reflection and introspection. Don’t stop between songs. Avoid trying to manipulate the small group into a pep rally is if everyone singing at the top their voice is what makes a quality worship experience. Small group members do a lot of listening, and that’s just fine.
Pick songs that are easy to sing. Choruses alone are often excellent. Choose songs that have very singable words, a simple melody and limited musical range, let’s say a one octave range. Songs like “Here I Am To Worship,” “Lord I Life Your Name On High,” “More Love More Power,” many of the Passion songs, and most of the CCLI Top 100 songs are easy to sing.
Most of all, remember that worship is more than music. It’s a lifestyle. Pastor Rick Warren has a series on worship titled Worship from A to Z and with that series is recommending the congregation to read “The Way of a Worshiper” by Buddy Owens and my book “The Worship Answer Book.”
Look for great resources from:
CCLI www.ccli.com
Worship Together / Passion www.worshiptogether.com
Vineyard www.vineyardmusic.com
Integrity www.integritymusic.com
Maranatha www.maranathamusic.com
Through Encouraging Music, we have the Top 10 CD, Accompaniment CD and Songbook which is designed specifically for small group use and includes the lyrics and chords.
