The worship leader’s worst nightmare: the armies of darkness are closing in on the people of God… the only things that can save the day is just the right song… the commander gives you, the worship leader, the signal… you reach into your bag of songs, and are horrified to discover… the right one is not there!!

OK, OK! Maybe that’s a bit dramatic compared to what happens every Thursday night in your home group. But having great songs available, and knowing which is the right one for the occasion will save the day more than you know.

Songs are to the worship leader what tools are to the mechanic, or colors on the pallet are to the artist. Your craftsmanship as a worship leader is largely about your skills in knowing and selecting songs appropriate to the worship experience of your group.

So let's talk about 1) how to "fill your bag" with great songs, and 2) how to know which ones to choose for your group.

Gathering Songs
You probably already have a basic collection of worship songs that you're using. Let your list grow as you gather songs from listening to other worship leaders, from worship albums, from friends, from a favorite songbook, or maybe from the radio. The Web is also becoming a source for new songs. Check out www.wholeheartedworship.com/freesongs/archive/ and www.worshiptogether.com.

My high school speech teacher told us: A good speaker is a keen observer. The principle applies to worship leaders: a good worship leader is always listening for new worship songs. And when you hear that fresh new song, find out where it came from, go to its source and see if there are more like it.

When you find a song that you are drawn to, it's important to have some kind of system to store these songs. A master song list is a must. A simple alphabetical list on a word processor is a good start. I have my list in a data file which includes the song's Title, Author, Tempo and Key. When I print the list, I usually sort by Tempo.

You also need to have a Lyric Sheet or Lead Sheet for each song you plan to use. A Lyric Sheet has the song's Title, Author, Words, Chords and Copyright Information. A Lead Sheet has all that information plus a melody line. For simple songs, a Lyric Sheet is all you need.

As you gather songs, consider these criteria.

• Stock you song bank with treasures old and new (see Mt. 13:52).

Include classic hymns (like When I Survey the Wondrous Cross), newer hymns (like How Deep the Father's Love), classic p&w songs (like As the Deer and Give Thanks), newer classics (like Open the Eyes of My Heart and I Could Sing of Your Love Forever), and brand new songs. This last category could be songs that someone in your fellowship has written.

• Balance content with emotional impact.

Songs have different proportions of intellectual and emotional content. Some songs are more testimonial, experiential and subjective. That is, they "get down" where we live. An example is Kelly Carpenter's "Draw Me Close." Others are more theological and objective, centering on God's unchanging nature. "Holy, Holy, Holy" exemplifies this.
Be careful of filling your song list with all of one or the other. Those you lead need expressions for mind and heart.

• Build variety in tempo and styles.

Every worship leader has his favorite "groove." Some like ballads; others favor upbeat praise songs. Some are convinced the "Messianic" style is what God really likes; others are just as convinced that "pop" is where it's at. Just be aware of your biases and vary the styles you use. Don't get in a rut.

Choosing the Right Songs
So, you've gathered songs both old and new, for mind and heart with a wonderful blend of tempos and styles. But there are 175 songs on your list and you need to choose 4 or 5 for your group's meeting tomorrow night!
Here are some principles to keep in mind.

• Know your songs.

Don't try to lead a song that you don't know well enough yet. Regularly review your list and rehearse songs you haven't done in a while. Work out that new song until you can do it in your sleep. Until you've got it down -- the right chords, the correct melody line and an interesting arrangement -- that song is not ready for action.

• Know God's heart for your group.

Ask the Lord to show you where your group or congregation is and what would serve them best. Maybe it has been a season of trials and hardship. Find songs that comfort and give hope. Maybe it's a time of vision and awakening. Find songs that reinforce what God is saying. If there's spiritual oppression, measure out some rejoicing.

• Evaluate your own leadership.

Have you recently done all older ballads? Have you been introducing too many new songs? Do you just use songs you have written? Are you including thoughtful hymns? Would your group be able to worship with the larger Body of Christ? Like a balanced diet includes nourishment from the basic food groups, balanced worship should include hymns, songs and spiritual songs.

The Nightmare's Over
Now you've read the article… you've put into practice the principles…your bag of songs is filled with great songs old and new for mind and heart with a wonderful variety of tempos and styles…you know your songs well… your know God's heart for your group…you're regularly evaluating the effectiveness of your leadership…

Do you realize how long it's been since you've had nightmares?!

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