Connecting Worship Songs to the Sermon: By Pastor Mike Butler
Aaron Vasquez
How many times have you heard, "wow those songs really synced up with the message today?" Probably not near as much as the pastor has has heard, "did you guys talk about the music selection before you wrote the message?" So many people think that worship music is really designed to act as the precursor to the message - almost the opening act of sorts. This is a really shallow understanding of worship. The same type of mentality is sometimes stated negatively about the sermon, "I can read the Bible any time, but getting into a song now that's worship." Well it is, but it may be the wrong type of worship. Finding a way to connect every aspect of worship can be challenging especially when you consider that so many musicians, vocalists, and even worship leaders almost never meet with anyone else on the Pastoral staff to discuss worship - let alone the person whose responsibility it is to speak from the Scriptures every Sunday. To truly provide a time of worship, there must be more than passing interaction between those who are called to lead other into worship. While it is true to say that in our current culture, many of our musicians, vocalists, and even media leaders (A/V, Words, Graphics, etc.) are volunteers, there are still great needs to connect all of those leaders with the individual - and even individuals who are responsible for preparing the sermon. If the musicians understand where the sermon is going, it is helpful for song selection; however, it would be wrong to assume that this is always the process. In fact, for many of us being directed to music that is awe-inspiring, Spirit-filled, theologically driven, can spark a fire in the heart of the speaker to hear even more clearly from God. Working together will allow both to feed off of one another as we lead others to worship. Simply put:
1. Meet together regularly to discuss what God is doing and how He is prodding you forward.
2. Discuss songs, passages, books, and your overall hunger for more of God with each other. You'll be surprised what you may find.
3. If nothing else, it reminds you - this isn't a show, a gig, or Ted Talk. This worship of God Almighty and we are participants together in it.
Together we will lead others to the Throne of God, assuming of course we've been there ourselves.
Go in Peace. Pastor Butler