How to Lead Songs in Church

Songleading can be a valuable skill to have.  If you have any background as a musician sooner or later you will be called upon to lead the singing. It may be for a children's group or for the main worship service. With a little preparation and some basic skills you can be effective in this ministry.

Selecting the songs

If the songs have not been chosen already you will need to select them yourself.  Look in the index of the songbook or hymnal you will be using. If you are just beginning try to pick something familiar to both yourself and the group you are leading.  Once you have mastered your songleading skills you can sing less familiar material. Ask yourself these questions:

• What is the occasion?
• Is there a theme to the meeting?
• How much time should the singing take?
• What mood should be fostered?

If multiple songs are being sung together choose songs with a variety of tempos, meters and keys signatures to add musical variety.

Preparing to lead a song

1. Read the text ahead of time.
2. You may wish to practice the song to make sure you know it well.
3. Know how you will introduce the song.
4. Make sure the accompaniment team knows what is planned. 

Many song leaders use simplified conducting as a part of songleading.  If you will be doing this then make sure you know the basic conducting patterns and how to direct a start and stop.

Introducing the song

There are many ways to introduce a song. The most basic is to announce the title and directions to any resource the participants will be using. This could take the form, "Join with me to sing hymn 'number', 'song name' that's 'number' 'song name'." Repetition is a good idea. This much will always be done. When time permits a hymn story could be used to impart special meaning to the selection. When introducing a less familiar song reading through the entire verse may prove helpful. Other little facts such as "this is the favorite song of 'name' or this is based on 'Bible reference' could add meaning. If the group needs to stand now is the time to tell them. Say something like "Please stand as we sing (song name)".

Leading the song

Make a strong motion and sing with a clear voice to get the song going.  Get the tempo right during the first few beats. It will be hard to get the group to change once the tempo is set in their minds.  Sing harmony or be silent for a few bars. It is usually best to sing the entire song but if verses will be omitted be sure everyone knows what is going on. It is embarrassing to sing the wrong verse. This discourages participation. This is not what we want, right?  

Ending the song

Most songs end in one of two ways. First they may climax to a grand finish. Leading the group to this big ending will be rewarding for all.  Other songs require a quiet, reflective ending. Knowing when to use this will keep the song's mood where it needs to be. If the group need to be seated following the song please give clear instructions.