Introducing New Songs

Whenever I teach on worship and worship team dynamics I am usually asked, “What’s the best way to introduce a new song to the congregation?” Honestly, there is no set “best” way. There are many factors that come into play to answer this question and much depends on the congregation itself. Such as, “How actively do they participate in singing?”

There is always a balance to strike regarding new songs. Introducing too many new songs could create frustration in the congregation, as they do not have time to learn each song and embrace it as their own voice of worship. On the other hand, too few new songs can allow boredom to creep in and dilute the worship experience. It’s the role of the worship leaders to assess and determine the proper balance of introducing new songs into the worship repertoire.
However, once the right balance has been determined there are several there are a handful of ways to introduce the new song. One way is to use the song as a special music number before using it in the worship set. This is usually best if the song is used the week or several weeks prior. Two of the most convenient places to introduce the new song is before the service begins (as a prelude to worship) or during the offertory. Actually using a combination of these two before finally introducing it into the worship set itself can be quite helpful.
Another helpful way to get the congregation familiar with a new song before using it in worship is to play it off the CD or DVD before or after the service. Usually churches will have music playing 15 minutes or so before the service and for the same amount of time after the service. Playing the new song during these times will ensure that the congregation hears it, even if it’s just in the background. The more initial familiarity the congregation has of the song the more readily they will engage in singing it.

Finally, when actually introducing the new song into the worship set be sure to surround it with two very familiar songs; one before and another after. This will help to keep the flow and engagement level of worship going while the congregation learns the new song. Also, if the new song is an upbeat “praise” oriented song, beginning the set with the new song may be a good way to ease the congregation into incorporating it into their worship dialog. However, it would then be important to follow the new song with another upbeat and very familiar song.