How to Lead Small Group Worship

In Groups that Thrive, Jim Egli and I didn’t ask how long the group worship lasted. We simply asked those taking the survey if worship through singing is a part of their normal meetings. So how much worship should be included? We advise asking the Holy Spirit to be your guide. Some groups might want to have meetings with extended times of worship. These times might include other elements like taking communion as a group and praying for one another and your community.

Many leaders feel inadequate to lead worship singing in the group because they think they have to sing like Chris Tomlin or be an expert guitar player. The reality is that God looks at our heart as we sing to him. I’ve experienced group worship times when the members choked out a joyful noise (with an emphasis on noise). But beyond the singing is God himself who dwells in the praises of his people. And he loves to hear worship and respond by revealing his sweet presences. Matt Redman’s famous chorus rings true, “I’m coming back to the heart of worship, and it’s all about you; it’s all about you.” Worship is all about Jesus.

Although spontaneous unplanned worship is wonderful, the best group worship requires diligent planning. The facilitator or member should pick a few songs before the group begins. Print out the words of the songs and then distribute the sheets to everyone in the group. Those who know the songs really well won’t need the sheets, but many will need them. Read More

Also See:
7 Tips for Leading Worship in Small Groups

Joel Comiskey's article was originally titled "Worship Details." Comiskey suggests allowing times of silence between songs and following the time of worship singing. I have found that when singing a medley of simple, familiar praise choruses and worship songs without accompaniment, segueing from one song song into the next also works well and then finishing with a time of silence in which members of the group given an opportunity to spontaneously praise God aloud or silently and to pray. I have also found that it is a good idea to pick songs that are not only simple and familiar but which can also be repeated as needed as the group is released into praise and adoration. It can be fun to devote a group meeting to learning new songs. Before cell phones and mp3 players, small groups sung along with the songs on CDs and cassettes. It is not necessary to have a musician in order to worship God in song in a small group.  The group may need one or two strong voices to lead the singing. Participants may be self-conscious at first but they will overcome their self-consciousness. The few people who genuinely cannot sing can be encouraged to hum along with the singing. While it can be helpful to introduce the singing with a few appropriate words, they should be well-chosen. They should encourage rather than instruct, inspire rather than edify. Otherwise, they will fall flat.