Looking back at this weekend's service outline I was struck by the fact that there was a variety of songs (and other elements) used.

a congregation song that was until recently a choir only song
a hymn with an added chorus that gave it new life
a song that we found through our student worship services
a song first introduced as a choir song yet has lived longer as a congregation song
a spoken confession that comes from a much more traditional style

The elements used in any worship service needs to be evaluated against scripture and the congregation's worship values.

As worship leaders we need to look beyond our comfort zone of 'listening' to find elements that are both biblically sound, culturally engaging and that encourage the congregation to participate.

One of the songs from yesterday's setlist I did not get on the first, second or even third time I heard it. I didn't even like it when we used it the first few times, but now I get it and so does our congregation.

Another song pushes the boundaries of what I like stylistically, yet it is biblically sound and our people like it, so we use it.

Christ-centered worship is not about the style or the taste of the worship leader, it is supposed to be about the conversation with Almighty God, who He is, what He has done and then what is our response. That means then that the elements don't have to be my style or what I like.

Here is our Sunday Setlist for November 13, 2011. Here is the public link to our planningcenteronline.com plan.

Songs Holy Says it All The Wonderful Cross How He Loves When I Remember All the Earth Will Sing Your Praises

__________________

This post is my contribution to the blog carnival Sunday Setlist which can be found at The Worship Community