Easter Setlist Ideas

[twc_admin]

Hey Ya'll -

I'm torn ... as you may remember, I've just accepted a new position and this is my first Easter - I'm attempting to incorporate myself, the original worship leader, and one of our other worship leaders in a service with "blended leadership" (ie. I lead a couple of songs, the other worship leader leads a song, etc).

The original worship leader has suggested most of the same songs they did last year ... standards for "Easter", but you get tired of them, and sometimes there is this "obligation" to do certain songs "just because" it's Easter. Of course, there is some validity to doing some of those songs year after year, too, I guess. I've already ditched "Christ the Lord is Risen Today" ... it's a great, timeless hymn ... but I say "if you want to sing that again for the millionth time, go to the sunrise service on the beach -they'll sing it there" ..LOL

For me, I'm very eager to bring some of my own "stuff" to the mix, but granted, it would be new songs, new arrangements ... there are those who really want the "new", and those who want it to be "familiar" to maximize the participation on Sunday. (i know, I know ... what does God want!) ... which this thread is kickstarting that process of seeking counsel from others ... and I've just spent some time in prayer (and will continue to do so!)

All that to say ... I'm interested in hearing your ideas on Easter Set lists - both the old and the new - outside the box, and traditional ...

For the Kingdom,
Fred

[jesydney]

Hi, I'm writing from downunder.

We'll prbably be doing some hymns. Have not picked the songs yet but if we do maybe we'll be doing songs that give him thanks, praise and glory to reflect His Majesty rather than mull over the cross and putting Him to death again.

He is RISEN, no more death songs. Its celebration time for He did so that we are now RIGHTEOUS and in constant communication with Him and our Father Jehovah.

So, whatever songs we do, it will be done in disco/funk and smooth jazz R&B. King David dance to the LORD with all his heart and God was pleased.

[Adam Ogden]

Hey Fred-

I hear what you are saying. Here is my perspective: We know what Easter is about, and that IS something that will never change. Past that, I think it's our job as service programmers to move away from the typical, and stir some people's hearts. Production wise, I always do that with our major services...Christmas, Easter, etc. We challenge our people here at CRCC to not be typical with our thinking....for our tech guys, that means no pastel colors at Easter, and NO red/green combinations at Christmas. Simple, but it opens us up to think of the "same old story" in a whole new light. I suppose there is a value to doing the same songs every year, but consider this. Every church around, big or small, contemporary or liturgical, all have one thing in common......we all see a bump in attendance for this one weekend out of the year.....people who have joined the Christmas-and-Easter church club. Think about those people. Imagine yourself as a non-churched person, showing up on Easter to fulfil your yearly attendance quota. You are already skeptical about church, which is why you don't come any other weekend out of the year. You go to church, sit down, and you see and hear the same thing you saw last year, and the year before, and the year before that. It was typical, expected, and unmotivating. Think about him. Take the timeless Easter story, and tell it as well and as relevantly as you can.

My "do-it-because-it-matters" mentality says don't ever do anything just because that's the way you've always done it. You are new there. The congregation has changed over the years. The music has changed over the years......I would be willing to bet that every single thing about that church has changed over the last couple years.......so why wouldn't your programming change as well? We have to constantly raise the bar in what we do, why we do it, and how well we do it. There is no greater cause.

If anyone is interested, I can email them the Production Script that we will be using for Easter here at Canyon Ridge. Just let me know.

[croutboy]

Dear Fred, I've been at our church for 17 years. This is what I have observed.

One time someone put a worship leader in charge who just came to the church against the pastors advice not to. They came with their own agenda and their own set of music. they tryed to change practice times and the keys and chords to the songs even durring the middle of an actual service. it was a terrible situation.

They made two mistakes

1)they didn't get to know the heart beat of the people nor the program that was already in place

2)They tried to make work what they had done in a huge city church in a rural country church.

So I think its good to get to know the heartbeat of the people where you are.

there will always be differences of opinions. Have a discussion time where nothing is decided just talked about and do this a couple times if need be then when you get everyone to discuss you will get to know their hearts.
then you can bring something to the table that incorporates and blends the whole where everyone can feel they had an input that benefitted the whole.

If you have mature people who are looking for the heart beat of God and are wanting to minister and serve others you mix this with prayer and you should
have an outstanding service.

Relationships are always more important than agendas as you know. When we put our agenda ahead of our people we manipulate them. When we put others and their best interests above ourselves we motivate them.

The set list wont be remembered next year but how you caringly took the time to add value and get to know their hearts will be remembered forever.

Your friend in Fernandina

david Crout

[Sunray]

Hi Fred,

I'm reminded of the days when my wife led praise and worship. At Christmas time she always leaned to the traditional Christmas Carols, and I'd always say that's unfair - I look forward all week to moving into the Lord's presnce through anointed corporate worship, and the Chistmas Carols, while many are anointed and can be done worshipfully, just don't seem to cut it. She, of course, was thinking of the visitors as well as people in the congregation who are nostolgic about the Carols.

The way she resolved it was seek the Lord and come up with a beautiful blend of the right Carols and appropriate modern worship music.

Probably, in your case, since you are new to the church, you might want to take some of the more conservative advice offered by others here. Now I don't agree with sort of selecting by committee - you do want to seek the Lord's heart - and there are other ways of seeing where the people are at, just by observing and asking people you have become close to. But you don't want to compromise your own heart and anointing either.

It seems to me you might want to pray about doing what the people are used to, but adding in just one of your own or other worship song that fits well - beginning to sort of make a very gradual transition to where you see the Lord' heart is for this congregation eventually - not forcing, but leading.

Whatever you do, I'm sure you will do it prayerfully, and the Lord will lead you in developing a wonderful Easter worship service.

[chipshot0701]

I like what you have to say. I agree that people will remember how Fred treats them with respect instead of trying to change them and their ways. They will remember his professionalism and kindness!

The relationships will be there the day after Easter and the Easter service will be over in an hour! Know what I mean.

As for our service, it will be traditional with the same ole same ole hymns.
I enjoy the hymns once in awhile. My loud guitar playing gets in my ears sometimes!!!!So its a nice break.

Mike

[DebbieD]

First - a quick Hello to every one! This is my first post here. My name is Debbie and I lead worship in a little Nazarene Church on Long Island, NY. About 150 people in attendance each Sunday. In my humble opinion - one of the best churches ever! - OK ... maybe not so humble! :)

I just have a minute right now - but I wanted to say that I recently bought the CD Fields of Grace by Big Daddy Weave and I LOVE the song Completely Free. I think it makes an excellent Easter song ... maybe not congregational, but like a special. I'm having a hard time strumming it. We don't have a keyboard player so everything is all guitars - rythm (me), lead and bass. I'm praying for a percussionist, pianist and possibly a violinist! Hey - while I'm praying - might as well throw in a horn ... sax or trumpet!

I also love the song Worthy is the Lamb for Easter. You know - the one that starts "Thank you for the cross, Lord. Thank you for the price you paid. Bearing all my sin and shame, in love you came, and gave amazing grace..."

I have to run for now.
Peace!

[rhworship]

One of my new favorites is "At the Cross" from Hillsongs. For me the verses get a little boring, so I repeat the chorus several times, building it up into the Bridge...."You tore the veil....".

very effective.

[FreedbyJC]

Some good advice there ...the main thing is to keep the main thing, the main thing...yes, I know original it's not. But keep Christ as your focus and not the people, worship Him in spirit and in truth, be invisible in all of your efforts on the platform and seek to Glorify only HIM in all that you do as you lead the congregation in Worship.

This year the choir is doing two songs; one of them is Word music's"On The Third Day" with a video backdrop and the praise team is doing "And God Cried" as a special.

[twc_admin]

Hey Ya'll -

Some great insights here - I LOVE COMMUNITY. I've already come into this position with the attitude that I need to learn and respect the community that already exists - been doing that, and it's been great - because the people respond. I've not intended (from the beginning) to just turn things upside down and "do it my way" ... my heart's desire is to blend a touch of the new into some of the old.

Already, the majority of the setlist will be songs (and arrangements) that are already done by the church, and that have been done in the past. It's that extra 1-2 songs ... something "fresh" ... something "new" that I'm looking for ... just to spice it up.

If I got up there and did a bunch of new stuff - the people would be lost, and as a result, corporate response would be minimal - which in my opinion, is a FAILURE regardless of how "hip" or "good" the band or songs may be.

I'm getting encouraged and excited because even last night, through reading many of the posts here at TheWorshipCommunity and in other email groups, I'm grabbing vision for maybe one song, but having a good reinforcement for some of the "standards" as well!

I LOVE COMMUNITY! Of course, already this AM I've prayed "God, I seek the counsel of others and their insights, but when it's all said and done, let me hear Your Spirit and obey".

[SaintLewis]

As someone to whom this is VERY relevant (hi Fred) I personally think a 1/2:1/4:1/4 idea would work well, ie - Pick 1/2 of last years (or every year's) set, preferably that which garnered the greatest response, change up 1/4 to include other, very successful/popular Easter songs which would also be familiar, and 1/4 be new or original 'special music' type songs, to possibly start new 'traditions' and experiment a little.

For instance, one song I'd LOVE LOVE LOVE to do for Easter (but only if we had a choir) is Graham Kendrick's "To the King Eternal" from his WHAT GRACE cd - which has a powerful chorus (echoing aspects of the "Hallulujah Chorus") "Honor and Glory forever and E-Ev-ER!!!" Makes me get chills even thinking about it. I also love the idea of introducing Townend's wonderful "In Christ Alone", not because it's so much an Easter song, but just because I wish we were already doing that one.

Okay - see you tonight, Fred.

Blessings,

Shannon

[El Ben]

Freddo, I think you should do ONLY Ron Kenolly songs...

[rajakp2000]

I'm torn ... as you may remember, I've just accepted a new position and this is my first Easter - I'm attempting to incorporate myself, the original worship leader, and one of our other worship leaders in a service with "blended leadership" (ie. I lead a couple of songs, the other worship leader leads a song, etc).

The original worship leader has suggested most of the same songs they did last year ... standards for "Easter", but you get tired of them, and sometimes there is this "obligation" to do certain songs "just because" it's Easter. Of course, there is some validity to doing some of those songs year after year, too, I guess. I've already ditched "Christ the Lord is Risen Today" ... it's a great, timeless hymn ... but I say "if you want to sing that again for the millionth time, go to the sunrise service on the beach -they'll sing it there" ..LOL

For me, I'm very eager to bring some of my own "stuff" to the mix, but granted, it would be new songs, new arrangements ... there are those who really want the "new", and those who want it to be "familiar" to maximize the participation on Sunday. (i know, I know ... what does God want!) ... which this thread is kickstarting that process of seeking counsel from others ... and I've just spent some time in prayer (and will continue to do so!)

All that to say ... I'm interested in hearing your ideas on Easter Set lists - both the old and the new - outside the box, and traditional ...

For the Kingdom,
Fred
__________________


Our worship should be praising the God with truth and Spirit. We should ask the God let the Holy Spirit may control over not only the worship leader, but also to the gatherings. What ever hymns, old or new, let the word of the Song may speak to the deep heart. It may be in any occassion, Easter or Christmas, or any day. If any one sing the song with whole heart, then the Holy Spirit will touch each and every ones heart. What I and you dare to use our minds and wisdom to put through. God chosen such peoples who don't have wisdom and mind and knowledge. They wouldn't depend on their own. Yester years songs are very very meaningful and thoughts, emotions.

We may worship the Lord in any way, but should be discipline way. We shouldn't be sinned.

If we least to bother about the gatherings and fully depend on God, see yourselves, how you be magnified in all. That time, your goal should be worship, worship, worship.

Raja

[El Ben]

As much as I'd like to COMPLETELY agree with Raja, I don't know that I can. Now, don't get me wrong. I do agree with what he said about the Holy Spirit being in control and all that good stuff, but the truth is (prepare yourself for my hobbyhorse rant) that as a worship leader, you minister to PEOPLE. There is a concept I learned in my days of ministry school that REVOLUTIONIZED the way that I do ministry. It goes something like this:

"READ THE NEED."

Effectively ministering to your congregation requires that you take a moment to evaluate them. Where are they at spiritually? What is your average age? What is your objective as your church's worship leader? For instance, as a worship leader, you don't necessarily opperate in evangelism, so the whole concern of being "relevant" to the unbeliever is kind of a moot point. As a worship leader, you are a source of edification and leadership to your congregation. Effectively leading them requires you to speak their language, which if it be hymns, then do hymns. If it's modern stuff, do modern stuff.

It's like this: A good leader doesn't stand on the mountaintop and say: "Here I am, come up here." A good leader gets down where the people he leads are and says: "Look up there. That's where we're going. Let me show you how to get there."

Now, does this mean that you cater exclusively to what your people WANT? Absolutely not. There is a defined difference between what people want and what they need. Our job as worship leaders is to evaluate the need and meet it. No one ever did effective ministry by slamming new stuff down people's throats until they choked on it or bowed down to it. Granted, no one ever met the need by giving people what they want at every turn.

Of course, we have an incredible guide and helper in figuring out what our people need in the Holy Spirit. The wisdom of the Holy Spirit coupled with your unapologetic authority as a leader will produce excellence every time.

[jesydney]

Dilema, dilema. not. If the congregation stand and stare at you.. oh oh!! if 80% worship with you... yeahhhhh

Easter songs?, take a chat survey...

Working with current worship leader... go back to top of this message.

[El Ben]

Uhhh...what?

[rajakp2000]

As much as I'd like to COMPLETELY agree with Raja, I don't know that I can. Now, don't get me wrong. I do agree with what he said about the Holy Spirit being in control and all that good stuff, but the truth is (prepare yourself for my hobbyhorse rant) that as a worship leader, you minister to PEOPLE. There is a concept I learned in my days of ministry school that REVOLUTIONIZED the way that I do ministry. It goes something like this:

"READ THE NEED."

Effectively ministering to your congregation requires that you take a moment to evaluate them. Where are they at spiritually? What is your average age? What is your objective as your church's worship leader? For instance, as a worship leader, you don't necessarily opperate in evangelism, so the whole concern of being "relevant" to the unbeliever is kind of a moot point. As a worship leader, you are a source of edification and leadership to your congregation. Effectively leading them requires you to speak their language, which if it be hymns, then do hymns. If it's modern stuff, do modern stuff.

It's like this: A good leader doesn't stand on the mountaintop and say: "Here I am, come up here." A good leader gets down where the people he leads are and says: "Look up there. That's where we're going. Let me show you how to get there."

Now, does this mean that you cater exclusively to what your people WANT? Absolutely not. There is a defined difference between what people want and what they need. Our job as worship leaders is to evaluate the need and meet it. No one ever did effective ministry by slamming new stuff down people's throats until they choked on it or bowed down to it. Granted, no one ever met the need by giving people what they want at every turn.

Of course, we have an incredible guide and helper in figuring out what our people need in the Holy Spirit. The wisdom of the Holy Spirit coupled with your unapologetic authority as a leader will produce excellence every time.

Its correct.

If we are in the children of God, God will always guide you and magnify you, because you are carrying God wherever you go, whatever you do. He wouldn't let your name be ignored or bad. Also, you always do to make the God happy than to people or gathering. We always look to God for help and wisdom. In whatever circumstances, you always stand to glorify HIS name exalt.

There is no place of anyone except the God, Jesus Christ. Rest is in the hand of God.

If God is with us, who can be against us.

jesydney Dilema, dilema. not. If the congregation stand and stare at you.. oh oh!! if 80% worship with you... yeahhhhh

Easter songs?, take a chat survey...

Working with current worship leader... go back to top of this message.

Friend, everything is in the hand of God. No human can dare to lead a single human. If you make happy with one human each day, in a year 365 people, say 100 years, 36500 etc... that's all. But if you make happy with the God, on all days and years, till death or say till coming of Jesus Christ, you will receive an eternal life. It is an example. Be happy and enjoy the presence of God, not the clapping of gatherings.

God may pour out showers of blessings and wisdom.

Raja

[rajakp2000]

As much as I'd like to COMPLETELY agree with Raja, I don't know that I can. Now, don't get me wrong. I do agree with what he said about the Holy Spirit being in control and all that good stuff, but the truth is (prepare yourself for my hobbyhorse rant) that as a worship leader, you minister to PEOPLE. There is a concept I learned in my days of ministry school that REVOLUTIONIZED the way that I do ministry. It goes something like this:

"READ THE NEED."

Effectively ministering to your congregation requires that you take a moment to evaluate them. Where are they at spiritually? What is your average age? What is your objective as your church's worship leader? For instance, as a worship leader, you don't necessarily opperate in evangelism, so the whole concern of being "relevant" to the unbeliever is kind of a moot point. As a worship leader, you are a source of edification and leadership to your congregation. Effectively leading them requires you to speak their language, which if it be hymns, then do hymns. If it's modern stuff, do modern stuff.

It's like this: A good leader doesn't stand on the mountaintop and say: "Here I am, come up here." A good leader gets down where the people he leads are and says: "Look up there. That's where we're going. Let me show you how to get there."

Now, does this mean that you cater exclusively to what your people WANT? Absolutely not. There is a defined difference between what people want and what they need. Our job as worship leaders is to evaluate the need and meet it. No one ever did effective ministry by slamming new stuff down people's throats until they choked on it or bowed down to it. Granted, no one ever met the need by giving people what they want at every turn.

Of course, we have an incredible guide and helper in figuring out what our people need in the Holy Spirit. The wisdom of the Holy Spirit coupled with your unapologetic authority as a leader will produce excellence every time.

Its correct.

If we are in the children of God, God will always guide you and magnify you, because you are carrying God wherever you go, whatever you do. He wouldn't let your name be ignored or bad. Also, you always do to make the God happy than to people or gathering. We aklways look to God for help and wisdom. In whatever circumstances, you always stand to glorify HIS name exalt.

There is no place of anyone except the God, Jesus Christ. Rest is in the hand of God.

If God is with us, who can be against us.

jesydney Dilema, dilema. not. If the congregation stand and stare at you.. oh oh!! if 80% worship with you... yeahhhhh

Easter songs?, take a chat survey...

Working with current worship leader... go back to top of this message.

Friend, everything is in the hand of God. No human can dare to lead a single people. If you are make happy with one human each day, in a year 365 people, say 100 years, 36500 etc... But if you make happy with one God, on all days and years, till death or say till coming of Jesus Christ, you will receive an eternal life. It is a small example.

God may pour out showers of blessings and wisdom.

Raja

[twc_admin]

Hey Everyone -

My Final Set List has been established:

At 10 minutes before the hour, we'll begin with praise and worship - traditionally, there are already hundreds of people piling in by then. Songs with an (*) were also done in last year's set:

Open: * My Redeemer Lives (the upbeat Hillsongs version)
Open: * Glory, Hallelujah (fast, jazzy Gospel song)

Skit: Welcome Skit
* Jesus Is Alive (they've done this before, but it's a new arrangement - the one on Ron Kenoly's old "God is Able" CD which has the "carman" type intro and seques into "Yes, Lord I Believe".
- Yes Lord, I Believe (new)
- For All You've Done (new)
- You Are My King (Amazing Love) (old standard)

Special Music: In Christ Alone Medley (band and duet w/ two singers, as covered on the Phillips Craig and Dean album)

Sermon:

- Jesus Paid it All (Passion Hymns/NorthPoint Live arrangement)

Communion:
* I Know My Redeemer Lives (Nichole Mullins version, solo/choir)

Closer:
* Shackles

*******
We had a great rehearsal on Tuesday and Thursday night, and will have sound check and rehearsal again on Saturday afternoon, so I think we're ready for an awesome time of praise, worship, ministry, and pursuing God!

Fred

[bblankin]

First - a quick Hello to every one! This is my first post here. My name is Debbie and I lead worship in a little Nazarene Church on Long Island, NY. About 150 people in attendance each Sunday. In my humble opinion - one of the best churches ever! - OK ... maybe not so humble! :)

your comment reminded me of a story: my brother used to go to a church where the pastor would often begin the "welcome" by saying,

"Welcome to Grace Bible Church, one of God's favorite little churches ..."

At first I thought that was hilarious. Then I thought it was presumptuous to the point of blasphemy. Then I thought, no, he's right: this IS one of God's favorite little churches! (Just like I'm one of my mom's favorite children.) Then I thought it was funny again. :)

[rajakp2000]

Originally posted by twc_admin
Hey Everyone -

My Final Set List has been established:

At 10 minutes before the hour, we'll begin with praise and worship - traditionally, there are already hundreds of people piling in by then. Songs with an (*) were also done in last year's set:

Open: * My Redeemer Lives (the upbeat Hillsongs version)
Open: * Glory, Hallelujah (fast, jazzy Gospel song)

Skit: Welcome Skit
* Jesus Is Alive (they've done this before, but it's a new arrangement - the one on Ron Kenoly's old "God is Able" CD which has the "carman" type intro and seques into "Yes, Lord I Believe".
- Yes Lord, I Believe (new)
- For All You've Done (new)
- You Are My King (Amazing Love) (old standard)

Special Music: In Christ Alone Medley (band and duet w/ two singers, as covered on the Phillips Craig and Dean album)

Sermon:

- Jesus Paid it All (Passion Hymns/NorthPoint Live arrangement)

Communion:
* I Know My Redeemer Lives (Nichole Mullins version, solo/choir)

Closer:
* Shackles

*******
We had a great rehearsal on Tuesday and Thursday night, and will have sound check and rehearsal again on Saturday afternoon, so I think we're ready for an awesome time of praise, worship, ministry, and pursuing God!

Fred

It is very great to hear from you. I hope, every thing was fine during the whole service. All glory, all honor and all power to the God, Jesus Christ. It is very clear to know that without Holy Spirit, we cannot lead and perform up to the expectation. The deep meaning of the words are speaking to the whole service and touching the deep hearts, where, Jesus Christ wants to live. Not only that, God will pour out more annointing to receive a great peace.

bblankin Quote:
Originally Posted by DebbieD
First - a quick Hello to every one! This is my first post here. My name is Debbie and I lead worship in a little Nazarene Church on Long Island, NY. About 150 people in attendance each Sunday. In my humble opinion - one of the best churches ever! - OK ... maybe not so humble!

your comment reminded me of a story: my brother used to go to a church where the pastor would often begin the "welcome" by saying,

"Welcome to Grace Bible Church, one of God's favorite little churches ..."

At first I thought that was hilarious. Then I thought it was presumptuous to the point of blasphemy. Then I thought, no, he's right: this IS one of God's favorite little churches! (Just like I'm one of my mom's favorite children.) Then I thought it was funny again.

Thanks for your past experience and sharing with us.

Live for God, so that we receive an eternal life.

WISHING YOU ALL A VERY GREAT EASTER

Raja