by Mark Sooy

‘Tis the Season To Rehearse 

As we approach the busy holiday season, we may have people involved in our worship services that are part of a special program or presentation; there could be children in a choir or small ensemble, a soloist performing a favorite carol, the reading of an original poem written by a congregational member, or numerous other possibilities. Rehearsals are one area that can definitely enhance the congregation's experience in Sunday morning or evening services, especially as we include these special items. If the Worship Leader, musicians, and other participants spend time in rehearsal during the week, then the service is sure to go smoother and the congregation will have a greater sense that the leaders were well-prepared. What follows are several steps to take for quality rehearsals.

Five Easy Steps for Better Rehearsals

Step 1 - Schedule and have a rehearsal:

I know this seems obvious, but I'm always surprised at how many want to skip this step. It is especially important this time of year.  Worship Leaders will have to help participants nervous about the microphone, or not used to hearing themselves amplified. It will probably be necessary to review the basics, to encourage them to speak slowly and project their voices out into the congregation. "Sound checks" are vital for special music performers to verify that they can hear the musical accompaniment, as well as their own voices. Be sure to schedule sufficient rehearsal time.

Step 2 - Be prepared for the rehearsal:

This includes having the order of service prepared beforehand. Once the order of service is ready, participants can see exactly where they fit in the flow of the service. Musicians will also need to come prepared with the music they will need.  Either one person will need to coordinate this and have all the music ready (this is more work for one person, but avoids many problems), or each musician must get their own music (the major issue with this is that many songs have different versions, in different keys, and even variations in the lyrics). Basically, there must be some standard. Both the "Songs for Praise and Worship" series and the "Celebration Hymnal" have arrangements for all kinds of instrumentation. Simply choose the book and the page number and everyone will literally be on the same page!

Step 3 - Only one person lead the rehearsal:

This is not necessarily the Worship Leader (or Song Leader). It most obviously would be the best musician in the group, or the guitar player, or the piano/keyboard player. I'm not convinced it matters who it is, as long as someone is designated the leader and can make the decisions on how to proceed with the rehearsal; this might include how many times to repeat a chorus, how many verses for a hymn, what instruments should play, or which vocalists should sing. Maybe in your setting the leadership should rotate. In fact, leading a rehearsal can be a good place to train future Worship Leaders prior to setting them up in front of the whole congregation. The leader of the rehearsal can work out the transitions between elements of the service.

Step 4 - Plan the rehearsal:

This is another one which seems obvious, but I've been in too many rehearsals in which the leader stands up and says, "What should we work on tonight?" Look at the songs, the special music, the readings, and other elements and plan how to spend the rehearsal time. If you have an hour for rehearsal to rehearse four songs, special music, and an original poem, then divide the time into appropriate slots. It often helps to have the musicians rehearse for forty-five minutes, and have the others come for the last fifteen (maybe longer) to work on their parts and on transitions. And remember, start and end on time. This will show respect for the commitment of time which is being given by the worship team and participants in the service.

Step 5 - Pray:

Pray for each musician and Worship Leader. Pray for the Pastor. Pray for all those involved in the service. Pray for the support personnel (child care, greeters, etc.). Pray together before rehearsal.  Add an extra fifteen minutes to each rehearsal (as part of your Plan in Step 4), and ask for prayer requests. Make this an opportunity to add some small group dynamics into the rehearsals. This group of people (even if it's only 2 of you!) should have opportunities to develop their relationships.  After all, ministry is about people.

There are certainly more ideas that we could discuss, and maybe we can some day. For now, try these simple steps as you approach this holiday season and see how the Lord grows you and those that are part of worship in your congregation.