Ideas for Worship
Leaders
INVITING OTHERS TO WORSHIP

A "Call to Worship" song is not the same thing
as what is popularly known as an "opener".  In
our observations, "openers" in church services
have sometimes been worship songs, intention to
worship songs, testimonies, encouragement
songs, declaration songs, or proclamation songs.  
These observations are based on the lyric
content alone.

A "Call to Worship" is very distinct in its
content.  This type of song overtly invites
members of a congregation to worship in song.  It
is horizontal in nature, rather than vertical.  That
is, the lyrics address other people, not God
himself.

Effective "Call" songs usually have a strong
musical character as well.  Sometimes they are
high-energy or up-tempo.  Other times they are
anthems.  An anthem has a very majestic feel to
it.

These songs can help to focus people on the
purpose of assembling together.  That is, to
remember who God is or what he has done and
sing out worship in response.  However, there
are a couple of cautions:

1)  Only choose one "Call to Worship" for your    
      set.

2)  Don't repeat a "Call to Worship" more than    
     once, if at all.

As worship leaders, we must take care not to
"brow beat" or "manipulate" people into what
we think is worship.  Many times we have
witnessed services where a leader chose multiple
"Call to Worship" songs and then "Intention to
Worship Songs".  The set then ended without
any actual vertically directed songs of praise,
adoration, or worship.  Once we have put the
invitation forward, let's move the people into
actual worship songs as soon as we can.

For examples of Call to Worship songs, see
article 10 Call to Worship Songs
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This article is written in coordination with the
Stairway Model of song selection and service order.
to view  the Stairway Model