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 We appreciate your Comments