I hope this isn’t too basic for worship leaders, but thinking of how you start and end a song is extremely important.
Often, in rehearsals, I will start with the end of a song before we run the whole song, so that people know what we’re trying to accomplish. Nothing worse than playing through the whole song, only to trainwreck during rehearsal, and everyone wonders if it’s two or three times, minor key or not, and if we will end big or small. Better to not get off on the wrong foot during rehearsal and starting with a downer — working through ending first, help build confidence quickly.
The beginning is also essential – in order to start strong, you need a solid understanding of the song and who begins. If we’re not careful, all our songs may begin to sound the same – a drum count, a guitar intro followed by the rest of the band, etc.
Some of the considerations that go into starting and ending a song well have to do with the flow of the service components, asking “what’s next?” and trusting the Holy Spirit to lead you and your team as you lead the church.
STARTING A SONG
Change Up Intros – Don’t always begin with the keyboard or acoustic guitar. Perhaps try starting with a cappella or incorporating a drum intro. Determine a new way to introduce worship or the worship song. Here are five opening welcomes you can use.
Taper In Instrumentally – Some songs might begin with the full band, while others might taper in. Lots of songs are already written like this, but you can still make it your own. Start with a pad sound, into bass and drum beat, then an electric riff or vocal riff before starting.
A Cappella (now and then) – This comes in and out of style, but just recently, we have a song we have been doing for worship as we travel and people really respond to it! You can kick off the song with a chorus before the full band comes in for the riff and the first verse.
Different Instruments Intro Different Songs – Instead of the guitar, have the drums begin. Here’s a song we recorded that starts with drums. Or the bass, keys or whatever other instrument you have. Keep people guessing.
Briefly Teach a New Song – You can introduce a song with a brief teaching moment. Talk about the meaning behind the song when or why it was written, or why you’re singing it today. Invite people to sing the chorus with just the acoustic or piano, then launch into the full song.
Start With Scripture / Testimony – Some song intros can be powerful if someone has a short testimony to share. Maybe a worship team member shares an answered prayer while the keyboard is lightly playing.
Lengthen the Instrumental Intro if Needed – If you need to stretch a song for communion time or testimony, you can lengthen the instrumental intro before beginning the vocals. Here are some thoughts on instrumental music in worship.
ENDING A SONG
Rehearse Ending – I will often rehearse the ending, or at least talk through it before we rehearse the whole song. Taking time to know how you will end the song will help keep it together and powerful.
Be Creative With Ends – Don’t get stuck in a rut. It’s easier said than done, but try to do some different things with endings. Doing an abrupt stop all together can be energizing (and when you do, have the worship team start the clapping). Stay big and don’t taper off. Sing one more chorus with piano only. End with instrumental solo. You can think of lots of great ways!
Know What Comes Next – One key to a smooth flowing worship service with less barriers and hindrances is to know what’s next. You have to know who is coming up, what is happening, what’s next. Always be asking that question. And teach your whole team to ask that question – so that lights go down at the right times, videos begin at the right time and mics are on when people arrive on stage.
Don’t Go Into Verbal Auto Pilot – Too often, we say the same thing at the end of every song. Work hard to make a plan on what to say. Not saying anything is also an option.
Add Some Fun Now And Then – Having some fun musical endings is great now and then! Long trashcan endings, double time gospel beat ending, or a drum line ending are some things we have done recently.
Rehearse What Vocalists Do On Stage During Instrumental Endings (Or Other Times) – Knowing what to do at the end of a song is essential, especially for the vocalists. What about the end of the last song? What about during a solo? Where does the worship team look, when do they head off stage, what next? We want to be as uniform as possible – not for formality, but so that our team members are confident and the congregation is comfortable.
The starts and the endings are essential. They are important for the worship service as a whole and for each of its components. Have fun being creative.