What if you actually embraced one of the unique advantages you have when leading worship in a small church? That advantage is intimacy!
The fact that there are less people and you are in a smaller space means that the environment is instantly more intimate. In fact, this is one of the things that larger churches have to constantly be creative about - how do they create a more intimate environment with larger gatherings?
But here you are with an environment that is instantly intimate. So how can you lean into that strength?
Here are 3 ways to embrace the intimacy of leading in a small church:
1 | Respond to people's stories
In smaller settings, you know a larger ratio of the people you're leading on a deeper level. There's no reason you can't know 50 people's specific stories. So use that to your advantage!
Strike up a conversation. Build authentic relationships with people.
Then, use what you learn to guide how you lead people. All of the sudden, you'll make a connection that your whole church needs to be led in a specific way. You can use these details to guide your song selection, what you say between songs, and how you pray.
2 | Utilize the "kum-ba-yah moments"
Remember those summer nights spent sitting around a campfire singing songs with your friends? Those are a "kum-ba-yah moment." Everyone singing out as loud as they can because they trust the people they're with and they know the song.
Start looking at how you can incorporate more of those moments in your worship leading. Pick songs your church knows well and lead them in it. Then step back from the microphone and encourage them to sing it out!
3 | Encourage others to lead worship when they're not up front
People can be self-conscious when worshiping in intimate environments. Pick a few people who you notice worship uninhibited and let them know that they are leading people in worship from right where they are. Encourage them and let them know they are helping to set the tone for everyone else.
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