People are always interested in set lists. We want to know what songs work well in other people's churches. That's helpful to a degree but the real power comes in understanding that your church has a unique voice.
Every local church is connected through their belief in Jesus. But every local church is also made up of local people - each with cultural differences. That's not a bad thing - God created all of us uniquely. That means that while one song might work at one church, it might not work as well at another.
Here are 3 ways to find your church's voice:
1 | Know your people
It start with relationships. What's the overall culture of your church? Obviously not everyone is exactly the same and there's probably some diversity but what is the common thread in people's lives? What drew them to your particular church in the first place?
Knowing your general culture (and every church has one) is the first step to finding your church's voice.
2 | See how they respond
Next comes the testing phase. Try different things out and see what your church responds to. The good news is, unless you're a relatively new church, you probably have years of data to think through. Make a list of your top 5 worship songs - those songs that work really well at your church. Then find what they have in common. Your church might like gospel music. Or maybe it's hymns. Or maybe it's early 2000's Paul Baloche songs. Whatever it is find what resonates with your church.
3 | Double down on your strengths
Now that you know what works - double down on it. You don't have to be like every other church. Maybe Reckless Love doesn't work for you but A Mighty Fortress Is Our God does. Lean into your strengths and be the church that God is calling you to be - not what you think you should be because everyone else is doing it.
What's something you tried at your church that completely bombed? Let us know in the comments!
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