Why You Don’t Know What To SAY When You Lead Worship
Have you ever felt stuck at what to say when you open a worship service or introduce a song?
According to Planning Center Online, these are the top five songs this month: Holy Forever, Goodness of God, Firm Foundation (He Won’t), Praise, and Gratitude.
I thought I’d write some ideas for your inspiration.
1. Holy Forever
"A thousand generations falling down in worship… that’s the picture we step into when we sing this song. We’re joining the eternal song of heaven—the angels, the saints, the elders around the throne—declaring the truth that never changes: our God is holy. Not just yesterday or today—but holy forever. Let’s lift our voices and join that song."
2. Goodness of God
"When we look back over our lives, through every season—joy, pain, wandering, and return—one thing remains constant: the goodness of God. His mercy has never stopped chasing us. So this morning, we don’t just sing about what we believe—we sing about what we’ve lived. Let’s testify together to the goodness of our God."
3. Firm Foundation (He Won’t)
"Storms come. Winds shake. But Jesus said, 'If you hear my words and put them into practice, you are like a wise builder who built on the rock.' This next song is a declaration—we’re not standing on sinking sand. Our faith isn’t based on circumstances. He’s faithful through it all. He’s our firm foundation, and He won’t fail."
4. Praise
"Sometimes, praise comes easy. Other times, it’s a choice. A weapon. A sacrifice. This next song is a call to give God the praise He deserves—not just when we feel like it, but because He’s worthy, always. So whether you’re on the mountaintop or in the valley today—praise Him. Not for what He gives, but for who He is."
5. Gratitude
"What can we bring to a King who has everything? Sometimes all we have is a heart that’s full and a soul that’s overwhelmed. This song is about coming with open hands, honest words, and deep gratitude. So if you’ve been holding back—let go. If you’re feeling unworthy—He welcomes your voice. Let’s give Him our gratitude."
What do you think?
And my real question is this: Why is Chat GPT better than the average worship leader?
Because I decided not to write them, but to ask Chat GPT. Yes, those were given to me by AI. Chat even asked me if I wanted them adjusted for a youth service, a more formal liturgy, or a spontaneous worship set! (How many of us worship leaders could do that well?)
It even gave me an all-in-one opening for the service based on those five songs. Check it:
“Good morning, church. As we gather today, let’s take a deep breath and remember who we’ve come to meet with.
We’re not here just for music or routine—we’re here to encounter the living God. The One who is holy forever. The One who has been faithful every step of our journey. The One who is our firm foundation when the world shakes. The One who deserves our praise—not just when it’s easy, but especially when it’s not. And the One who deserves our gratitude, simply because He is good.
So as we begin, let’s quiet our hearts, lift our eyes, and let our worship rise—not from obligation, but from awe, from trust, from joy. Let’s sing together.”
Admittedly, I’m throwing you a challenge: to do better than AI, better than a computer.
I’m ok if you use Chat for some ideas. But since they aren’t in the room you’re leading, they’ll never beat a leader whose heart is perceptive to the Voice of the King to lead His people to worship Him. So listen.
That’s it. LISTEN.
I often spend my waking hours on a Sunday morning thinking through how I’m going to lead, what I’m going to say. And the best moments come from the times when I’ve quieted my soul and simply asked the LORD what He wants to say to His people.
That’ll be more effective than Chat any day!
You can read more ideas for opening a worship service with a past Fertilizer: https://www.adlibmusic.com/worship-fertilizer/48.
-Dave Helmuth
(purchase my book, "Worship Fertilizer: (the first hundred)" HERE)
Why You Don’t Know What To SAY When You Lead Worship (Nº 433)
