ONLINE HYMNAL WORSHIP GUIDELINES

OVERVIEW

This guideline focuses on the hymnal worship session prior to the worship service. The purpose of the hymnal worship session is to lift up our voices of praise and thanksgiving to God and to prepare our hearts to receive the word of God. The hymnal worship leaders should spend ample time in prayer and preparation beforehand. During the hymnal worship, they should lead the congregation in singing with one heart and to inspire them to worship God in spirit and truth.


ROLES OF HYMNAL WORSHIP LEADERS

  • Prepare the heart of the congregation to receive the word of God and for worship (Matt 15:8-9)

  • Encourage the congregation with the word of God and the message of the hymns (Col 3:16)

  • Inspire the congregation to praise and worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:23)


HOW TO

PREPARATION BEFOREHAND

Prepare Spiritually

  1. Prepare the heart by reflecting and sanctifying oneself in prayer.

  2. Pray for guidance and inspiration from God.

  3. Long term: spiritually cultivate daily by studying the word of God, praying, and pursuing the fullness of the Holy Spirit.


Coordinate with Sermon Speaker

  1. Ask the sermon speaker for the sermon topic and hymns for the worship service. One may also ask for the suggested hymns for the hymnal worship from the speaker.

  2. Prepare the hymnal worship with the sermon topic in mind to 1) prepare the heart of the congregation for the topic, and/or 2) relate the hymn(s) to the sermon topic.


Select Hymns

  1. Spend time to select hymns to convey spiritual message(s). If appropriate, pick hymns to prepare the congregation for the message of the worship service.

  2. Pick 3-4 hymns for a 10- to 15-minute hymn-singing session. Prepare back-up hymns for unexpected circumstances.

  3. Pick only from hymns 1-469 due to copyright limitation on the remaining hymns.


Take Note of the Following for Each Hymn

  1. Find the main message of the hymn.

  2. Note differences between English and Chinese hymnals - meaning and number of verses.

  3. Music features - note any melodic, rhythmic, harmonic and structural features that enhance the main message.

  4. Tempo – decide on the speed of the hymn based on the main message and music features.

  5. Fermata – look for the “pause” signs and decide on how long to hold them.

  6. Beat pattern – note any changes in the beat pattern in the hymn.


Prepare Encouragement

Prepare encouragement based on the message of the hymns. One can consider using a verse or short reflection. Keep the sharing concise and to the point. Not every song needs to be preceded/followed by sharing.


Coordinate with Accompanist

Inform accompanist of all songs and coordinate any necessary details (e.g. style, mood, tempo, fermata). If needed, rehearse with the accompanist beforehand.


Coordinate with AV

Give AV personnel your hymn numbers at least a day before the hymnal worship session.


PREPARATION ON THE HOUR

  1. Dress appropriately to avoid distractions, and groom yourself accordingly as one serving God and representing the church.

  2. Arrive early before the hymnal worship session to pray and prepare your heart.

  3. Test your mic and video with the AV personnel.


WHILE LEADING HYMNAL WORSHIP

  1. Maintain a reverent and sincere disposition.

  2. Lead the congregation by singing with a heart of joy and love.

  3. Maintain regular eye contact by looking at your camera to help engage the congregation.

  4. Actively lead and encourage the congregation to sing with their hearts.


PROCEDURE

  1. Silent prayer

  2. “In the name of Jesus Christ, we begin the hymnal worship.” “奉主耶穌聖名開始詩頌崇拜”

  3. Introduce the hymn number and title

    1. Share the main message of the hymn or a short reflection

    2. Mention the verses to be sung (as needed)

    3. Say the number of the next verse prior to singing it (helpful for people coming in late)

  4. Make sure the sermon speaker is ready before you end the session. Otherwise, continue with backup hymns.

  5. If the sermon speaker is ready, ensure the session ends on time by adjusting the number of verses sung.

  6. “This concludes the hymnal worship. May all the glory be unto His name!”


ADDITIONAL POINTERS

  1. Don’t be timid; be assertive in leading the congregation to praise God.

  2. Don’t be stiff; relax and move your arms naturally along with the music.

  3. Be prepared to interpret or work with an interpreter if the congregation is multi-lingual.

  4. Practice in front of a mirror or video record yourself to see how you look like when you lead hymns.

  5. Observe other hymnal worship leaders for your own future improvements.


(Revision Date: 10/15/2020)