expressive worship

The Right Introduction

Just like a song intro is key to ‘gathering the chicks’ (from the Tom Jackson ‘Jaxicon’ of terms), a great verbal introduction is important as well.

We recently received this e-mail:

“We work in a lot of churches and more often than not, the host gives the most uninspiring introduction before we walk on stage. From my previous years in secular music, I know a good emcee can build the excitement so the group “rides in on a wave.” Is there a way to “coach” the emcee ahead of time without seeming like we are just “putting on a show” instead of ministering? Thanks, PM (Please don’t use my full name in case those uninspired introducers read this and poke me with sharp sticks.)”

OK, ‘PM’ – we’ll keep you anonymous to avoid the sharp sticks. Good question! A good introduction is important in every situation…worship or not. It really sets the stage for what’s about to happen since you’re strangers to these churches.

A good introduction is something you need to discuss with the Pastor of the host church or whoever will be introducing you, AHEAD of time.

To make it easy for the emcee (sorry, not really a churchy term, but means the person introducing you), you should have something written on a card to hand to them so they don’t have to worry about remembering your name, where you’re from or any other details that you want presented.

Granted, since you’re leading worship, it’s not going to be a ‘game-show-now-give-a-big-round-of-applause!!’ type introduction. It’s going to be more of a ‘let’s-show-some-appreciation’ type intro.

An example might read like this: ‘We’re so glad to have some special guests here this morning. This worship band comes to us from Waterloo, Iowa and travels all over the country leading worship at churches and events. I met them at _____ (fill in the blank) and was so inspired by their passion for worship. It’s my privilege this morning to welcome the Good Hope Praise Band! Let’s stand and worship together.’

If it’s more of an informal church or service, it would be good to include a short anecdote that brings in a big of humor to loosen everyone up. For example; ‘Next to leading worship, the band’s second favorite thing to do on the road is to photograph themselves in front of bizarre road signs.’ Then have them put up a few photos of that if you want!

You can come up with a couple of options if you feel like you’re putting too many words in their mouth – especially that 3rd sentence. Or, just give them ‘I met them at_____’ and let them finish the whole sentence. But that’s the basic idea.

This gives you a proper introduction without sounding too ‘showy.’ But the fact that someone from the church sets the stage and gives their endorsement, so-to-speak, will get the congregation with you from the start.

Hope this works for you PM!

If any of you have some experience with this, we’d love for you to weigh in on how you’ve handled introductions.

Worship Well & Expressively,
Amy Wolter

Worship Teams

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Amy Wolter

Amy has vast and varied experience in music, from keyboardist to lead singer, from songwriter to producer. She fronted a nationally touring Christian rock band that garnered some top 10 CCM hits. Playing in a variety of venues and churches gave her a real understanding of what audiences and congregations connect with. As a member of her church’s worship team, Amy understands the challenges that come with this, and enjoys helping Christian artists and Worship Teams create freedom in the room to truly express their worship.

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  1. Adrienne says:

    Great advice. Introductions of other people are one of my weaknesses… and it’s something I need to do at almost every gig because I play in a live karaoke band, so we have a new singer for every song. These are a couple of great ideas that I’ll adapt for my own context. Thanks!

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