Blog #011 Things not to say as a public worship leader

Do not say the following phrases in public worship – ever.

Use room/facility names by their old appellations

One church’s “Red Room” has nothing red in it - the carpet is blue-green, the walls are natural wood paneling. The carpet hasn't been red for fifteen years.  Newcomers will never find it. In another congregation, leaders often said, “…go past the room where the Library used to be ….”

This makes no sense to anyone who started attending since the library quit being the library.

Seems obvious, but old habits (and names) die hard.

Thank you for choosing to worship with us today

Say this only if you intend to promote “spiritual consumerism.” It communicates “we’re here to deliver the spiritual goods and services you are looking for in the way that you want them. You have lots of good choices in this town; you chose us this morning. Thanks.” Or it might communicate, “we’re experiencing a slump in our offering income, so we’re glad you’re here to help us pump up the offering total.”

Please fill out your communication card so we can know you are here

This sounds so impersonal to my ear. It communicates, “we recognize your existence in our presence if you fill out a card.” I believe that a congregation’s leadership needs to have blunt discussions in their committee and board meetings about the reasons for having attendees register their attendance. Most newcomers don’t fill out the cards until their third or fourth visit anyway. They know they’re going to get marketed, their names put into a database - that they will be digitized.

If you’re here today ….

This is usually combined with “…and you want to know more…” or “…and you need Jesus….” Think about it. When you speak face to face with a friend, you don’t say, “If I’m talking to you right now and you’re hungry, would you like to get some lunch?” No! You say, “Are you hungry? Let’s get some lunch.” At church, you’re talking to people sitting in front of you. They’re here.

Let’s do some more worship

Argh! What’s usually meant is, “let’s sing another song.” Music doesn’t equal worship.

As we begin this morning….”

The preacher gets up to deliver his sermon 30 minutes into the worship gathering and says, “As we begin this morning….” Begin what? The sermon, yes. Praise, adoration, confession, singing, prayer are already full steam ahead.

Observe the old adage – Think before you speak. Your first-time visitors are listening … and so are we.