Transitions are so important in worship planning.

Here are some items to consider in transitions:

KEY: Consider the key of the song and the key of the next song. Is there any way to have one song go to the next song in the same key? Is there a way to have the instrumentalists play the song in a different key than normal in order to have a common key with the two songs?

KEY: Sometimes you may sing a song like “Mighty to Save” earlier in the worship set in the key of A. It is great to come back to part of a song in worship (more later). So, if you are singing another song later in your set that is in the key of G or B, consider returning to a portion of “Mighty to Save” (just part of it… “Savior, you can move the mountains, you are mighty to save, m…..). However, instead of singing the song in the original key of A, as you transition from the worship song in the key of G, lead the congregation into the smaller portion of the song in the same key (the key of G). (Your instrumentalists will need to know the song in both keys.)

RETURN TO A PART OF THE SONG: As mentioned above, a great way to help emphasize a keyword or theme during the worship set is to repeat part of a song later. Consider starting out with an upbeat worship song that everyone knows very well. Then at the end of the set (or at least toward the end of the set) go back to a portion of the song. Sometimes you may want to end slowly with part of a song that you previously sang fast. Or, you may want to build the volume and energy and end strong. Be creative. Don’t end the same every time.

TEMPO: Sometimes, connecting two songs together with the same tempo is a great transition. You, the worship leader, must be very familiar with your songs. Don’t just connect two songs together that do not relate to each other in any way. Spend time researching worship songs. Find two songs that may connect in some way with a key word or theme. If they can be connected with the same tempo, then work on a simple way to transition from one to the next.

TEMPO: If the tempo of two songs are not the same, it is possible to begin the second song at the tempo of the first. Then, after singing the refrain, the first verse, or the bridge in the first song’s tempo, start the new tempo in an instrumental introduction of some kind. Then, continue the second song in the new tempo.

These are a few ideas for transitions. Other worship leaders would love to hear your ideas. Share them here. Post comments on this blog post so others can read your suggestions.