Engaging the 80 Percent (Intro)

    There is a hilarious scene from the movie "Anchorman" in which one of the newsmen turns to another showing him a bottle of cologne.  He proudly brags about its effects: "They've done studies you know.  60 percent of the time it works ... every time."   Wow, I thought.  His cologne works every time ... and then the real truth ... 60 percent of the time.  If he were honest he'd have to say: "It works slightly more than half the time." 

    When was the last time you were honest about how many people sing in your church?  Do almost all your people sing?  Do half?  Do a quarter?  In my experience about 80 percent of people arrive at church in no mood to sing.  Some days I arrive in no mood to sing.  If we start singing assuming that everyone is pumped and eager, then we can inadvertently leave a majority of people behind. 

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It's not the ability to lead a band and singers but the ability to lead a congregation that makes a great worship leader.

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    While we aren’t responsible for others’ ability or willingness to sing, our planning and actions can make a big difference.  Creating an environment that promotes a wide and active participation in worship is one of the most important goals of a worship leader.  It's not the ability to lead a band and singers, but the ability to lead a congregation that makes a great worship leader.

    This series of blogs entitled "Engaging the 80 Percent" deals with techniques you can use to be more effective in promoting communal singing in your congregation. Check back for the next installments on this topic.

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