Christmas is just around the corner – can you believe it? As a worship leader, I know this season brings both excitement and a whole lot of extra work. With special services, unique music, and high congregational expectations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed trying to pull it all together.
But you know what? With a little advanced planning, you can make sure your Christmas celebration is both meaningful and memorable for your church. That’s why I’ve put together this handy checklist to help you get organized and stay on top of all the details.
1. Set the Date(s)
Let’s start by marking those crucial dates on the calendar. Be sure to determine your Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and any other special service times well in advance. And don’t be afraid to add an extra service or two if you typically see a big spike in attendance. Just make sure it fits with your church’s overall schedule.
2. Plan the Worship Set
Now comes the fun part – selecting the songs! Choose a mix of traditional Christmas carols and more contemporary worship tunes that will speak to all the different folks in your congregation. And don’t forget to plan for any special music like solos, choirs, or instrumental pieces. Just make sure the whole worship flow ties together nicely. Here are some ideas to get you going!
3. Recruit Volunteers
You’re definitely going to need some extra help during the holidays, so start recruiting those volunteers early! Whether it’s ushers, greeters, tech crew, or the nursery team, get the word out and assign clear roles. And don’t forget to schedule rehearsals for your musicians and other performers.
4. Promote the Services
Once you’ve got the plan in place, be sure to shout it from the rooftops (or at least on your website and social media)! Create some shareable graphics and consider sending out digital or printed invitations to your whole congregation. The goal is to get people excited and make it easy for them to invite their friends and family.
5. Prepare the Space
Setting the Christmas ambiance is key. Decorate your worship space with trees, poinsettias, lights – the whole nine yards. And don’t forget the practical stuff like making sure your sound system, lighting, and other tech are in tip-top shape.
6. Review and Rehearse
Finally, hold a full run-through of each service to work out any kinks. Make sure all your volunteers, musicians, and speakers are comfortable in their roles. And remember to stay flexible – things don’t always go as planned, so be ready to adapt if needed.
Download a Comprehensive PDF checklist below.
The holidays are a truly special time to celebrate the birth of our Savior. By planning ahead and crossing your T’s, you can help ensure your congregation has a joyful and meaningful Christmas experience. Now go forth and be merry, my fellow worship leader!
