Often times, worship leaders fall into the trap of thinking that all they need to do to prepare for Sunday is learn the songs they're leading. Do you know the right chords? Is it in a good key for you? Do you know the lyrics?

Preparation often just looks like practicing the songs. But, leading worship is about way more than just playing songs. You've got to not only know the songs themselves, but also how they work together and how to stitch them into one cohesive time of worship.

The best way to practice that is to run through your set list. 

Here are 3 reasons you should run through your set list:

1 | The Holy Spirit doesn't just lead on Sunday mornings

The Holy Spirit doesn't wait to guide you until you get on stage on Sunday morning. The Holy Spirit is actively guiding you throughout the whole week - even in your preparation. Running through your set list ahead of time allows a conversation to happen between you and God as you worship in your preparation.

When you run through your set list ahead of time, you'll notice God nudge you in certain directions - filling your head with ideas on how you can best lead His Church.

2 | Practicing your transitions is important

Running through your set also allows you to have a chance to practice your transitions. It's important to not just know the 4 or 5 songs your leading but also how you're going to navigate between them.

Neglecting to practice these transitions results in either dead air as you try to figure out what you're going to say or rambling because you haven't sufficiently thought the transition through.

3 | You can't take people where you haven't gone before

Go on the journey before you lead. Where does God want to take your church on Sunday? What themes is he trying to put before your church? Walking your way through the set ahead of time allows you to have a destination to aim for when you lead your church.