One of the keys to good speaking transitions while leading worship is speaking with authority.

People want to follow people who have AUTHORITY: the power to influence others because of a recognized knowledge about something.

But all too often we insert milquetoast, formulaic, noncommittal homilies between our worship songs. 

Don't get me wrong - I still do it from time to time too! Because it's easier than actually knowing what you're talking about.

So, how do you speak with authority?

Here are 3 secrets to speaking with authority while leading worship:

1 | From "I think" to "We believe"

A small vocabulary change can make all the difference.

Noncommittal speakers start with "I think."

It's safe. It quietly communicates, "I'm not 100% sure but..." It's hedging your bet.

"We believe" on the other hand communicates, "This is truth." And to go a step further, "This is truth that we STAND ON as a church."

That's what people want. People want a leader who is certain in their beliefs - especially on the foundational principles of our faith.

2 | Formulate your OWN thoughts

The best way to to diminish your intellectual authority is to ALWAYS deflect intellectual authority to others.

What's that look like? Here are a few phrases you might have heard/used before:

"I was reading my devotional yesterday and it said..."

"I was listening to a sermon earlier this week that talked about..."

"I read a book once where the author explained..."

When you ALWAYS quote someone else, it makes people question whether you are capable of forming your own opinions or if you just always look to other people to form them for you. (Sorry! Tough love but it's true.)

So, yes. You can quote people from time to time. But, take the time to formulate your OWN thoughts and communicate them to the people of your church.

3 | Actually have the AUTHORITY to speak (know what you're talking about)

The best way to speak with AUTHORITY is to actually HAVE authority. That means KNOWING what you're talking about.

When it comes to leading worship - you don't have to have a Master of Divinity in Theological Studies with a double minor in Greek and Hebrew.

But, know what you're talking about.

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