In some churches, musicians normally choose the hymns, songs and other music for a service.  In other churches, preachers (and sometimes worship leaders) have that responsibility.

  

The previous page on this website (Ways to order worship) offers a conventional way to order a preaching service.  This page refers to that pattern (of Preparation, Ministry of the Word, Response, Dismissal).

  

Hymns/songs for the Preparation part of an act of worship are likely to be praising and adoring God.  They may well be seasonal too - reflecting the emphases of a particular time in the Church year, or the theme of a particular Sunday.  The atmosphere created by the music probably uplifts but sometimes the mood could be more contemplative.

  

Hymns/songs in and around the Ministry of the Word can serve a range of purposes.  For example, placed before a bible reading or sermon, they can anticipate or prepare the way for it.  Similarly, placed after a reading or a sermon, they can underline or develop an idea or theme from what has gone before.  Occasionally, a hymn can act as a ‘hinge' picking up something from what has just happened and anticipating something that is about to happen.

  

Hymns/songs for the Response can capture a mood and deepen worship, inspiring devotion, dedication, thanks and concern.  Hymns for Dismissal could well be praise songs, or hymns that declare a readiness for action and service.