I want you to close your eyes and think about one of your favorite songs right now. Got it in your mind? Actually, you’re probably humming it, right? What is it that makes this song special to you?
Does it bring up a special memory? Set you in an entirely different mood? Make you smile or dance?
[Tweet “Music has the ability to change us. “]
With one throwback song on the radio we are transported back to a special time in our lives or we are zapped from sad to happy or vice versa. Music is transformative and it’s also fun, which is why I would like to offer some different ways you can incorporate music into your small groups.
Maybe you’re thinking to yourself, but I already play music in my small groups. Great! Perhaps you can share your ideas in the comments section. If music isn’t something you’ve thought about using in your small groups, I would like to encourage you to get creative and think of ways to do so. To help get you started, I’ve compiled five entirely different ways to integrate music in your group time.
How to Incorporate Music into Your Small Groups
Play music as your group enters the room.
Having soft music play in the background as women or teens in your groups enter the building or room can make for a welcoming atmosphere. It can also create a sense of warmth and friendliness to the room. Playing more upbeat music (think TobyMac’s “Feel It”) can send the message of Hey! We’re going to have fun while we are together! Teens really respond to music upon entering a room. Consider asking them what songs they like to listen to (appropriateness considered) and play them as they come into group or Bible study.
Offer music during times of writing.
It can be hard and even awkward to write in utter silence. If part of your small group or Bible study involves a writing portion or time of reflection, consider a worship playlist that has a relaxing tone to it. This can help group members feel less pressured about their writing topic and it can also help them to reflect.
Music is a great game timer.
One way I incorporate music into my teen Bible study group is by using it as a timer in games or icebreakers we play. I will say “You have 30 seconds to get into teams” and will play a snippet of a fun song. When the song is up, they need to be in teams. It’s sort of like musical chairs for icebreakers and Bible study time. When the music stops, you need to be in your seat, or have a partner, or find the book of the Bible we’re studying, etc. It really creates a fun atmosphere!
Music can help the Bible come alive.
Have you ever heard a song and it made you think of a story in the Bible? Music can be instrumental in allowing those stories we often hear about to come alive for us. For example, Natalie Grant’s “Clean” makes me think of the woman who washed Jesus’ feet with her tears. It is a story of redemption and that song fits it so well. As the song goes, there’s nothing too dirty, that you can’t make worthy. Taylor Swift’s “I Knew You Were Trouble” takes me back to David and Bathsheba’s tangled love story. There should have been a flashing red WARNING-TROUBLE AHEAD sign above their heads. But as we know, they didn’t exactly heed that warning.
Adding music in this way to your Bible study or group time can make the people of the story you are studying come alive for your group members. It can help them relate to the people they are learning about and often helps evoke an emotion about the story, one they will remember.
Music helps us feel things we often can’t put into words.
There is something about music that can evoke strong emotions in us. A sad song can make us feel gloomy or low On the contrary, a happy song can encourage us, leaving us feeling joyful and cheerful. This same idea can be applied to your group time. As a leader, there may be instances where you just can’t figure out the right way to express what you want to the group. Music is a great tool to have in your toolbox for times like this. Perhaps there is a song that can express what you would like the group to gain from an activity or lesson, better than you can convey yourself. The tune or lyrics of a song might touch someone in a significant way. A way they might not get in traditional Bible study or group time.
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What are some songs that you enjoy using in your small groups?
Have you ever considered creating a group playlist?
I create multiple playlists for my own group use. It helps to have a playlist ready to go so that you’re not searching for songs when you need them. To help you make a playlist, I thought I would share some of my favorite songs that I use during my small group time.
Reflection Playlist:
- Ever Be, Bethel Music
- Deeper, Meredith Andrews
- Good Enough, Dara Maclean
- Holy Spirit, Francesca Battistelli
- How Can It Be, Lauren Daigle
- Clean, Natalie Grant
- If We’re Honest, Francesca Battistelli
- Multiplied, NEEDTOBREATHE
- Overcome, Jeremy Camp
- Shoulders, for King & Country
- Remind Me Who I am, Jason Gray
- Salt & Light, Lauren Daigle
- This is Your Life, Switchfoot
- Touch the Sky, Hillsong UNITED
- What a Savior, Laura Story
Listen here to the More to Be Reflection List on Spotify
Get Em Movin’ Playlist:
- Alive, Hillsong Young & Free
- Build Your Kingdom Here, Rend Collective
- Do Life Big, Jamie Grace (great for teens)
- Feel It, tobyMac
- God is on the Move, 7eventh Time Down
- Gold, Britt Nicole
- Move, Mercy Me
- The River, Jordan Feliz
- Shake, Mercy Me
- God’s Not Dead, Newsboys
Listen here to the More to Be Get Moving Play List on Spotify
What is on your playlist?
I would love to hear it!
If you need resources to use with your small group of teen girls,
check out our 16 Resource Bundle or the Super Bundle.
