Editor's Note: River Valley Worship just released the awesome new record, Million Lifetimes (find it here), but the Minneapolis church quickly has turned its attention to Easter services. With the big day fast approaching, we asked River Valley's Ryan Williams to talk about what's important to him when picking a worship set. 


How many words does it take for a Christ follower to describe Easter? Let me try a few: monumental, sacred, vital, victorious, passionate, awe-inspiring, significant... it goes on and on. 

So when it comes time for worship leaders to choose a set list for this amazing day, the task can feel daunting. Here are a few things that might help us through the process:

1. TELL THE STORY
Easter is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus. Picks songs that feel celebratory. Maybe stay away from the minor chord dirge; save that for the few days before (Good Friday!). Be specific with the kind of lyrical content you're using. Easter is the day to focus on the empty tomb, the resurrection, the new life that is ours in Christ, as opposed to the sacrifice, the blood, the price that was paid.

2. THINK OF YOUR AUDIENCE
Easter is a time when visitors flood into our churches. They need to hear the Gospel story. What our some ways that we can present that with our lyrical content? A song can seep into someone's soul without them knowing; don't waste that opportunity!  We have the chance of telling people who they are in Christ, and most likely, they have never heard that truth before.  Can you see it in your mind's eye? The moment that a broken person hears for the first time that they are chosen, forgiven, and not alone. WOW!

3. ENJOY IT
As a church leader, the joy of Easter and even other big events like Christmas can become lost in the busyness of getting everything done. All of a sudden the planning becomes more important than the purpose. Do songs that you love, and do them in ways that feel authentic to you and your church. Authenticity always makes our art "weigh" much more than it would if we were just copying someone else. Smile as you lead the songs that are connected to your heart and to the heart of your house (church).

Here is a sample list of what it might look at Easter at RVW:
"No Doubting You" by River Valley Worship
"Who You Say I Am" by Hillsong Worship
"Victory" by River Valley Worship
"Hope Has A Name" by River Valley Worship
"Clean" by River Valley Worship