The introduction of new music can be an energizing and enriching experience for a congregation, but for the music to be a benefit to the congregation, those doing the introducing need to prepare carefully. First, it is important to know the congregation.
Some congregations thrive on new hymns and easily accept a variety of liturgical settings.
Others may find one new hymn every two or three months about all they can manage. Certainly a congregation's tolerance for new things is an important guide for planning. Careful preparation with this guide in mind will help to smooth the way to successful introduction of new material. As worship leader or parish musician, you might first work with the worship committee to discover what areas of the congregation's song can be expanded and in what directions. Make a wish list of specific things that you would like to introduce.