Journey of Worship

Walk into any modern worship service, and you will likely encounter some variation on a theme.

What theme?

• Some type of welcome and announcements
• A group of songs, starting with a call to worship, and perhaps with scripture, confession, and prayer sprinkled in.
• A time of giving (otherwise known as the offering)
• A message
• A time of response with a closing song
• A benediction

Sure, exceptions exist. You might experience a video, dramatic element, missions highlight, or communion, but this is the general pattern you will encounter.

At least I have – both in my own planning and in churches I have attended.

And the question is why? Why do we do it this way? Continue Reading…

I’ll be honest.

I used to think that the offering was a necessary evil in a worship service. It ate up time, broke the flow, and disengaged people. It was always a challenge to find some way to use that time well other than having a token special music. I saw it as more of a transitional element than as an expression of worship.

Thankfully, my perspective has been broadened.

The offering is actually a valuable part of the corporate worship experience. You may be skeptical, but hear me out.

The offering can be one of the most valuable means of participation and worship that we can do together. Continue Reading…

I remember learning that there are basically two important parts of a speech – the beginning as you grab people’s attention, and the end as you reinforce your main point or call for action.

(Of course, does that mean what’s said in the middle isn’t as important?)

Politicians, especially presidential candidates, are really good at this. As they travel the campaign trail, they often end their speeches with the same phrase to help drive home what they care about most.

I was considering recently whether there are any parallels to a worship service. Of course, in worship planning we know that all parts of the service are important. That overall flow matters.

We put much effort into selecting songs, scriptures, and creative elements to help people be able to hear and respond to truth. So that through the scriptures, preaching, and ultimately the Holy Spirit, we experience transformation.

And when we experience something that moves and impacts us, we want to respond in some way. How many of us, after hearing stories of hunger or injustice, want to rise up and do something about it? Continue Reading…

How often do you ask evaluative questions?

Of your life, spiritual walk, or ministry.

Or of a worship service you may lead?

I don’t believe it’s enough to simply plan a themed, biblically based, Christ-centered corporate worship service. That’s important, but if we never ask questions, how do we know if we are offering, and leading others to offer, excellent worship?

Unfortunately, it’s not enough to simply ask if the transitions were smooth, the notes were on pitch, the videos started on time, or if people were singing.

Because worship is much more than that, the questions we ask need to be much deeper than that. Continue Reading…

How do you spend the time in your team rehearsals each week?

Worship team rehearsal time can be some of the most valuable time each week.

But not just because we’re going over songs and service flow.

In fact, if that is all we are doing, we are missing a great opportunity.

For what, you ask? Continue Reading…