RE: [Worship] Order of Worship

["McCullough, Earl T" <Earl.T.McCullough@delphiauto.com>]

Well, maybe we need to evaluate what is important, and what is not.
Think creatively, and be willing to experiment.  I believe the most
overwhelming issue holding us back from being "bold" and "creative" is
the inevitable backlash that can come from any change.  I call it
"fear".  My pastor calls it "respect".  I think we are afraid to
generate complaints.  Afraid to cause some unrest.  Afraid to rock the
boat.  Status quo is safe, even if it is boring, stale, and ineffective.
Out of a congregation of 300, if 15 don't like something, we
automatically bail on it, even though 100 do like it, and 100 don't care
either way.......

There are many of you out there who are doing great things with your
services.  There are many of you who don't, and probably shouldn't
(conservative congregation...).  But, there are many of us who could
benefit from it, but are afraid to upset the vocal minority.

Ideas to try out:

How about a 20 minute drama instead of a sermon?

How about intertwining the sermon and worship music?

How about no worship music at all?  just prayer and scripture?

How about a sermon that isn't planned out in advance (letting the Spirit
lead, or even letting the congregation ask questions) - 

How about once a month, making it an outreach service.....(let me tell
you, most sermons I'm hearing these days are for the mature
Christians...you don't hear the basics anymore....and, alot of
non-believers are turned off by the 40 minute sermons)

How about no special music, no "offering" (oh man, the trustees are
gonna be mad)

How about 3 worship songs, a 15 minute message, a prayer, and turn
everyone loose for fellowship (or, what I call, "hanging out"... )

How about break into small groups, either by gender, by age, or just at
random - and go somewhere for some relational exercises (like small
group activities?)


I don't think you have to go nuts trying to make things different just
for the sake of being different.  But, God put so much variety in this
world, why not reflect that with our services?  God gave us intellect.
God gave us creative abilities.  God gave us talents.  Why not use them?
Sure, some will not be happy.  Some will.  That's life.

Peace,
Earl




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