The ability to create a purpose-filled worship experience on a weekly basis is a skill that is lacking in many church leadership teams. Just because one has an excellent preacher, a great band, a talented group of singers, an able technical crew, an expensive sound and video system, and a beautiful, spacious facility, doesn't guarantee that the ultimate goal of the service will be fully accomplished. The way by which we facilitate worship each week might vary with musical style, liturgy or ability, but it is probably agreed that the goal is not simply to wow people with a great production. Rather, our aim should be to help facilitate a one-on-one encounter between the participant and God; what happens on campus between the participant's arrival and departure must be scrutinized and adjusted for maximum impact to allow a seamless, uninterrupted flow in the worship experience.
Whichever team or person that has the responsibility of designing the worship journey each week should ask these simple questions: 1) Who is my audience? 2) When does the participant's journey begin and end? 3) What is the big idea? 4)How much time do I have to accomplish the big idea? 4) How do I flow between each piece seamlessly? 5) Do I have the infrastructure, the teams, the resources, the preparation time, etc., to accomplish this initiative? 6) Does each team leader have clear instructions and deadlines to adequately bring quality results in a timely fashion?
I can hear a collective laugh and then hear many say, "What kind of fantasy land are you describing? My church could never accomplish this structure, planning, or delivery!" The point in this installment of Creating Great Moments In Worship is that an effective team, along with the empowering of the Holy Spirit, is the source from which an effective weekly worship journey is accomplished; it cannot happen all by itself or through just one person--it MUST be realized through a team effort.
Here are some tips for choosing team members that will help accomplish your goals:
First, don't look for the perfect person--they don't exist! Rather search for promising team members--they may be musical, technical, or administrative--but their basic ability, willingness to learn and serve in a volunteer capacity are the primary requirements. (In the case of volunteers who will be working with children from newborn to college, it is imperative to acquire a background check; a church or organization at any stage of growth must prioritize the safety of children).
Second, know your limitations and look for people who will compliment your team with skills you may not possess.
Third, have a weekly production meeting with all of the leaders, sitting at one table, going over the necessary production details. The agenda each week may consist of a critique of last week's service (celebrate, too!), discussing this week's service, and future services that may need early attention like Easter, Christmas, special services, etc. It is important that each aspect of the service be discussed with the group, and that there be consensus, since unnecessary surprises should be avoided. The pastor, administrative leader, or the worship leader may oversee this weekly production meeting...just make it a priority to have one!
Even a small church of 100 members or less can implement structure and a leadership team that will enhance the simplest production. I can almost guarantee that, if some of these suggestions are heeded, your people will have a greater experience in worship, and you will probably begin to see an increase in attendance as well.
Look for Creating Great Moments in Leadership, Part 3, in the coming weeks. For questions, comments, suggestions or for information on how Jamie can assist you and your church, please send an email to: jamie@jamieharvill.com
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