WORHIP PLANNING

All of my adult life, I lived for Sundays!

I know – sounds kind of strange, unless you’re a pastor!

Not all, but much of my energy was directed toward Sunday when the crowd got together to worship the Lord!

When Sunday was over, I enjoyed Mondays off! I usually would hit the woods for several hours where I spent all my time enjoying nature and talking with the Lord! It was good physical exertion, too! Then, I’d go home and hang out with Debbie and enjoy my family!

Tuesday morning: start planning for the next Sunday! 

• How can I make this passage relevant and understandable to our people?
• What songs will lead us to a right place to be able to communicate our love for God?
• Can I write a drama that would help illustrate this message?
• Is there some way to respectfully use humor to get this point across?
• Who can help with worship this week?
• Who would be just right to read this passage?
• Don’t forget to visit worship team practice and encourage those who help to lead our people in their worship!
• What’s the best way to order things up this week to prevent boredom and keep anticipation high?
• Is there anybody who can illustrate this message because of some circumstances in their life recently?

Staff members were repeatedly instructed about several things:

1. You can have my time anytime during the week, but not on Sunday! This is my time to be with ALL the people!

2. We do NOT evaluate anything we do on Sunday! Bring it to the Tuesday staff meeting. We’ll evaluate it then.

3. Be friendly! Look for new people and model a warm welcome for all our people to see!

4. Pray! Pray! Pray! That people will come to faith in Christ!  That people might be healed!  That relationships will be strengthened. That we will experience the presence of God in worship today!

And do you know what?

God honored all this over and over and over again! I have such amazing memories of rich and meaningful worship throughout the forty-plus years God gave me to lead the church! Many came to faith in Christ! Congregations doubled – even tripled in size! We repeatedly experienced the presence of God! Leaders multiplied and grew in phenomenal ways! Marriages were healed! Prayers were answered! Relationships grew! People came with a spirit of expectation! If I’m really honest, I have to confess that I HAVE MISSED  IT! TERRIBLY! It was my life! Oh, there were tensions and occasional problems, but they were FAR OUTWEIGHED by the rewards and benefits!

But God is always good! Since my retirement in 2017, I have been invited to serve several area Free Methodist Churches for brief seasons.

•          Monacrest – during a pastor’s sabbatical.
•          First FMC, ELO – while waiting for a new pastor to become available.
•          Hookstown FMC – also while waiting for a new pastor to be able to move.
•          The Foundery – an 8-month interim appointment, and
•          Currently serving the Oakland FMC, ELO for a year - where I previously served for thirteen years.

Planning and leading worship throughout these years has been a GREAT PLEASURE!  To God be the glory!  I'm already anticipating the worship in Heaven! 

SPIRITUAL FLUFF

Wesleyans have been known through the years for singing their theology. 

• How Firm A Foundation
• Great Is Thy Faithfulness
• Have Thine Own Way, Lord
• Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
• Blessed Assurance
• ...

The Gaithers gave a new voice to this theology with a twist in music styles, but maintaining correct theology - for the most part.

Early Contemporary (a nearly meaningless word now) Christian artists gave us some significant music that also kept our theology grounded but gave us a beat and melody that we could relate to.

• Thy Word Is A Lamp Unto My Feet
• God Is In Control
• El Shaddai
• Above All
• Heart of Worship
• Breath of Heaven
• Lamb of God
• The Warrior Is A Child
• ...

The Praise and Worship movement of the 1980's reduced the music and message to minimalist forms but often kept us thinking in the right directions:

• We Are Standing On Holy Ground
• I Love You Lord
• This Is The Day
• Thou Art Worthy
• Spirit Song
• I Will Enter His Gates
• ...

But somewhere along the line, our contemporary artists began giving us material that was less grounded theologically and more related to our emotions.  Unfortunately, much of this music is leaking into our public worship.

Part of my role as a pastor was to make certain that our worship times were properly grounded theologically while still maintaining relevance to the times in which we live.  I rarely turned this responsibility over to others.  Even special music needs to be evaluated;  for instance, what is gained from an offertory that no one knows or recognizes?   

A service of worship must have flow and connection.  It should be focused to stimulate our thoughts and lead us to truths about God and His world.  It should not be predictable since we serve a God of the mysterious and who is the source of all creativity!  Worship at its best evokes awe and wonder!  It brings our minds and hearts into focus on the One who has sought us, redeemed us, and given us purpose.  

While leading my last full-time church, we frequently saw the altar used as a place for seeking God, prayer, Holy Communion, and prayers for healing.  I always tried to kneel there for a few moments before worship began.  Our response at the end of the service often saw people praying individually or in groups at the altar!  

We attended Springfield Church of God for two years after my retirement.  With some frequency, Pastor Jonathan would have special prayer over someone at the altar.  On occasions, he would invite us to come and lay hands on this person (James 5:13-18).  The front would fill with people as would the aisles as we symbolically laid on hands of faith!  It was always a beautiful thing to be part of as we expressed our love and support.  

While serving the Cornerstone Church in Akron alongside of Brenda Young, our altar would fill every Sunday during the prayer time.  First would come a wave of those needing prayer;  then came a wave of those wishing to pray with and for them!  It was common to have 50 - 70 people crowding around the altar as Brenda prayed over them all!  What an incredible sight!  

I attended a worship service this spring where a very simple worship team [made up mostly of substitutes since the main leaders were on vacation] brought us beautifully into the presence of the Lord!  I was inspired and stood with hands raised much of the time.  It wasn't about anyone's talent.  The team was LEADING US IN WORSHIP!  I didn't want it to end.

But it did end.  Someone came up and gave a bunch of announcements and then - to my shock - told us that we were taking a ten minute break for coffee and donuts!  When everyone returned, a lay speaker gave an excellent Father's Day message.  It's impact would have been magnified if it had immediately followed our wonderful worship time.  I left the church wondering:  'What were they thinking?'

I find myself in a dearth of meaningful worship that goes beyond three songs, announcements, offering, and message.  I need something that allows for some spontaneity and response.  Prescribed readings and prayers can be helpful if chosen and led well.  I believe it makes a difference when a service has been planned and prayed over by the pastor, leaders and people!  

We've lost something that desperately needs to be regained...  

When the music fades

All is stripped away

And I simply come

Longing just to bring

Something that's of worth

That will bless Your heart

I'll bring You more than a song

For a song in itself

Is not what You have required

You search much deeper within

Through the way things appear

You're looking into my heart

I'm coming back to the heart of worship

And it's all about You, it's all about You, Jesus

I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it

When it's all about You, it's all about You, Jesus

King of endless worth

No one could express

How much you deserve

Though I'm weak and poor

All I have is Yours

Every single breath!

I'll bring You more than a song

For a song in itself

Is not what You have required

You search much deeper within

Through the way things appear

You're looking into my heart, yeah

I'm coming back to the heart of worship

And it's all about You, it's all about You, Jesus

I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it

When it's all about You, it's all about You, Jesus

I'm coming back to the heart of worship

And it's all about You, it's all about You, Jesus

I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it

When it's all about You, it's all about You, Jesus

[Words and music by Matt Redman]

WORSHIP PLANNING

When I was leading the church, my whole week was aimed toward Sunday.  When Sunday was over, I took a day off and then took aim at the next Sunday.  I lived for these special times!  Although I had many other responsibilities during the course of any given week, making certain that I had Sunday’s plans well under control and immersed in prayer was pivotal.

Over the years, I developed priorities about the development of worship.  These emerged from

·         personal experiences,

·         reading books and other materials,

·         attending conferences and seminars,

·         the seasons of the Christian year,

·         participation in denominational emphases,

·         dialogue with other leaders,

·         participation in many worship experiences of different traditions and forms, and

·         the study of God’s Word.

By my very nature, I bring a creative surge to worship planning.  I believe that worship should be engaging, fresh, vibrant, meaningful, participatory and relevant!  To a certain extent, spontaneity should be allowed for.  We are not watchers – we’re worshipers!  The experience can be shaped, but it cannot be controlled.  Everyone – as well as the leaders - has a part in forming the experience and flow of worship. 

In forty-three years of pastoral ministry, I was privileged to see most of the churches I served at least double in size.  Thanks be to God!  A growing church that is seeing new converts is an exciting place to be!  When people are trained to come with an expectant spirit, good things are likely to happen!

I’ll list some constants as far as our planning went:

ü    Our purpose is to bring honor and praise to God! 

ü    Creative efforts must serve this purpose, but never overshadow it.

ü    Utilizing the gifts and abilities of the congregation is a high priority.  They can do far more than greet and take the offering. 

o   Some are gifted musicians to assist in facilitating meaningful worship.

o   Some are gifted readers for sharing scripture lessons and other readings.

o   Some are capable of assisting with drama to convey the message via the arts.

o   Some are capable of leading in meaningful prayer times.

o   Some can use humor to present announcements and the life of the church family.

o   Others are suited to add elements of technology to the practice of worship.

I distinctly made it my goal not to step onto the platform until it was time to preach the Word of God!  Others are capable of caring for and leading the rest of the worship experience.  I wanted the people to associate seeing me with receiving a stimulating message from God’s Word!

Holy Communion is a dramatic expression of God’s sacrifice for our salvation.  I always invested deeply in the Sundays when we received the Lord’s Supper! 

·         The directions and invitation were clarified.

·         We made certain that people knew when children were welcome and how to handle their experience.

·         We prepared resources for corporate reading that varied every time communion was served.

·         The music/videos were carefully selected ahead of time to add meaning to the experience.

·         Other elements of worship were abbreviated to allow appropriate time for Holy Communion without going unduly long.

·         Prayer stations were provided where people could receive special prayer with a trusted, respected leader.

·         We encouraged people to speak to one another throughout this portion of worship and to pray together.

 

We tried to keep David’s statement in our minds as we planned:   [Psalm 122:1]

“I was glad when they said to me,

‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’”

 

Worship is more than an obligation!  Worship is something we should look forward to.  It should challenge us in our faith and walk!  It should facilitate our joy and our pain.  People need to be given the opportunity to minister to one another! 

Leaders are present to lead and direct, but not to control or manipulate. 

Music is a large component of worship.  It can add to or detract from our experience.

·         It must be done well.

·         It must be led well.

·         It must invite participation.

·         In most cases it should be familiar to the people.  I feel robbed when the worship experience involves songs that I don’t know and have never heard! 

·         It must ‘flow’.

Flow is an important factor in worship!  We should aim for a seamless involvement with little or no distractions.  Choppy, disconnected elements do not advance our potential to experience God’s presence. 

And that really is the end-goal!  We want our people to experience the presence of God!  We want Him to draw near to bless and touch and minister to the needs of our people.  We would hope that any evaluation of our people would find reports that they frequently experience the presence of God in worship. 

I always worked in a framework that allowed for freedom and diversity.  Churches that rely on liturgy must be especially on guard that the oft-repeated components don’t become boring, monotonous and devoid of meaning.  When people begin to feel that every Sunday is exactly alike, we have missed the mark!  When the order never is altered and the components are always in exactly the same order, we fuel disconnection! 

If we want our people to experience the presence of God, we – as leaders and planners – must keep ourselves clean and our purpose and role clear! 

WORSHIP IS A VERB

 I was raised in a church where worship was rich and meaningful.  It was a large church for the time (1960's).  I remember the Easter Sunday that we had 614 out, largely a result of the 'bussing' ministry.  Morrison Baker was the song leader and he was always assisted by capable people at the organ and piano.  He loved the Lord and knew how to help people transition from the cares of this world to the wonder of our faith!  

Then came the educational phase of my life.  While studying Religion/Philosophy at Roberts Wesleyan College (North Chili, NY), I attended the 1,500 member campus church, Pearce Memorial, where the sanctuary choir lifted us each Sunday and excellent messages challenged us to be our best for Christ.  

Next, I married and we moved to Wilmore, Kentucky, where I attended classes for three years at Asbury Theological Seminary.  We attended the Wilmore Free Methodist Church, where future bishop, Clyde Van Valin was our pastor.  Sundays and Wednesdays were filled with meaning, excellent teaching and vibrant worship!  

Finally, I was somewhat prepared to enter the ministry.  My first two churches were small:  Tunnel Hill FMC in English, Indiana, and the Jeannette, PA, FMC.  But, I rolled up my sleeves and worked hard to provide meaningful worship experiences that enriched people's lives and cultivated a deepening of their faith!  

My skill at forming public worship grew during those days as I experimented and gained confidence.  

By the time I arrived at the Oakland FMC in East Liverpool, I was coming into my stride as a former and leader of worship.  I realize - as I look back - that I was developing goals for the worship experience.  Although they were never written down, nevertheless, they became a guide for my planning and execution of worship leadership.  The following might characterize my approach:

• INVOLVEMENT of lay people in the leadership of worship:  reading scripture, leading singing, giving prayers, participating in Holy Communion, drama, testimonies, etc., etc..
• ENGAGEMENT!  This was key to my understanding of worship.  "It's a sin for worship to be boring!"  The people were to be viewed as participants - not spectators!  My Youth Pastor - Raeanne Thompson - and I planned worship at Oakland around David's confession, "I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go to the House of the Lord.'"  
• CHANGE rather than predictability.  I remember printing the bulletin one Sunday at Oakland with only one statement in it:  "God loves you!"   I was soundly reprimanded by some for that wasteful use of paper!  :-)  But it was a sample of how strongly I felt that worship should have an unpredictable nature to it!
• CREATIVITY should be maximized in worship!  Exhibiting creativity through music, drama, skits, humor, the arts, and story-telling were beginning points.  Utilizing the resources of the people made this a deep pool to draw from!
• MEANINGFUL IMPACT!  This captivated my planning throughout the week!  The hope was to make a difference in people's minds and hearts EVERY SUNDAY!  Eventually, I established a pattern of retreats for planning and preparing my preaching by going to a retreat house for about five days every spring and fall.  Holy Communion became especially important to me as I carefully and prayerfully planned for these times of worship!  

With the capable help of volunteer and paid leaders, we formed worship that energized people's faith - and the churches grew!  Thanks be to God!  Lives were transformed!  

I am often appalled at the predictability of worship in churches today.  When worshipping with my grandson two years ago, he leaned over and said:  "Poppy, there'll be four songs, announcements, prayer and the offering;  and then the message."  He nailed it!  

A WORD ABOUT COVID-19

Something has to be said for pastors and leaders who are trying to deal with the complications brought on by this pandemic.  EVERYTHING is being affected by this virus. Our ability to meet and plan is shrouded with fear.  Some churches have literally been prohibited from singing - a strong component of worshipping the Lord!  Attendances are down.  Some are still feeling the need to provide worship via the internet only.  Churches that have been doing so for years have a distinct advantage over those who have been forced to explore online worship suddenly and quickly.  Those who have adapted well may have multiple cameras and people capable of operating them properly.  Others are still using a single, stationary camera that induces an unfortunately boring effect.  I say KUDOS to all pastors who are navigating these waters as best they can to keep the church alive.  

A FINAL WORD

Fortunately, our private worship is ours to engage in and develop!  The Gaither Vocal Band [on youtube] leads me in worship frequently every week.  Yesterday, Christine Dente's rendition of "Prepare A Place" set my heart in pace with the Advent Season.  My daily walk around Herron Woods is often a prayer walk.  The quiet of my study becomes a sanctuary as I read and study God's Word and write these blogs.  

Create your space.  Sanctify your holy place.  

Susannah Wesley had nineteen children.  She taught them that when she pulled her apron over her head, to leave her alone for she was worshipping God!  There's always a way!  Find it!  

Prepare for public worship!  Make your heart ready for the merging of your worship with the worship of all those you will be participating with.