Week 2: Casting The Vision

Why do you try to be creative in worship? Think about how much easier it would be if you just did the same thing week after week.

Last week we discussed a very basic definition of creative worship. This week, Mike Jones and Scott Hodge from The Orchard will share part of why they try to be creative in worship and Connie Stella from Church of the Resurrection will share a story about how seeing is believing when it comes to a vision for creative worship.

First though, back to the question I opened with: why do you try to be creative in worship? Having your own answer to that question is extremely important. Not only will it help you get others on board but it will keep you laser focused when planning. If a particular song or video doesn’t fit with the vision for creative worship, throw it out.

Check out this video where Mike Jones and Scott Hodge from The Orchard explain part of their “Why?” answer:


Why does The Orchard use technology and sing “secular” music - to lower the defenses of the un-churched people they are trying to reach so they are more willing to hear the radical message of Jesus.

Most likely your “Why?” answer will have some to do with helping to accomplish the mission of your church and reaching people, but maybe it also has something to do with providing an outlet for members of your community to use their creative talents or maybe it is partly about acknowledging the fact that not everyone learns in the same way.

Brainstorm
+What are some of the key points in your “Why?” answer.
+Have you ever done something because it was a cool idea even if it didn’t fit with your “Why?” answer?

As you develop your “Why?” answer and begin to cast (or re-cast) your vision for creative worship expect to encounter people who disagree with you or don’t fully understand your “Why?” answer.

One of the most powerful ways to get people who disagree with you or don’t understand on board is to show them an example of what you’re talking about. The old adage “seeing is believing” is actually pretty accurate.

Check out this video where Connie Stella shares the story of how the heart of the church's loudest opponents to their new media system was changed one Christmas Eve:


In what ways can you visualize your “Why?” answer for other people? Maybe you don’t have the worship team complete with electric guitar and drums yet. Find a church nearby or online that does and take a road trip to visit. Seeing really is believing.

Week 3
Next week we will look at the importance of planning creative worship as a team.

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