The Worship Planning Experience

If you fail to plan, you’ve planned to fail.

…plans are useless, but planning is indispensable. Dwight D. Eisenhower

I’ve been asked quite a bit about our Creative Team at the church and how it functions. Thought I’d give a ‘behind the scenes’ tour this morning.

First, there are about 7 of us and we meet every week (Monday afternoons). Our mission is to create worship environments and experiences that help connect people to God. We spend a little time each week reviewing and evaluating the last service, then start dreaming 2 to 3 weeks ahead.

When we start a series we start thinking physical space – what should the stage look like? What should the room feel like? What elements and props can we use to further push the theme and topic home? What other creative elements should we explore? Drama, dance, lighting, video clips, audience participation — all are a part of this discussion.

We want the worship experience to start before any note or any word is ever spoken. It’s why our worship auditorium has been a coffee shop, a living room, a carpenters workshop, a battleship, a jail cell, and a kitchen just to name a few. I want all the senses (as much as we can) to be involved in worship. We even baked bread one morning when we taught on Jesus saying He was the bread of life.

Almost everyone hears this concept and loves it. And there is much to love. However, it isn’t for everyone. I’ve had a couple of experiences over the years that illustrate this point. If creative, out of the box thinkers who will say whatever comes into their head intimidates you — this isn’t for you. If you are married to an idea and can’t handle someone else ripping it to shreds or changing it to make it better — this isn’t for you. On the other hand, if you don’t mind throwing 12 ideas up at one time just to see which 1 will work — this is perfect for you.

This includes the sermon. It’s open for every one to comment on, change, or critique. I’m the key deliverer but the thoughts and points get prayed on and discussed over in this room first. There have been times where the team has said – “Grant, I don’t think that’s the main point.” Or “Is that the best way to communicate this? How does that tie back into the epic story we think God is trying to tell in this series?”

The root of all of this is the desire to worship Jesus and to provide an environment where others can do the same. We ask that question of every single element and every single service — does this help connect people to God? Furthermore, we don’t stop with that question but push further. Why are we doing this element? How does it fit the rest of the service? How is a lost person or a new in Christ person going to respond to this? Are we doing this just because it is cool or does it have impact and meaning?

The results are nothing sort of stunning. I’ve been amazed at the insight and creativity of our people. They see their artistry with words, canvas, and drywall as a gift of God to be used. It’s a messy, crazy, vulnerable way to “do worship” and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Just thought you’d like to know…