Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Report from Workshop on Leading Worship Renewal
Betty Grit reports on a workshop on leading worship renewal held last week at Grand Rapids Christian High School, sponsored by Volunteers in Service:
Intentional focus on worship renewal can take many forms and will have unexpected results. Four project directors recently led a workshop in which they shared their experiences and provided insights for those who may wish to lead a process of worship renewal in a congregation.
- Stan Mast described how La Grave Avenue Christian Reformed Church engaged in a year-long study of youth in worship, especially traditional worship. They discovered that style of worship doesn’t matter. What is important is that worship be filled with Passion for God, that worshipers be confident that there is a Place for them and that they have opportunity for Participation. Pastor Mast told us that he recently planned a worship service with eight young people. Their contribution to the planning process led them to express their appreciation for the worship service and the significance it had for them.
- Ruth Lumpkins described their peer learning process that related to worship and space. St. Luke AME Zion in Grand Rapids has been involved in a 40 year conversation regarding new construction for their church. As they draw nearer to beginning the construction, members of the congregation, including young people, gathered to read and learn together about how space impacts worship. Their original desires for the new building were quickly transformed as they considered the unique needs of all worshipers, including children, the elderly and disabled. While their adult Sunday school typically gathers 35 to 45 participants, discussing these topics has resulted in more than 100 people coming together to learn about worship.
- Marc Nelesen, currently pastor at Georgetown CRC in Hudsonville, Mich., related to us the process of worship renewal around Vertical Habits which he led while pastor at Third CRC in Zeeland, Mich. Visuals, including a 15-foot-high sculpture, banners, and photos taken by the youth of activities within the congregation, helped lead the congregation throughout Lent to focus on speech with God and one another. Through sermons, dramas, liturgies, litanies and a daily devotional, the congregation practiced saying “Help!” “I’m Listening, “I Love You,” “I’m Sorry,” “Here I Stand,” “Bless You,” “What Can I Do?” “Why?” and “Thank You.” Marc told the audience that the greatest value of the grant was integration. During those weeks, all ministries in the congregation were pointed in the same direction.
- Amy Schenkel, pastor of Monroe Community Church, reported that their congregation considered ways they could help new believers learn Vertical Habits and practice them in their relationship with God and with each other. Their project began with a congregation-wide retreat to learn about Vertical Habits. At the retreat they divided into small groups, primarily with people they did not already know. These groups met regularly to develop ways to help people experience each of the habits. On a Sunday morning, worshipers arrived to find stations where they could learn about and practice conversation with God and with each other. Sermons and music throughout these weeks helped worshipers learn more from the words of Jesus and from the Psalms about conversation with God. Pastor Amy reports that the process of planning worship in advance has become a valuable habit for them. Thoughtful advance planning helps them invite many people to use their gifts in worship.
When the panelists were asked what recommendations they would give to church leaders who wish to begin a process of worship renewal, one mentioned the importance of collaboration. They discovered that it is important to begin early to communicate to the entire congregation the purpose of the process. Fear of change can often lead to resistance. Open communication helps worshipers understand that there is no hidden agenda. Another panelist recommended identifying the strengths of the congregation so that a process of worship renewal can be built on those strengths. Asking, “How can these strengths be taken to the next level?” will help unite the congregation around those things that they already do well. All panelists agreed that prayer is essential to worship renewal. Ruth Lumpkins recommended, “Pray. Pray. Pray. Pray and then pray some more.”
While these project directors received grants for their projects of worship renewal, it was mentioned frequently through the evening that money is not necessary for leading worship renewal. It is our prayer that this workshop will encourage churches to seek a process of worship renewal that will be unique for their congregation and will result in unexpected blessings.
Grants • Interdisciplinary Application • Leadership • Worshipers • Worshipping Communities • (0) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink