Leading Deeper in Worship
Kevin Bogan is the Director of Traditional/Blended Worship Arts
Planning worship and the music resources used can be a complicated, but rewarding process. The responsibility of leading people who are at different places in their faith walk to a deeper understanding of what’s happening in worship takes many different levels of preparation. Selecting a piece of music is the beginning of the process to present a moment in worship that is truly engaging to those who are worshiping.
The first process in the music selection is to find hymns, anthems, and congregational responses that will enhance the service’s theme. Once those selections have been made it’s important to look at the texts for all the music and choose music that has a clearly defined message that is understandable and a musical style that fits with the congregation. It’s important that our selections, both musical and textually, expand the vision and mission of our church. The music that we select should say something about who we are as Christians and as a congregation. Resurrection’s goal is to find music that also engages the worshiper visually. We often look for a piece that can be paired with a visual element such as a video presentation, a processional with banners, liturgical dance or a dramatic portrayal.
During Lent, we will focus on the last 24 hours of Jesus’ life. One of the major pieces we will use during this season is “Man of Sorrows” by Greg Nelson and David Hamilton. It’s from a collection called “My Redeemer Lives!” that is available from any major publishing organization. This has been one of the most power musical elements we have ever used in worship. We have paired this with a video elements depicting the crucifixion. As the song is sung by the choir and played by the orchestra, still shots are shown on the screens. This transitions into moving shots of faces in the crowd during Jesus’ beating. During this entire sequence, there are live sounds of a whip in the background. At the end of this powerful sequence, we follow it with an original monologue from the soldier who performed the whipping.
This kind of sequence is typical of the kinds of things we try to do to engage our congregation through word, music and visuals. We are intentional about planning each element of worship with all three of these elements in mind. By using each of these pieces, we are able to speak to every congregant no matter how they are reached in worship.
Sometimes worship elements need explanation. Find ways to intentionally introduce new elements and use transitional pieces to make worship services flow well and keep the congregation informed about what they will and are experiencing. This is important when setting up hymns or inviting the congregation to experience worship elements. For “Man of Sorrows” we tell the congregation what they are about to experience and explain the song to those who are not familiar with it. It’s important to allow the congregation to grow deeper as they experience the worship you have planned for them.
Vibrant worship is the creation of minds and hearts centered and nurtured by Jesus Christ. There are infinite possibilities available no matter what size congregation you serve. Work with your teams and artists in your church. Remember that a good idea in one person’s mind can become great when a group further develops that idea together.
In the next few days we will post a link to our creative teams planning process here.
Kevin Bogan oversees Traditional and Blended Worship Arts at the Church of the Resurrection. He can be reached at kevin.bogan@cor.org.