Planning the Worship Service (10-27-15)

The process of planning a worship service is laid out here in a time line. It can be done at different time intervals, but it should not be so rushed as to result in a worship experience that does not honor God. The times suggested in this description are widely used in Adventist churches.

Months In Advance: The theme or topical focus for each service is developed by the pastor in consultation with the worship coordinator. Teams or team members are asked to pick a week with a theme that they are excited about. The key planner for each service should begin with the theme and pray about it, read about it, and talk to others about it, to get ideas.

One Month in Advance: The key planner talks to the drama leader about a skit or the media leader about a video clip, slides, or other creative ways to introduce the theme. This is also the time to select the special music. These ideas should then be shared with the worship team for input and confirmation. Also, contact the musicians, and make sure all the music is available or ordered.

Three Weeks in Advance: Present the preliminary plan sheet to the worship team and solicit their ideas. Remember, many heads are better than one.

Two Weeks in Advance: (1) Place copies of the sheet music and/or tape at the church office and notify group leader to notify others to pick up these items. (2) Line up a person to do the offering appeal. (3) Line up offertory music. (4) Line up prayer leader. (5) Add names and details to the plan sheet.

During the Week Before: (1) Get the plan sheet to the computer, light and sound people. (2) Select DVDs/CDs for the offertory and music before and after the service. (3) Get the final sound and staging details written out and present the final draft of the plan sheet to the worship team. (4) Contact the bulletin secretary with the information about the service.

Thursday or Friday Evening: (1) Have someone help with set up, blocking, moving of plants, chairs, etc. (2) Make arrangements for clean-up/putting things back after the service. (3) Remind all musicians to return their sheet music and tapes to a designated place. (4) Have a rehearsal; look and listen objectively, offer suggestions and keep it moving! You will need to modify this according to the order of service and type of worship style in your local church. A supply of the plan sheets should be printed and made available to each worship team member. It is a good idea to circulate this as a computer document file.