Developing Worship Teams

Developing Worship Teams

What is worship?Worship is

❖ not something that is done to peopleor at themor for them

❖ people engaging with God

‣ being themselves

‣ starting ‘where they are’

‣ open to God’s transforming spirit

Leading worship involves offering opportunities for this

Developing Worship Teams

Why worship teams?Worship teams

❖ exhibit the ministry of the whole people of God

❖ share the load of preparation

❖ comprise more than one person to be inspired by God

❖ are more likely to be disciplined in avoiding pandering to personal preferences

❖ provide mutual support and encouragement

❖ are needed by the Church

Developing Worship Teams

A way to prepare

Decide on a

THEME

a focusrather than

a hotch-potch

Consider the

STRUCTURE

reflecting the dynamics of worship

Select

COMPONENTS

items such as songs, readings & prayers

Developing Worship Teams

Approach to God

Call to worship G → P

Praise & adoration G ← P

Ministry of the word

Listening for God in the Bible G → P

Listening for God in other readings G → P

Listening for God as people speak G → P

Response

Thanksgiving, petition and/or intercessionG ← P

Offering G ← P

Dismissal or benediction G → P

Developing Worship Teams

Components of worshipThese may be found in

❖ the Bible - try looking at different versions

❖ hymn/song-books - some work as prayers

❖ your inspiration

❖ books of prayers, biblical reflections, dramas, stories

See also Roots,an ecumenical resource for worship and learning;

❖ details on the internet at www.rootsontheweb.com

Don’t overlook times of silence

Developing Worship Teams

The ministry of the wordPresenting scripture

❖ know the literary type(s) and context of a Bible reading

‣ present it so it makes sense

❖ offer overviews or ‘beginners guides’

Sharing the wisdom of others

❖ published reflections

Sharing personal reflections

❖ what this scripture means to me

❖ personal testimony

Developing Worship Teams

The ministry of the wordLiterary types found in the Bible

Genre What it tells us Example(s)

NarrativeA story of what happened

Exodus, Jesus’ trial

Instruction How to behaveLeviticus,Sermon on the mount

Wise saying

Godly learningProverbs, Ecclesiastes

PoetryReflection on experience

Psalms, Magnificat

Prophecy Warnings & promises Isaiah, (Mark 13)

Parable Story with a point Good Samaritan

LetterTeaching & pastoral advice

Romans, Galatians

Apocalyptic

Poetic visions Daniel, Revelation

Developing Worship Teams

Themes for WorshipInspiration for a theme for a worship service may be found in

❖ a reading (or verse) from the Bible

❖ the set of Bible readings for each Sunday in the lectionary

❖ the Christian year

❖ what is happening in

‣ the local community

‣ the local church

‣ the nation / country

‣ the world

❖ a reflection on life by a member of the worship team

Developing Worship Teams