1. Developing Worship Teams

2. What is worship? Worship is ❖ not something that is done to people or at them or 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

3. 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

4. Developing Worship Teams A way to prepare Decide on a THEME a focus rather than a hotch-potch Consider the STRUCTURE reflecting the dynamics of worship Select COMPONENTS items such as songs, readings & prayers

5. Developing Worship Teams Approach to God Call to worshipG → P Praise & adorationG ← P Ministry of the word Listening for God in the BibleG → P Listening for God in other readingsG → P Listening for God as people speakG → P Response Thanksgiving, petition and/or intercessionG ← P OfferingG ← P Dismissal or benedictionG → P

6. Developing Worship Teams Components of worship These 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.comwww.rootsontheweb.com Don’t overlook times of silence

7. Developing Worship Teams The ministry of the word Presenting 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

8. Developing Worship Teams The ministry of the word Literary types found in the Bible GenreWhat it tells usExample(s) NarrativeA story of what happenedExodus, Jesus’ trial InstructionHow to behave Leviticus, Sermon on the mount Wise sayingGodly learning Proverbs, Ecclesiastes PoetryReflection on experiencePsalms, Magnificat ProphecyWarnings & promisesIsaiah, (Mark 13) ParableStory with a pointGood Samaritan Letter Teaching & pastoral advice Romans, Galatians ApocalypticPoetic visionsDaniel, Revelation

9. Developing Worship Teams Themes for Worship Inspiration 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

10. Developing Worship Teams