I do my best each day to set aside some time for input, meaning reading, viewing or listening that teaches me or challenges me. I need that inflow, because I have found that I have been the least effective in both ministry and life when there is only outflow happening. First of all, I’m just not that smart and creative, and the reality is that I don’t have unlimited energy to draw from. When I’m looking for ideas for service planning, team leadership, etc…, I try to look for truths, rather than trends – I will often read or listen to materials from 20 years ago, or 200 years ago… I will also consider sources that I don’t agree 100% with stylistically, philosophically or on non-essential doctrine.
One author I’ve read is Bob Kaufman. Our denominational beckgrounds are quite different, and I don’t agree with all that I read from him – however, I have found that there is wisdom to be found beyond our own personal experiences and preferences. So, in that spirit, here are a couple of quick gems of wisdom from Bob K.:
“The purpose of worship is to enter in to a fresh awareness of who God is, what he has done, and how that affects our past, present and future.”
“If we want God’s people to glorify Him, we must sow to His glory. We must paint a compelling, attractive, grand, biblical picture of our great God and Savior.”
Hmmm - well, let's see...
I'm a Christian, a husband, a dad, a son, a pastor, a consultant, a musician, a writer, and bits and pieces of a bunch of other things. My work life has followed three main phases - business to teaching to church. I was the Weekend Services Pastor for nine years at Northview Church, an awesome church in the Indianapolis suburbs. I used to work for Willow Creek, another awesome church in the Chicago area. Plus I've written for various magazines and websites, and other freelancy sorts of things... My life mission is to help the church be as excellent as it can be.
Oh yeah - the name's Greg. Greg Wallace. But not the race car driver or the major league pitcher or the British celebrity chef. Just the creative worship guy. Hi.
It's my hope that these ideas, musings, rants, raves, etc... will inspire you. They're just my opinions - but again, I hope that they'll help to inspire you. Because the church really, really needs inspired creative types. If you're a creative type (and most people are, deep-down), ask God for help. Then take any ideas that are useful to you - borrow them, nab them, use them, adapt them - and make them into something greater...
You can head over to my Instagram site for an abundance of shorter posts: creativeworshipideas. If you're looking for consulting - especially on weekend services, team leadership or multi-site strategies - I'd love to help. Just message me here, and I'll be in touch - Greg
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