As I talk to churches these days, I am surprised that many Senior/Lead Pastors still assume that the majority of those in their congregations have at least a basic level of Biblical literacy. That’s wishful thinking. I’m deeply sorry that it’s true, but it is. Similarly, worship leaders assume that the congregation understands what the purpose of worship songs are and why we sing them every week. They don’t. Many of them just go along with the flow, accepting what they see because that’s “what happens at church.”
Don’t get me wrong. I don’t think people are stupid. I also don’t think that services should turn into classrooms to solve the issue. However, you need to explain the basics from time to time. WHY do we baptize people? WHY do we take communion? WHY worship? WHY the cross? I’m not talking a whole message (although that’s not a bad idea), but just a few sentences of context to help people to understand – or to remember…
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
View all posts by creativeworshipideas
creativeworshipideas 