Our world is drowning in information – and thirsting for inspiration. The internet is full of ideas and tools. It’s great at providing help at HOW to get things done, but, in reality, that’s often not the problem. Usually we don’t know WHAT to do – what to spend our time on, what to prioritize, etc… and we are overwhelmed with what is in front of us already.
That’s true of everyone, so take it into account when trying to communicate information or get people onboard for something at church. As I connect with congregations, I see no lack of information on upcoming events and the programs they offer – rather, what’s missing is often the WHY. Why should I go to the new member class? Why should I serve in the nursery? Why should I join a small group? Now, reread those previous “why” questions without the assumption of self-centeredness on the part of the person asking them – you’ll find that they are actually legitimate questions, and part of being a good steward of their own time. So give them the answers that they need. Explain the real spiritual growth that can occur in a small group. Give the reasons for that upcoming new member class, not the room number. If you focus heavily on the WHY, you’ll help people to know WHAT to prioritize – then they will be inspired to figure out the HOW.
P.S. Everything I just said goes double for service hosts (the people doing announcements in the weekend services)… : )
“A service host’s job is NOT to give information – it’s to inspire and prompt action.” – me
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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