In some recent conversations, I found that I have a very different approach to Christian ministry than some of the people I was visiting with.  What made the conversation frustrating is that some of the folks I was visiting with were unable to understand where I was coming from.  So, I post these links to some information that has shaped the way I think CHRISTIAN worship services should be conducted.  I emphasize the word “Christian” because I don’t feel that these ideas necessarily pertain to evangelistic services or “revival” meetings, etc.  However, for Sunday morning worship services, I think they are especially valuable.

One note - they are WORSHIP services that we should be planning.  Non-Christians cannot worship; they are not believers.  Without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6).  So, in planning a CHRISTIAN WORSHIP service, non-believers shouldn’t dictate what we do, or what we don’t do.  They can’t worship, so we don’t plan WORSHIP services for those who can’t participate.  I think a comparison would be changing the rules of any given sport to accommodate people who, for whatever reason, are unwilling or unable to play by the rules.

Without further ado, here are the links:

10 Ways to Improve Your Church’s Worship Services

10 More Ways to Improve Your Church’s Worship Services

A Third 10 Ways to Improve Your Church’s Worship Services

An idea for a Church Covenant - Towards Covenant and Meaningful Membership 

A Statement on Church Discipline 

So, after reading the material on these five pages, people will better understand how I use words like “liturgical worship” and “meaningful membership.”  I hope this stuff will help.