CREATIVE WORSHIP IDEAS FOR THE SMALL CHURCH

1. Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide you beyond your knowledge and creativity.
2. Know your accompanists' limitations.
3. Investigate taped congregational accompaniment - The Hymnal and Word.
4. Think of every possible combination of singers and instrumentalists. Don't forget children! Use a quartet or small ensemble instead of choir for the extras.
5. Don't overlook mediocre soloists for simple songs with the right range.
6. Plan thematically.
7. Plan in advance as far as possible.
8. Constantly update your plans and add ideas.
9. Invite guests from neighboring churches making sure you tell them in advance of financial limitations.
10. Include scripture everywhere you can.
11.Use variety in accompanists: autoharp, guitar, band instruments, etc.
12. Use children for preludes or offertories.
13. Use the hymnal as much as possible.
14. Use variety.
15. Communicate constantly with the pastor about his opinions and suggestions for changes.
16. Plan for "spontaneous" music.
17. Allow the congregation to suggest favorite songs.
18. Use nostalgic hymns but not exclusively.
19. If one particular style is a fad, don't neglect other styles thereby alienating some elements of the church.
20. Be positive about everything you do - good or bad.
21. Use facial expression in worship leadership.
22. Convince your singers that with their faces and voices they sing their faith, not their feelings.
23. Constantly search for new ideas. Collect orders of service.
24. Keep files of ideas.

CREATIVE WORSHIP IDEAS

1. John 21--Dialogue between Peter and Jesus. Have someone sitting in the congregation as Jesus and whoever is at the pulpit (Music Minister, pastor, choir member) responds as Peter. Keep in mind this can be a woman. Text is the same. Name of Peter can be changed. Then have accompanist ready to go into the first hymn or choir ready with a special.

2. Psalm 103--Dialogue between reader one and reader two of this scripture. Be ready to go immediately into Bless The Lord, O My Soul.

3. Have children's choir begin worship service singing and signing the first verse and chorus of Jesus Loves Me. Then have congregation join in on remaining verses with children's choir signing the chorus each time.

4. Choir sings medley: My Jesus I Love THEE; I Will Serve THEE Because I Love THEE; The Longer I Serve Him; Because He Lives Chorus into the hymn with congregation joining after first chorus.

5. Have accompanist(s) play Amazing Grace and then have different ones ready to just start singing (popcorn style) at different places in the hymn until the entire congregation is singing. NO DIRECTOR.

6. If you have any children who are taking instruments (band, etc.) in school or private lessons, have them do the offertory.

7. Have a senior adult read the following poem:

Keep Looking up--
the waves that roar around thy feet,
Jehovah-Jireh will defeat
When looking up.

Keep Looking up--
Though darkness seems to wrap thy soul
The Light of Light shall fill thy soul
When looking up.

Keep Looking up--
When worn, distracted with the fight;
Your Captain gives you conquering might
When you look up.

Then have the choir sing "Keep Looking Up" by Dick Baker.

8. Have three different soloists ready to do the verses to "It Is Well" and have everyone else come in on the chorus each time. It would be really effective if you have someone who could play the trumpet on the last verse and chorus. Do the chorus a second time at the end.

9. Begin the worship service with the pastor leading a time of prayer. Have the choir standing and ready to immediately sing Sweet Hour of Prayer.

10. Have a youth read Psalm 100 and then the choir sings Praise To The Lord, The Almighty, The King of Creation.