12 Steps for Planning Worship

There can be so much more to planning worship, but if you'll follow these steps, you'll be off to a great start!

• Pray (Best if this happens more than once in the process!)

• Read sermon text, if you have one. Consider reading in 3 or more translations.

• Brainstorm* congregational song options.

• Brainstorm* other worship elements (prayer, video, drama, presentational music, other creative ministries).

• Determine the structure for the day (e.g. Psalm 95, Tabernacle, Isaiah 6, Historical 4-fold patter, Ascend the Hill—Vertical Church, etc.).

• Decide which songs / other worship elements.

• Arrange big chunks for best flow.

• Consider transitions between worship elements.

• Then consider…

1. Is the service Trinitarian, including Father, Son and Spirit language?
2. Are all generations represented; are you serving the whole gathering?
3. Have you considered 3 audiences (glorify God, edify the Church, testify to the Community)?
4. Is text direction going in both directions in the service (vertical and horizontal)?
5. Are you singing the gospel?
6. Is there adequate variety (from intimate to epic), etc.?

• Decide if #3-#7 should be re-visited / re-worked.

• Attend to details:

1. song keys,
2. vocal / instrumental road map,
3. house / stage lighting.

• Assign / invite personnel.

*Brainstorming, by nature, means not evaluating. Start with all possibilities.

For more about worship planning, check out my book "Worship Leader Handbook."