5 things small churches can uniquely offer … right now by Ben Gosden
Published January 29, 2015 on the Ministry Matters website For the next few weeks I will be sharing one on Gosden’s five things in our bulletin to give us a start on discussing ideas for applying them at Tyner UMC. My hope is that all people in our congregation will prayerfully reflect on how we might “play to our strengths” as we rethink church and cast a new vision for Tyner UMC in 2021 and beyond. The second asks us to think about a population that we might be uniquely suited to serve—one that often gets overlooked. 3. More people can help lead worship. Since the small church is often less concerned with production led by professional worship leaders, it can incorporate more laity in the leading of worship. Remember: Nothing says the pastor is supposed to be the sole worship leader. Liturgy is the work of the people. And faithful worship incorporates the efforts of EVERYONE as together we offer ourselves to God in praise and thanksgiving. So find ways to let people pray, read Scripture, serve Communion, sing and maybe even occasionally preach in the small church. As people lead and serve more in worship they often feel transformed by the experience. I’m so grateful to those who have helped lead worship in the time I’ve been at Tyner, sharing their gifts with all of us. Pre-COVID I had hoped to ask each of our worship leaders to help lead one extra part of worship in addition to the announcements and scripture—their choice—children’s message, offering prayer, pastoral prayer, etc. With COVID changing some aspects of our worship and limiting the number of worship leaders ready to participate during in-person services, I’ve had to rethink that plan! Praying for the day when even more people can serve during the service at Tyner UMC.
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Pastor CathyPastor Cathy has been appointed to Tyner UMC since July 2019; she also is a part-time writing instructor at Bethel University in Mishawaka. Archives
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