Creating Community in Worship
In an age where everything seems to be available on-demand, gathering for worship offers a unique chance to be truly present with God and one another. Worship transcends mere presentation; it is a communal practice. While content may be king in many realms, in worship, the priority is communion and connection with God and fellow worshipers. Here are a few ways to foster community during worship gatherings:
Interact with Online Participants: If you stream your service, dedicate time before, during, or after the service for online worshipers to engage directly with worship leaders and one another. This interaction fosters a sense of belonging and participation.
Acknowledge Whole People: Physically acknowledge those who are present, as comfort allows. Pastor Whitni Carlson from New Haven Seventh-day Adventist Church suggests inviting participants to place their hands on one another's shoulders. She points out that to fully be the Body of Christ, "we need ways to get into our bodies."
Get to Know One Another: In each gathering, include specific opportunities for introductions, testimonies, and greeting those nearby. These moments of connection are vital.
Offer Onramps for Further Integration: Make it easy for participants to engage in community events or service projects. Utilize QR codes to direct attendees to sign-up pages, reducing the gap between intention and action. This ease of access helps encourage deeper connections in our fast-paced world.
Elevate the Role of Greeters: The team welcoming worshipers at the door are some of the most important worship leaders. First interactions set the tone for the entire experience. Treat entering the worship space as a moment to get to know participants, not just welcome them. Increasingly, churches use check-in systems to ensure worshipers are recognized as individuals, not just numbers. Consider using software solutions like Join It. At Church of the Advent Hope, every participant receives a digital connect card upon check-in, reinforcing the message that is explicitly stated near the start of each gathering: "We don't just care that you're here; we care who you are."
By prioritizing these practices, we can create an environment that emphasizes true community and connection, reflecting the heart of what it means to gather together for worship.