Integrating Christian Worship’s “Vertical” and “Horizontal” Dimensions
“Isaiah’s vision of heavenly worship, however, reminds us that ultimately the ‘vertical’ and ‘horizontal’ dimensions of worship are inextricably bound together. Just as the seraphim “were calling out to one another,” we glorify God not only through praise directed toward God but also as we exhort, encourage, and bless one another.”
Resilience in Pastoral Worship Ministry: An Interview with David Oceguera from Bolingbrook Church
“The most important thing I have done to lead with resilience and maintain a healthy well-being is to create a Rule of Life for myself. A Rule of Life is the practices and rhythms you want to include in your daily life that will help you remain close to God, dedicated to your calling, and committed to your most important relationships. It might be helpful to think of a rule of life as a trellis that supports you in staying committed to the things that are most important to you.”
Cultivating a New Worship Community: An Interview with Justin Alabata from Forest Lake Seventh-Day Adventist Church
“One of the most important strategies is clear and consistent communication. We spent a healthy amount of time fleshing out our church mission, vision, and values. These have helped us clearly communicate what our purpose is as a church. These also guide everything we do when it comes to starting and/or supporting different ministries.”
Collective, Comprehensive Worship Renewal: A Conversation with Alareece Collie and Morgan Kochenower of Frederick Seventh-day Adventist Church
“It is essential that we don’t just make changes as a leadership team, but that the congregation is not only aware of what we're doing but also why we're doing it so we can all contribute and work together.”
Singing the Gospel
Worship Pastor, Vanessa Hairston, shares song suggestions for building a Gospel-packed worship set list.
Our Livestream Journey: Priorities and Improvements
“New Hope had already been streaming their services for many years. But the pandemic led to a more intentional approach to improving the online experience.”
Preaching the Gospel: An Interview with Todd Stout from Church of the Advent Hope
“Most people come to worship acknowledging their failures over the past week. Good advice or calls for more effort won't change their condition, but an encounter with Christ through the proclamation of the Gospel can be transformative.”
The Power of Gestures
“Similarly, when we break bread and share it with those in need—which is all of us in different ways—when we kneel and stand and celebrate and sing and serve, the bread becomes a gift, a transformative symbol, and we become the Body of Christ.”