The Sunday Sample: "How to plan spontaneity in corporate worship"

Today: the place for spontaneity as a worship leader

New Testament

• Evidence for spontaneity in worship, 1 Corinthians 14:25-26
• However, need for orderliness, 1 Corinthians 14:40

Erickson: “the spirit moves through spontaneity. The spirit also moves through form and structure. Obviously, for Paul both dimensions are vital to the dynamics of worship.”

Erickson: “...a balance between structure and freedom is easier to attain in theory than in practice. The tension between the two can become a source of discord within a congregation. The pastoral challenge is to maintain a creative balance amidst these two constantly shifting elements"

Key Principle: “Everything must be done so that the church may be built up” (1 Corinthians 14:26)

Before you go spontaneous:

• Discuss the place of spontaneity with leadership
• Agree on principles and practicals as a worship team
• Get feedback

Enabling spontaneity:

• Do not abandon structure - it enables freedom
• Give the service structure to your team as far in advance as possible

Practicals:

• Extend a song
• Add/change a song
• Read/quote a scripture
• Pray
• Say a few words

What else can you think of / have you seen?

Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 

Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.

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“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)

God bless, Malcolm

PS: If you would like some coaching in spiritual disciplines, look me up here. 

PPS: You might also be interested in my book: "An elephant's swimming pool", a devotional look at the Gospel of John

Psalms, worship, corporate worship, mccx, praise, CWM, preparation, feedback, Eriksson, tvcoc, Thames Valley churches of Christ, music, Malcolm Cox, malcolmcox.org, Watford, Watford church of Christ, singing, ritual, First Epistle to the Corinthians, Apostle Paul, spontaneity