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Wait for it...wait for it...
Whoa! The six word worship reveal

So, here's a little experiment you might want to try. A few months ago I was consulting with a medium size church where (they felt) the worship experience had gone "flat." They wanted to know how they might go about revitalizing their services from the ground up. On the phone, we discussed every conceivable alternative, including polls, focus groups, and firing their church worship leader. I suggested that, while all of these possibilities might be valuable, I thought we could approach it from a more practical and less draconian point of view. 

I told them about a website I had recently visited that is quickly becoming an American phenomenon the "six word memoir" books found at Smith Magazine. The first book they published, Not Quite What I Was Planning, is a New York Times bestseller featuring more than 800 writers, famous and obscure. Go look at it now so that you know what I'm talking about—I'll wait—go ahead then come back here—no, really,I'll wait...

This particular consult-ee pastor (who I'll call John Smith—clever, huh?) had a tremendous amount of courage and sent out the following e-mail at my request:

Dear church family, 

I want to invite you to give me some feedback on last week's worship service. It will only take a minute and I'm sure it will help me, the staff, and our lay leaders in producing more engaging worship experiences for you and your family. Using only six words (yes, I mean only six words), I want you to review the worship service and its contents in the best way you know how. For example, you could say, "Saw the face of God today." Or, you might observe, "didn't know any of the music." Yes, the contractions are cheating, but you get the idea. E-mail your six words right now, while you're thinking about it. I'll let you know next week about the ones that stood out.

Sincerely 

Pastor John

This novel assessment was a huge success. Out the congregation of nearly 800, he received over 250 responses. While a few of those responses were negative, most were both helpful and insightful. John found them so informative, in fact, that the book he wants to write about it will undoubtedly reach the marketplace before mine—drat!

Everyone has a story. Can you tell yours in six words? Can you describe your church values in six words? Can you describe your worship services in six words? 
Some of my friends took a shot below:

You're going to preach how long?

No more jokes from the internet

We've never done it that way

How many light bulbs does it take

I love you, you love me

God have mercy, Christ have mercy

If we build it, they'll come

Why not cancel church after Easter

I think that's last year's sermon

Saw the face of God today

Was met at point of need

Sang from a deeply joyful place

Confessed my sin and meant it

Now it's your turn Click the "Comment" button below and let me know what your six words for worship are or you hope might become.

Blessings

Doug
 
—Doug Lawrence, internationally recognized speaker, author, and advisor, helps churches assess and improve their skillfulness in creating engaging worship experiences by utilizing his more than 35 years of "deep trench" worship leadership in prominent mainline churches. You may reach him at dlawrenceconsult@mac.com. Or, if you wish, call 1-650-207-8240 for assessment information and scheduling.