Comments on: Planning Ahead

By: Leslie

Leslie — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 22:07:05 +0000

Wow, this is an AWESOME article. I just recently wrote one on the same topic and I wholeheartedly agree with what you wrote here. Yes, the Holy Spirit can use anyone and ANYTHING. The word says if We don’t praise Him, the Rocks will cry out.

However, that in NO way says that we shouldn’t take God’s work seriously enough to plan it out. Planning is an essential part of the worship experience, not because God NEEDS our planning, but by planning, we are able to fully experience God’s greatness, working along with Him, guided by the Holy Spirit.

Check out my article on the same topic here: http://praiseandworshipblog.com/55/tip-3-have-a-gps-system/

By: A Case Of The Mundys » RSS Madness

A Case Of The Mundys » RSS Madness — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 05:29:09 +0000

[...] There was a good post about why worship leaders and pastors should plan ahead. [...]

By: Lori Biddle

Lori Biddle — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 23:28:19 +0000

I have always believed the better planned, the more room for the Holy Spirit to move. Not less! Partially becuase we have time to memorize and get our eyes off of music, readings, etc. This allows us to not only lead, but worship ourselves.

Before I required memorization from our teams, we rarely even looked up let alone focused on the Lord ourselves. Our volunteer teams have now grown large enough that they all only have to serve one weekend and one MidWeek a month. What a blessing now to watch them lead!

Thanks for the article, I couldn’t agree more!
http://www.loribiddle.com

By: Angela

Angela — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 15:20:51 +0000

right on the mark. God planned all of time out quite a while back. who are we not to plan a few weeks or months ahead?

By: Bobby Gilles

Bobby Gilles — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:08:47 +0000

I used to know a guy who always said “People don’t plan to fail — they just fail to plan.” And it’s often true that when people fail to accomplish something or realize their potential, it’s not for lack of zeal when they’re in the midst of the activity but a failure to plan beforehand.

And when the activity is leading people in corporate worship, the stakes are higher. Great reminder, Russ!

By: Fred McKinnon

Fred McKinnon — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:40:58 +0000

Russ,

Good stuff, my friend. I came from an environment where I didn’t really think a lot about the Sunday service until Sunday AM. It was OK, then – I made some special time early that morning and got myself equipped and ready. The difference was, I really didn’t interact with other elements of the service. I led the music, kind of “did my thing” and then turned it over to the Pastor for the “preaching” so he could do “his thing”.

It was not a successful format, that’s for sure. (and let me be clear, I’m as much to blame for that as anyone!). I’ve found great liberty and joy in planning ahead and spending hours meeting with the teaching pastors, tech leaders, and volunteers to prayerfully craft Spirit-led gatherings as much as a month or more in advance.

It can happen! And it also makes your volunteers feel more secure, because they have time to prepare.

For the Kingdom,
Fred McKinnon
http://www.fredmckinnon.com
http://www.theworshipcommunity.com

By: Russ

Russ — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 23:05:12 +0000

That’s some really great advice. Oh wait, I wrote this article. Ha.

Thanks for giving a normal (most of the time) worship leader an opportunity to share some insights.

Blessings, TWC!!