May 26, 2015
By Phil Maynard
Once you have committed to the design philosophy of creating a thematic worship series, the challenge, as espoused in books like The Big Idea, is to tailor all elements of a particular worship service to reinforce the theme for the day. It is possible, and indeed invigorating, to get your creative planning team energized about conceiving every aspect of congregational worship to explore an aspect of the theme. This creates a powerful connection with worshipers. It deepens the experience of worship and it offers multiple opportunities to engage individuals. One person may connect strongly with the sermon, another not all, but that second worshiper might be greatly moved by a dramatic monologue or a piece of special music, a prayer, or even a visual image.
This approach works favorably with ALL worship styles and all worship sizes, and if you