Three questions:
1. What can NOT change?
A. The object of worship - God, Jesus, Holy Spirit
B. Avenues - sing, pray, give, teach, communion
C. When - 1st day of the week (communion, give)
2. What CAN change?
A. Structure - order, # of songs, when to stand
B. Formality - silent=funeral, noisy=celebration
C. Length - 1/2 hour, 3 hours
D. Emphasis - special focus on a subject or topic
3. What MUST change?
A. Attitude - "have to" to a "want to"
B. Participation - worship is not a spectator sport
C. Spirit - 1 Corinthians 14:15 sing and pray w/spirit
D. Vain repetitions in prayers
E. Location - only in building?
Possible changes that could be made:
1. Sermon and songs on a theme or topic
2. Responsive reading
3. Congregation say, "Amen"
4. Focus on one worship avenue
5. A Year of Themes
A. Co-ordinate Bible classes with the sermon
B. Have a theme for a month
C. Have a theme for each service
D. See below for possible themes
E. Put up a banner with month's theme
F. Develop discussion questions for classes
to follow each sermon
G. See below for some suggestions / ideas.
Month Month Theme General Topic
January A New Start Begin Again
New Opportunities
New Birth
New Leaf
Forgiveness = Start Over
February Be My Valentine Love
What is "Agape" love?
Supportive love
Family love
Love one another
March My Hope is Built On ... Hope
Blood of Christ
Resurrection
Eternal life
Salvation
Baptism
April Go Ye Means Go Me Evangelism
The great commission
Why aren't we doing it?
How can we get started?
My responsibility
May Let Us Worship Together Worship
Worship changes (see pg. 1)
How to get ready to worship
Why worship?
Corporate worship
June What Must I Do? Salvation
Acts 2
Acts 9
Acts 16
God has a plan
Man's part & God's part
July Faith Comes By ... Faith
Hearing the word
Life of hard knocks
Adding christian graces
Association with the faithful
August Bring This Doctrine Doctrine
1,000 year reign
Instrumental music
Calvinism
Denominationalism
September The Four Gospels Life of Christ
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
Prophecy
October By What Authority? Authority
Authority of Christ
Elders
Deacons
Preacher
November The End Is Near Last Things
Second coming
Resurrection
Heaven
Hell
December The Church Must ... Church
Grow
Worship
Impact the world
Remain faithful
Have a plan