Everything is the Message
Jul 6th, 2008 by Josh
I want students walking away from the weekend worship service (our entry level program) with the big idea. I want them to “get” the sermon in a sentence - stuck in their heads with creativity, skill and passion. I want visual learners to get it, note takers to get it, freshman and seniors to get it, I want the uninterested to be drawn in and the regulars engaged week after week.
With that in mind, I’ve felt more and more lately that the sermon, while perhaps king of the weekend, is only a part of the message. Essentially, I guess I’m trying to say that “the message” isn’t the only message. Here’s some thoughts on the breakdown of the weekend in terms of the message:
The sermon/talk - definitely 40-50% of the overall message rests on the speaker. In our current format, the speaker is the most focused part of the night on the series subject. He or she takes God’s Word and applies it directly and formally to the lives of high school students. Knowing their significance, series topics and speaker choice are a very big deal.
The music/worship - a strong 20-30% of the night’s message to me falls into this category. The songs that are picked, the lyrics of songs, prayer, other elements of worship - all should point toward the message. The right songs and the right tempo of the music are crucial to the overall message of the night. Singing God of Wonders or Let Me Sing during this Save the Planet series have reinforced the importance of this part of the message.
The atmosphere - 10-15% of the night’s message falls on the atmosphere. Did we create an atmosphere that leads people to the message? Are there banners, signage and a clear bulletin all consistent with the message? Does the weekend look thrown together or does it look planned out and prepared in advance? Is there an air of excellence - are we treating the topic of the night the respect it deserves? A good atmosphere sets up a great speaker. The opposite is also true.
The programming - In my mind, programming lands at 15-20% of the message of the night. If you know me at all, you know I love programming and highly value it. Why? Because I believe it is a crucial part of the message. The clip from Wall-E during the opening of the night sets the tone for caring for creation. The cinderblock we smashed as an example of the way we treat the earth will be remembered for a long time.
I understand the importance of the message. I understand God chose preachers and they should … well, preach. But I also understand that the message is way, way bigger than the 30-minute talk.
JG
Great. Preaching is PART of the total “message expereince.” You can blow it in one area and really hurt the others. On the other hand, you can blow it in one area and still have the others to help “pick it up.”
Great thoughts, Josh.
Josh, that is so true and if more Youth Pastors would recognize the need for a total program approach they would find their volunteers increasing as well. It gives value to the team as it will force them to create a team to accomplish these different areas and reduce the diva mentality that drives so many ministries.
I really agree about the atmosphere. I have to admit, becuase I have little consistent help from week to week, I do have to “throw things together”, and while I hate it In know that ultimately, it is God that give the increase. It is nice to know that when my human means fail in any of these areas despite my desire to improve, God takes it from there! (1 Cor 3:7)
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