How to Plan a Weekly Worship Service (Christian Protestant)

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Reflect on last week's worship.

   This will help you to address their needs, experiences, hopes, etc. , If your church follows a lectionary such as the Revised Common Lectionary, consult it for the scriptures. ,,), to understand the theme and direction being used. , If you are from a prayerbook tradition (such as the Episcopal Church) you will need to follow this closely.
   
   Even if you come from a free church tradition, it is best to introduce changes gradually and with lots of interpretation.
   
   In most mainline churches the shape of worship will generally include some kind of gathering an encounter with scripture response to the encounter with scripture (e.g. prayers, call to discipleship) sending out/departing , Whether before prayer or before the worship service begins, this can allow the congregation a time of transition from their busy lives into the calmness of God's sanctuary.
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   Step 2: Study the context of your worship as best you are able - the particular people

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   Step 3: the culture

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   Step 4: the local history

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   Step 5: Choose scripture passage(s) on which the service will focus.

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   Step 6: Read the scriptures to get a first sense of the themes that the pastor may want to have lifted up in the prayers

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   Step 7: the music

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   Step 8: and the sermon.

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   Step 9: Be in conversation with the pastor or other members of the worship team (musicians

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    Step 10: scripture readers

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    Step 11: those writing or finding prayers

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    Step 12: Review and understand the "shape" or outline of worship ordinarily used in your tradition.

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    Step 13: If it is appropriate to your tradition

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    Step 14: try to include at least some time during the worship experience for stillness and silence.

Detailed Guide

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