The 2nd Half of 2024

Last week, I took time away to plan the remainder of 2024 in regards to worship. I love spending this time with God and listening to where he wants our church to go. Most importantly, how he wants our energy to be spent.

I'm a firm believer that when this type of work is done in advance, it makes it easier to adapt to all the things life throws our way. I have seen this come true so many times in ministry.

There have been weeks that I have been so busy, I didn't know what day it was. During those weeks, I was so happy I didn't have to start from scratch on the preaching front. This method also allows me to enjoy the weeks that are a bit slower and rest. Rest is important and God speaks about enjoying these seasons.

Taking a 10,000 ft view of worship also helps look at the overall movement from week-to-week. I hope you've seen how one series builds into another.

When I step away, I spend time with God–praying, journaling, and reading my scriptures. I also spend time with the church calender, school calendar, and major holiday dates. It's my opinion that sermons should feel relevant for the day.

I start praying over these things for weeks leading into my planning, asking God to give me ideas and clarity so he can speak to us as a church. Then the "puzzle" game begins. I love to find things that have discipleship pieces that go along with them. If you read last week's post, you'll see that I'm leading a Wednesday night study this summer to go deeper into the concepts I'll be preaching on regarding the redemption themes in the Old Testament.

Fitting things in around "big rock dates" like Christmas and Advent, school starting, and so forth, gives a framework for what gaps need to be filled in. I'm excited about the "line up" for the fall and going deeper into scripture with you.

Join me in praying that God uses his Word and our church to reach those who don't have a church home currently.