OK, here we go. The first three months of this year I took a sabbatical. Twelve years of weekly worship design had left me in need of a break – not because I felt a lack of ideas or creative energy, but because the farmers are right - all fields periodically need a “rest” from production. Fruitfulness can only grow out of soil replenished through non-use. As a daughter of God created in the image of God, I needed to experience the law of the Sabbath and step away from everything familiar – dreaming, developing and deploying nine weekly worship celebrations – and spend time doing a few of my favorite “re-creating” things – more on that in a future blog.
Three months is enough time to go pretty deep with God. For years I’d challenged other leaders to identify and live out their “wildest life dream.” I’d discovered mine years ago in worship design but now realized I could be turning the page into Chapter Two of that dream. Always fascinated and engaged into the artistic process of space design, I wondered if this might be my new focus. I felt that Ginghamsburg’s current mantra to “minimize brick and maximize mission” deserved a third component – mesmerize the masses with the creative use of our space and resources. I’m just crazy enough to believe that what Ty Pennington’s team can do for homes across America might be a model for what certain Creatives could strive to do in the sacred spaces of our faith communities.
What do you think? How is worship design going for you and your team? And are your campus spaces inviting people into connection and community?
Whether you’re a new friend, a former conference connection, a pastor, worship planner or simply an artist with something to say, blog on. I’ve love to hear from you.
Three months is enough time to go pretty deep with God. For years I’d challenged other leaders to identify and live out their “wildest life dream.” I’d discovered mine years ago in worship design but now realized I could be turning the page into Chapter Two of that dream. Always fascinated and engaged into the artistic process of space design, I wondered if this might be my new focus. I felt that Ginghamsburg’s current mantra to “minimize brick and maximize mission” deserved a third component – mesmerize the masses with the creative use of our space and resources. I’m just crazy enough to believe that what Ty Pennington’s team can do for homes across America might be a model for what certain Creatives could strive to do in the sacred spaces of our faith communities.
What do you think? How is worship design going for you and your team? And are your campus spaces inviting people into connection and community?
Whether you’re a new friend, a former conference connection, a pastor, worship planner or simply an artist with something to say, blog on. I’ve love to hear from you.
Congrats on the Blog. I am eager to join the discussions on what makes an environment truly inviting.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting how some of my most memorable "church moments" had a great deal of energy put into the environment... but it seems to be the first thing to get lost week to week or when time lines/budgets get squeezed.
Kim:
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the blog...and congrats on taking time off. I agree with your thinking...even the farm fields need a rest. I'm sort of going through the same thing at this point. I've been a bit burned out, and I'm taking time to get my life a bit more organized at home.
I think the worship environment can be a powerful tool in our multi-sensory culture. I visit other churches from time to time, and it's amazing how the church lobby, worship area, printed materials, and other tactile elements can all work together to enhance the overall experience. Some churches are straddled with an older building and limited budgets, but there are ways around those issues if you just want to get creative and think outside the box.
Of course, some people would contend that these are all distractions from the main purpose of worship...but I would disagree. I'm currently working with a church to develop a new Saturday service. Granted, I come from a creative background, but I find that everyone needs to "get on board" and understand the mission and vision if a church is to succeed at creating exciting and inviting campus spaces.
If I've learned one thing, it's to make sure that you have a really committed team dedicated to enhancing the worship experience...not for those already in steady attendance...but for all those people who haven't yet come through the doors.
Write out and articulate the mission and vision of the church...and determine if the environment and space design can play a key role in both. I would contend that in all instances...it does and will.
But the environment is greatly overlooked, and I've found that it's many times thought of as merely a form of entertainment and eye candy. People tend to get stuck in the idea of what church is supposed to be...despite the fact that the current appearance and design of most traditional churches runs counter to the early Christian church...which met in people's homes.
So, shouldn't we make our worship areas in our churches more like the way we "decorate" our homes...each reflecting who we are, with those little touches that say "welcome," make yourself at home, and let me be the ideal host. Sounds like the ideal formula for church I want to be a part of...welcoming to strangers in Christ.
Well... I have lots I could add to this discussion based on my experience and observations...but I'll step aside to let others post their comments.
Once again, congrats Kim.
great blog kim! i'm looking forward to meeting you on friday for the missional church class. we're having a fantastic week so far!
ReplyDeletepeace,
jenny smith
united seminary student
Kim -
ReplyDeleteYea! I'm so glad you have launched your blog. You and Jenny Smith have inspired me to do the same.
You have invited me, for years, as I have visited GUM, to be creative in the visual design for worship. More recently, as you helped me on a space re-design for my re-locating church, you helped me begin to see some basic elements of design and how to make a space welcoming.
Now, I am living out a new call -- to plant a missional church in Toledo, called The Village. I call it a 'church without walls' because we intend to NOT BUILD or OWN any walls. However, we will still need spaces to gather. I look forward to collaboroation with you about how to make physical spaces for The Village Church welcoming and comfortable for those who want to be Jesus followers in the post-modern world. Thanks for listening to God and using your gifts for creativity!!