When we witness great improvisation, we're floored. Somehow the performer magically knows what to say, what notes to play, what gestures come next! They leave us spellbound because (seemingly) out of nothing comes something special. But great improvisers are not working from nothing. They have clearly defined structures and frameworks within which to work. They … Continue reading Improvised Liturgy
"Let purpose be your bouncer. Let it decide what goes into your gathering and what stays out." Priya Parker, The Art of Gathering As I'm reading through The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker with an eye to developing corporate worship I'm finding all sorts of great ideas and tips on ways to elevate the … Continue reading Let Purpose Be Your Bouncer
https://player.vimeo.com/video/259100287 Millennials are flocking to a host of new organizations that deepen community in ways that are powerful, surprising and even religious. The How We Gather Report Convergence began about 12 years ago. So, that is right in the middle of what was commonly referred to as the "Emergent Church Movement" (Click here for a … Continue reading Millennials Are Changing The Way We Gather
By Lisa Smith. I’ve been reading different takes on “dealing with” creative people. It makes me laugh to see the advice people give. Usually it boils down to the equivalent of how to keep your pets entertained. “Dangle something shiny or give them treats hidden inside a toy so they don’t get bored.” Or how … Continue reading 10 Ways To “Deal” With Creatives In Your Congregation
By Lisa Smith. It is time to bring the power of the arts to the heart of the church. The arts are one of the most powerful means by which we explore the human experience. Through the arts we mine the deep existential questions of what it means to be human. We ask, “Who am … Continue reading Art, Existential Questions, and the Heart of the Church