20 Ways To Infuse Creativity Into Your Services Part 1

Easter is right around the corner which means you are probably running on fumes. I can personally attest to the post Easter slump. That spring season in which everything outside is budding. But when nothing inside your head is growing. After working for churches over the past twenty years, May always seems to be the most stagnant month for ideas and creativity.

So I want to provide twenty ideas in case this is the situation for yourself as well. Below is a list of creative elements to infuse your service with. I’m sure you’ve tried a lot of these ideas already. And I’m sure that some of them won’t fly at your church. But I’m also sure that one or two of them will be a new tool in your toolbox. Hopefully these will help you get through any slump you face this year. And hopefully they will help you create and craft moving and memorable services onsite and online. Also, if you’re looking for coaching on service planning and execution beyond this article then visit benstapley.com/coach to schedule a free consultation. I would love to help you win.

Why

Before we describe how to infuse your service with creativity, we need to discuss how. Below are two reasons why you shouldn’t phone in your service planning and execution.

1. We Serve A Creative God

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In Genesis things don’t begin with a sermon or systematic theology. Things begin with a creation account. In Exodus, the first person filled with the Holy Spirit was an artist. It was Bezalel. God filled this great craftsman with skill, intelligence and knowledge for the construction of the tabernacle. In the Psalms we read that the ‘heavens declare the glories of God’. So it isn’t just a three point message outline that explains the goodness and greatness of God. Sometimes it is just a stunning sunset.

2. Worship Should Reflect The One We Worship

If God is creative then our services should reflect that. If His mercies are new every morning, then our weekly services should showcase this newness. But often this isn’t the case. Often we don’t heed the words of the psalmist who encourages us to sing a ‘new’ song. Creativity is a great way to awaken the senses and help your guests get a fresh perspective of God.

How

Now that we have focused on why let’s focus on how. Below are twenty ways to inject dynamic elements into your religious gatherings.

1. Secular Songs ‍

A lot of churches have been doing this for a while. But if you haven’t yet, consider it. There are plenty of secular tunes that can help point your people towards a larger truth you are highlighting during the message. If Paul was willing to quote the poets of his day, we should feel comfortable doing the same. Church By The Glades does an incredible job with this weekly, so check them out for inspiration. Here and here are lists of potential secular songs to cover.

2. Interactive Worship

A lot of worship is only interactive in one way, by singing. So consider expanding that with other interactive forms of music. Now that is easier said than done, cause not everyone in your church owns an electric guitar. One way we did this was purchasing 500 shakers, for about fifty cents a piece, and handed them out to folks as they entered. The worship set was percussion driven and the worship leader trained folks to shake on the down beat. That being said, it was still tricky because unless you are a skilled drummer, you naturally increase the speed of percussion. So our 15 minute worship set ended up being 12 minutes. And everyone was out of breath at the end. 

3. Hymn Backgrounds

‍Most hymns have a rich story behind why they were written. Stories that make the lyrics more meaningful. But most people don’t know them. So consider giving some background context before you sing your next hymn. Here and here are some great resources with background information.

4. Drumline

‍If you don’t know what a drumline is, then you haven’t been to a decent football game in a while. Feel free to check out Nick Cannon’s classic to get up to speed. A drumline is a great element on Super Bowl Sunday or an energetic way to launch your fall season, especially if you are using a ‘kickoff’ theme. Also, you can usually score local talent through your Youth Pastor and their relationship with high schools in the area.

5. String Section

Nothing adds class to a service like a string section. These string sections can be used behind your regular band to complement them, or they can handle songs all by themselves. Local community orchestras are great connections for this type of addition.

6. Bagpiper

For Veterans Day we opened with a video thanking our vets followed by a bagpiper playing Amazing Grace. It was a powerful moment that veterans were very thankful for. Disclaimer, I can’t think of another great use of a bagpiper because the instrument can be a little overbearing. No offense to bagpipers. 

7. Trumpeter

For Memorial Day we paused to remember those who had given their lives for this nation. After a minute of silence a lone trumpeter played Taps. You could hear a pin drop. Whatever you regularly instrumentally use during your services, consider adding a different instrument like a trumpet for unique occasions to keep things fresh.

8. Change Your Worship Style

‍Whatever your regular style of worship is, change it up. If you do mainly modern stuff, then do an acoustic set for a more intimate feel. If you mostly rock it out with electric guitars, then pull in a choir. Change it up!

We will cover the rest of the twenty ideas in part two of this series…