Songs have verses. Books have chapters. Movies have sequels. The logic is that we move from one verse, chapter or sequel to the next because we want to deepen our experience of a story or idea. So it is with the spiritual journey called worship series.

This month I’ve talked about several reasons to design worship in “chunks” of time rather than one hit wonders. I’m starting to work on a series for the Easter Season called “Resurrection Stories.” Here’s the description:

“The Easter Season is a time of celebrating all the ways in which resurrection is possible in our lives. We can be in need of rising out of the depths of imprisonment, addiction, illness and oppression­–not just physically and literally, but also spiritually. What holds us back from the joy of life? What binds us, keeping us from the fullness of who God created us to be? What keeps us down? Join us for powerful testimonies–Resurrection Stories–from those who have found “resurrection” in their lives. It might just inspire you to your own rising up!”

The idea for the series is to explore this concept in various ways each week, for instance “Resurrection from Imprisonment,” “Resurrection from Addiction,” etc. Each week a scripture, an inspirational testimony from someone who has turned their lives around in a specific way (an ex-convict, for example), then moves to a sermonic exploration of broader understandings of the word for that week (imprisonment) and how this might apply to each of us in different ways. The format is the same each week:  scripture, testimony, application to our own lives. We get what becomes a familiar rhythm for a time period and we get to delve deeper and deeper because we stick with the underlying theme of resurrection.

Finally, the use of a thematic series over time creates anticipation before the series if we utilize “coming soon” communications and creates a “buzz” during the series as people talk about what they are experiencing and invite others to join in the journey. “We’ve got this amazing series going on about how anyone can turn their lives around” is a much more natural kind of “evangelism” for many folks rather than simply, “come to church with me.” How many times have you passed over a movie or a book until you hear the great anticipation people have about the sequel coming out?

In my Worship Design Studio, I offer almost 5 years worth of series that I’ve designed. If you are looking for inspiration or guides on how to come up with provocative series, join us!

See you in the Studio!

Photo credit HERE