Brighton First Worship Design Team Lists Characteristics of Excellent Worship

The Worship Design Team, formed as a result of the Vital Church Initiative at Brighton First, met for the first time on Monday, May 18.

Members of the team include Rev. Dr. Sherry Parker, Rev. Loretta Job, Chris Attarian, Susan Snow, Barb Terry, Vic Laballister, Linda Victory, Mitchell Swanson, Barb Terry, Judy Sturm, Pauline Schaffer, Sarah Klink and Sue Sanderson.

The team began by telling stories of their most memorable and moving experiences in worship, times when they felt the power of the Holy Spirit present. Using their experiences, the team developed a list of characteristics of excellent worship and then listed those characteristics under three key words: Connecting, Transforming, Transcendent. 

Excellent, passionate worship connecting worshipers to one another and God through relevant messages, compelling personal stories, unified themes, clear messages, traditions and new experiences.

Children's worship during Vacation Bible School.

Worship is also compelling when it is transforming, when there is a sense of movement through worship and expectation that worshipers and worship leaders will be transformed by God's spirit through worship. 

The team also discussed the gift of transcendence one can experience in worship. This is not something that worship leaders and designers can force to happen, but they can intentionally work to leave room for the Holy Spirit to move in the midst of worship.

The worship team also discussed the purpose of their committee. The team agreed to be a "think tank" for creative, excellent worship experiences at Brighton First. They will support worship leaders and worship services for meeting established goals, reflecting the vision of Brighton First and excellence.

At the end of the meeting, team members committed to three tasks during the summer. Each member of the worship team will participate in at least two worship services at other churches. The team will hold informal conversations with congregation members asking, "What do you look forward to when you come to worship here?" and "What makes excellent worship for you?" The team will also read from worship resources provided at the church and on the web.

On June 10, the team will come together again to work on designing worship in September and October. The worship series will be, "Growing Up Social: Raising Relational Kids in a Digital World".