Worship Collaboration (1)

One great joy in last week's blogging was the buzz that followed my query about appropriate music for dealing with temptation. Several people replied. And, as a result, the worship leader was able to use some new music he had never heard before. So many worship tributaries flow in from every side. Nobody can keep in touch with them all...but how wonderful to receive others' suggestions and act on them. Worship was enriched.

At the moment I am writing an on-line course with music specialist at Northern Seminary, Karen Roberts. Called "Preaching and Worshiping through the Christian Year" it will launch in March 2008. Working with Karen has opened my eyes! How rarely do preachers and worship leaders collaborate over preparing public worship. Rather, they seem to work in separate boxes - preachers choosing texts and themes while worship leaders choose music. Their choices are then fed into the worship order that has become routine for their particular local church - from set liturgy to informal, (though often ordered!), worship.

What a difference it makes when they BOTH take greater responsibility for the whole. When the preacher cares about the shape of the worship service, and the content of its different elements. And the worship leader bothers about engaging with the Scripture to be preached and asks what impact this might have upon worship.

In refreshing ways I have already witnessed some collaboration in different places. Do you know preachers and worship leaders who collaborate effectively together? Could you share any "stories" with me? Whether you are a preacher, a worship leader or a concerned worshipper please give me feedback.