Candler School of Theology, Emory University

Atlanta, Georgia
2006

To enhance capacity of students and faculty for reflective liturgical leadership and to promote worship planning and participation as an integral part of theological education at the school.

Reflections

What We Did

The denominational, theological, spiritual and cultural diversity of our worship is helping us to differentiate between styles of worship and the common threads at the core of worship.  By working with so many types of music, ways of praying and preaching, and personal styles, we are coming to recognize how "good" worship happens in all kinds of ways. 

Our intentionality about including different styles and elements of worship—and reflecting on them—is helping us to see worship in the largest sense of "liturgy," or "work of the people." We actually see gifts of all of God's people brought to life in worship.  The process is also helping us to let go of our own worship preferences and to be opened to new ways of knowing God.

We have also reflected on the ways that the Church is uniquely present at Candler: people of faith from different backgrounds, and people headed to varied fields of ministry, are together in ways that are seldom replicated in congregational life. 

The worship planners are learning from one another and living out the "one bread, one Body" ecclesiology that we regularly celebrate in our sacramental worship. Our worship knits together sectarian differences in ways that are strengthening ecumenical connections.

Theological Reflections

The POWR Model

The POWR Model is centered around planning, ordering, worshipping, and reflecting. This process occurs over a series of four meetings surrounding a single worship service. The POWR Model remains a creative and innovative process as it promotes intentional collaboration and collective inspiration.

Planning

• Studying the Text
• Brainstorming with the Preacher
• Hymn, Prayer, and Thematic Possibilities

 Ordering

• Deciding the Shape of the Service
• Identifying and Training Worship Leaders
• Rehearsing Band, Choir, and Choruses

 Worshipping

• Gathering for the Praise of God
• Hearing God’s Word
• Responding and Receiving
• Departing to serve

 Reflecting

• Identifying Moments of God’s Presence
• Recalling Strengths and Weaknesses of the Service
• Not Limiting Reflections to Performance Evaluations
• Discovering Deeper Communal Connections
• Going Forward into Future Planning

What We Learned

• Intentional planning and training has lead increased participation in worship
  • 300 in Worship each Week
  • 8 Services Per Week
  • 8 Planning Teams
  • 225 Student and Faculty Leaders
• Regular food and fellowship has lead to deeper theological reflection on worship.
• Authentic, Creative, Dynamic, Traditional, Modern, and Diverse Worship is only possible with intentional planning and reflection.

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