This morning we had amazing service! It was our baptism Celebration service so instead of having a message and a typical layout, we focused the entire morning on the baptisms. We had songs that were geared toward washing our sins away and our redemption in Christ. What we envisioned was 'BIG,' massive celebration and I would consider it a successful service. Here's our #Sundaysetlist.
Video - Baptism (http://rv.worshiphousemedia.com/mini-movies/15480/Baptism)
Welcome - Rosalie (our children's director)
She gave a small presentation explaining what baptism is using a naked barbie ken and peanut butter. We try to cover our sins with stuff (going to church, good deeds) but God is the only thing that can wash us clean. It was a great intro to the service
Worship Song - Our God is Greater (Tomlin) - B
We wanted HUGE! We started off with the band doing a driving beat while I coached the church describing why today was a celebration. This is where we wanted to "raise the temperature" of the room. I backed my coaching from Psalm 100 - Shout for joy, all the Earth. We even did some shouting. We had great congregation participation this morning!
Baptisms - 5 people!
We had 2 sets. We had each person read a short story they had written about their lives, conversion and calling to baptism. Some of the stories were very emotional. It was an amazing addition to the service. Some of the people being baptized were younger, and this was a great way to help them understand what they were doing. We had each participant go through a booklet describing what baptism is and some questions to help them write their story.
Worship Songs
Forever Reign - B (Hillsong)
Jesus Messiah - B (Tomlin)
Once again, the theme was Huge! Another word I would use is passionate. I would say that since I've been a worship leader at Evident this was the most united and participative the church has been in worship. At one point I think the kids (1st grade and up were in the service with us this morning) were actually singing louder than the adults! I would step back away from the mic and just bask in the sound of the congregation proclaiming their worship. It was an amazing sound!
Baptisms - 5 people!
We borrowed a portable baptism and had it set up basically at the bottom of the stage in the center of the room. If felt as if the baptism was the center of attention for the morning, which is exactly what we wanted. It was a lot of work for a portable church but the payoff for this type of service was very great!
Closing Worship Song - Happy Day - C (Fee)
This was a great song to close the day of celebration. Once again BIG. I did some more coaching at the beginning of the song to help the congregation sing from their hearts.
Announcements/Offering/Closing
We ended after the song with just a few announcements (small groups, Offering - which was basically at the back door, drop it on your way out, and a few other things). Once the congregation was dismissed we played a few lines of Happy day and officially ended the service.
It was an amazing day. The baptisms were amazing, the worship was amazing and the atmosphere of the entire morning was very upbeat and full of excitement! One thing I wish we would have thought of was having a small graphic of the people getting baptized. We also had trouble mic'ing the people in the baptism (trying to be as safe as possible). Things for the future, but all in all, a great day.
