Things I'm learning from the pew

Worshiping from the pew is very different than being on the platform. Having spent quite a few Sunday's among the congregants, I've gained a new perspective on the worship service experience.  Some of these observations are well known (and I have a much better appreciation for just how important they really are); others are new revelations. Some are nit-picky, others are more profound. You probably already know all of this stuff.  Here's what I'm learning...(in no certain order)

1. flow really, really matters
2. for the congregation, it is all about the heart, not the art
3. however, ill-prepared or poorly performed music is a major distraction
4. platform participants better be real
5. humility RULES
6. hey worship leaders, never take yourself too seriously
7. when it comes to speaking (as a worship leader I mean), less is definitely more
8. the sound man absolutely makes or breaks the experience
9. everything is secondary and should be in support of the message/teaching...everything
10. too soft is just as bad as too loud
11. dramas are loosing their impact/effectiveness
12. wow, attention spans really are shorter than ever; plan accordingly
13. be purposeful and intentional, or don't do it
14. don't be afraid to be creative, God isn't
15. intuitively know your audience (BTW: that can't ever be done from the platform)
16. people seem desperate for community; they would much rather talk in the lobby than sing in the pews; figure out how to make this work for you, not against you
17. it's very difficult to undo in the worship auditorium what's been "done" in the parking lot and foyer; the event starts here
18. don't repeatedly welcome the congregation to the service
19. the congregation doesn't get inside jokes; in fact, they feel left out
20. leave the congregation with ONE "take-away" to remember beyond Sunday's lunch
21. the "hug-n-howdy" or "meet-n-greet" exercise seems rather trite; there's got to be a better way of connecting with the people around you
22. it really is EASY to attend church services without engaging your heart or mind
23. too much of the same is too much
24. place more emphasis on a lifestyle of worship; and less on an event-driven experience
25. it takes longer than I ever imagined for a song to become familiar to the congregation; they're willing to learn, but people don't "connect" on new stuff (it's like standing at a concert with no one singing); teach it well.

This is my working list.  What about you?  What can you add to it?

Peace,