articles

A Christmas Service for Those Experiencing Loss

During the joy-filled holiday season, an innovative church service has emerged that creates space for those experiencing grief and loss. Born from tragedy, this pre-Christmas gathering combines gentle ritual, music, and community support to offer comfort to anyone carrying sorrow – whether from losing a loved one, a job, a…

[PODCAST] Phil Wickham on Getting Priorities Straight & Christmas

Phil Wickham joins the WorshipFuel Podcast to talk about his new Christmas album: ‘Hallelujah! It’s Christmas!’ But also for conversations on meeting your congregation where they’re at (rather than where you want them to be) and getting priorities straight in the world of worship. Listen to the podcast.

Christmas Ideas For Small Churches

Just because you lead a small church doesn’t mean you can’t turn it into a winter wonderland spectacular this Christmas season. Take a deep breath – Nathan Drake has a refreshing message that might just change how you approach holiday worship this year. What if the intimate size of your…

The New Mid-Size Church Advantages

Remember when everyone thought mid-size churches were headed for extinction? Well, here’s a surprising twist: these churches aren’t just surviving—they’re thriving in ways that might make megachurches a bit envious. As the landscape of American Christianity shifts, mid-size churches (typically serving 150-300 people) are discovering they have some unexpected advantages…

5 Classic Christmas Hymns for Worship This Holiday Season

Christmas brings us together to celebrate Jesus’s birth, and while it might be tempting to shake things up with modern elements in your worship services, there’s something truly special about sticking with classic Christmas hymns. Think about it – when you’ve got grandparents humming along with their grandkids to the…

How AI Is Helping Pastors Do More

Leading a small church shouldn’t require pastors to get bogged down with endless emails to write and social media posts to create. So what if you could cut your administrative workload in half while maintaining the personal touch that makes your ministry special? The solution is simple: Artificial Intelligence. This…

What is a ‘Christingle Service’?

Imagine a darkened church gradually coming alive with the warm glow of candlelight, each flame representing the light of Christ in the world. This is the magic of a Christingle service, a beautiful Christmas tradition that combines meaningful symbolism with hands-on participation for people of all ages. At the heart…

Planning Christmas Programs For The Un-Churched

Challenging the notion that inviting unchurched friends to church is the best way to reach them, and rethinking Christmas programs to genuinely connect with unchurched people where they are. Author Becky Stephen shares a story of celebrating Christmas in North India without the typical externals. This led to visiting friends’…

Smart Decisions for Church Production Equipment This Christmas

Christmas is coming, which means you have your eye on those pieces of gear that can create magical Christmas feelings. Time to ask: to purchase, or not to purchase? From snow machines and LED walls to additional lighting and sound equipment, this article dives deep into the real-world experiences of…

Planning Worship for Groups with Diverse Worship Styles

Navigating worship music in multi-church events presents a unique challenge. You want everyone to have a meaningful worship experience, but… how? Kenny Lamm is here to help, offering seven practical strategies for worship leaders who find themselves bridging the gap between traditional hymns and contemporary praise; organ-only and full worship…

10 Reasons Some Pastors are Mean

While pastors are called to shepherd their flocks with compassion and grace, the reality is that some church leaders can display unexpected moments of harshness or unkindness. What drives this puzzling behavior in those meant to exemplify Christ’s love? Chuck Lawless tackles this sensitive yet crucial topic head-on in his…

Worship Leader’s Guide to Christmas Planning

‘Tis (almost) the season! As December inches closer, worship leaders often find themselves in a familiar rush – scrambling to put together meaningful Christmas services at the last minute. But what if this year could be different? This comprehensive guide offers a roadmap to thoughtful, well-planned Christmas worship that will…

Worship Planning: Canon Conversation Starters and Closers

Ever stared at a blank page on Monday morning, wondering how to craft next Sunday’s worship set? You’re not alone. For worship leaders and pastors alike, the weekly challenge of planning meaningful corporate worship can feel overwhelming. But what if there were strategic ways to bookend your services that could…

Worship in the Vertical AND the Horizontal

Ever wondered why we sing songs about God, not just to Him? It’s a question that cuts to the heart of how we understand corporate worship. In this thought-provoking exploration, dive deep into a common misconception that’s reshaping modern church services – the idea that worship is primarily a private,…

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