Planning 91

Sunday Morning 91: Who's not there and why not?

As churches work toward full, conscious and active participation in liturgy, some are noticing patterns of worship attendance. They're reaching out to those absent from Sunday morning worship. A feature story focused on Sunday worship attendance.

October 29, 2008 | 12 min read
From Confirmation or Profession of Faith to Multiple Milestones of Faith

What is confirmation or profession of faith for? Does it certify knowledge, open the communion table, affirm acceptance of baptism, mark a milestone in a continuing faith journey? A feature story exploring the meaning behind profession of faith.

September 2, 2008 | 11 min read

Confirmation and Profession of Faith Practices Are Changing

Two concerns, young adults who drop out of church and adult churchgoers who stop growing in discipleship, are pushing denominations to rethink their approach to the sacraments.

September 2, 2008 | 4 min read
From Lament to Praise

When we gather for worship on New Year’s Eve, we do so to praise God for the past year—to thank God for the wonderful gifts he has given us and to remember his wonderful deeds. But what if our year has not been good? What if, when we think back on the year, all we can remember is pain and heartache?

September 1, 2008 | 1 min read
Epiphany: Words of Hope

The idea for this service began in late November 2007. As a congregation we were not planning to hold a New Year’s Eve or a New Year’s Day service. So we asked the question, "How will we begin the new year on Epiphany Sunday?"

September 1, 2008 | 1 min read

Bringing Our Pain to God: Michael Card and Calvin Seerveld on biblical lament in worship

Lament is an essential ingredient of honest faith, but what does biblical lament look or sound like in real congregations? A feature story exploring how Christians can bring their pain to God in worship.

June 20, 2008 | 12 min read
Interview with C.R. “Kees” van Setten about the Power of Musical Lament to Reconcile Jews and Christians

In this email interview from spring 2008, van Setten tells how the music of lament has helped heal European Christians ashamed of how they’ve treated Jews and helped Jews feel God’s presence. He explains how combining lament and praise can enrich evangelical worship.

June 20, 2008 | 13 min read
From Pastor-centered to Participative 91

Many churches are renewing their worship by changing some practices, yet remaining true to their worship principles. A feature story about a congregation exploring renewal through teaching and intergenerational involvement.

April 15, 2008 | 11 min read

Symposium 2008 - Blended 91: Good for the Body

The best argument for blended worship is that the body of Christ by definition is itself blended - therefore our services should reflect that reality.

January 1, 2008 | 56 min listen
Planning 91 for the Global Village

21st-century worship planners are faced with unique exciting challenges as the church answers the Spirit's call to be a place where all nations and cultures are invited to join in praise.

January 1, 2008 | 62 min listen