Order or improv in worship

Is there room for improvisation within planned church services?

Most churches in which I’ve served in worhip leadership have had weekly rehearsal times and a planned order of service.  Everything is gone over so that when Sunday morning comes, so all know exactly to expect.  While this led to an orderly service, quite often we would begin at 11:00 am ‘sharp’ and end at noon ‘dull.’

One church in which I served, however, planned nothing.  We had no set rehearsal times, and the song leader would step up Sunday morning at begin playing from what he knew and had learned.  The rest of the musicians and I simply followed.  This led to some inspired times of worship, but also had it’s share of frustrations (varying lengths of service, confusion among the musicians and congregants).

I thought of this order-improv tension when I read this blog entry from Tony Kim of Newsong Church:

I respect a thoughtfully choreographed Sunday experience- I’ve been a career from it. A well crafted moment can truly change lives. But sometimes, I just miss the drama of improv.

What if speakers, moderators, musicians, and artists, did not know what they were doing till the moment? Sure there would be some embarrassing minutes on stage, but there might also be beautiful unique moments that the audience can experience with you for the very first time. It can create a shared experience- and a shared experience brings people together.

Improv is not for everyone or every performer, but it’s certainly opens up the possibilities of the unknown.- and we all can use a few more surprises in our churches.