worship survey kentucky baptist convention- louisville,...

Worship Survey

KENTUCKY BAPTIST CONVENTION- LOUISVILLE, KY IINNTTRROODDUUCCTTIIOONN Several Kentucky Baptist churches are being revitalized through worship renewal. Many others need to take a serious look at why and how they do worship. Worship has evolved into a controversial topic for many Christians today. Why has worship become a spiritual lifeline for some while others view it as something to endure? Paul B. Basden ask the question, “Should we interpret the diversity of worship styles in today’s churches as a modern-day Babel, in which the current confusion reflects the judgment of God? Or should we see what is happening rather as a modern-day Pentecost, where God’s people are praising Jesus Christ in ways and means that are not familiar to all but that are still inspired by the Spirit?” This two-year worship research project grew out of a passion for helping Kentucky Baptist churches experience authentic corporate worship of God. I must confess that my journey into worship has to this point raised many questions. Here are examples of questions that church leaders and concerned members are asking about worship:

• What is worship? • How traditional or innovative should worship be? • Is it necessary to have different services for different groups of people? • Do we have to change the way we worship in order to grow? • How is it possible to satisfy both the person who HATES a particular innovative aspect of worship

enough to refuse to be a part of a service that includes it and the person who LOVES that aspect of worship and will not attend a service that lacks it?

• How can we pass our faith to another generation with different worship preferences? The complexity of this important issue can best be understood when we consider the many and varied influencing factors. The many ingredients mixed together have the potential for producing a beautifully decorated cake or a disaster. Some factors are:

• The Biblical, historical, theological, cultural and contextual influences on worship • That human nature says “We KNOW what we LIKE and we LIKE what we KNOW” • How the secularization of our society has impacted worship for ministers and laity • Intergenerational differences, both perceived and real • The accelerated rate of change and the individual’s ability to embrace or resist it • Do we understand the purpose and object of worship? • How has post modernity impacted worship? • The need for practical models on leading congregational change through transitions

WWOORRSSHHIIPP RREESSEEAARRCCHH PPRROOJJEECCTT My journey into worship has focused on both study (knowing) and experiential (being). The worship survey is but one of several components involved in the worship research project. The cumulative information in the final set of reports flows out of the following process:

• Reviewing the Biblical material on worship • Attending six national worship workshops • Reading several books and articles on worship • Visiting with over seventy (70) congregations to experience worship • Dialogue sessions with pastors and worship music leaders about worship • Conducting a statewide worship survey • Most importantly, bathing all this in intentional prayer and meditation

WWOORRSSHHIIPP SSUURRVVEEYY BBAACCKKGGRROOUUNNDD IINNFFOORRMMAATTIIOONN The worship survey was developed with the assistance of a specialist in statistical research and survey developer. Once the survey was developed, it was refined through input from four worship survey focus groups comprised of ministers and lay leaders. Next the process involved dividing the 2,500 churches affiliated with the Kentucky Baptist Convention into congregational size – small, medium, and large. Since our greatest number of churches are in the small category, next being medium, and the fewest number in the large category; we used a different ratio for each grouping to get a balanced sampling of churches. Geographical diversity was a major consideration. Once the congregational sample consisting of 500 churches was generated, a mailing list was developed. This list targeted key leaders – pastor, worship music leader, Sunday School director, chairman of the deacons, church clerk, and WMU director. Since most of our church leaders are middle-aged and up, we endeavored to secure names and addresses of actively participating young adults (ages 20-30) to include in the survey. Unfortunately we received only 45 responses from young adults. WWOORRSSHHIIPP SSUURRVVEEYY PPAARRTTIICCIIPPAATTIIOONN SSTTAATTIISSTTIICCAALL IINNFFOORRMMAATTIIOONN

1. CHURCH LEADERS PROFILE.

Worship Leaders: Pastors 143 Worship Music Leader 113

256

Lay Leaders: Church Clerk 152 Chairman of the Deacon 127 WMU Director 113 Sunday School Director 102 Young Adult 45 No codes 13 552

Total Church Leaders 808

2. SURVEYS

Surveys mailed out 2,400 Number of responses 808 Rate of response 34%

3. CHURCHES

Number of churches selected out of 2,400 500 Number of churches participating in survey 398 Rate of response 80%

TTHHAANNKKSS As I conducted this survey and wrote this report, several co-workers and friends assisted greatly with this project. I especially want to offer thanks to Teresa Trascritti, the church music department secretary and ministry assistant, for her invaluable support and help throughout the project. I also want to offer thanks to Dr. Bill Mackey, the Executive Director of the KBC and Dr. C. Vernon Cole, my supervisor and Growth Team Leader for providing the encouragement, financial resources and the time to allow me to pursue this passion. A special word of thanks to Dr. Cynthia Woolever, a specialist in statistical research and survey developer with the Presbyterian Church, USA for her guidance, suggestions, ideas and serving as an excellent resource person. Lastly and certainly not least is my wife and best friend - Joyce Cordell. Her prayers for me and total commitment to the importance of this project has been unwavering. She never complained once about the many hours, days and weeks that I was away visiting churches, attending workshops, reading, and at times being completely preoccupied with my research. She is my partner in ministry. Soli Deo Gloria - To God alone be glory Gratefully, Jim Cordell

Spiritual connections are made through worshipers’ private devotional activities and their participation in congregational activities such as worship.

GROWTH IN RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LORD. About one-half (51%) of the church leaders surveyed report that they have experienced much growth in their relationship with the Lord over the past year. The other half reported little growth.

PRIVATE DEVOTIONS. Church leaders indicate that on a daily basis 92% pray, 54% read the Bible, and

38% read devotional materials.

MEETING SPIRITUAL NEEDS. The majority (82%) of church leaders feel that their congregation meets their spiritual needs.

BUILDING SPIRITUAL CONNECTIONS

Q: Over the past year, how much have you grown in your personal relationship with the Lord?

Q: How often do you spend time in private devotional activities on a daily basis?

38

54

92

0 20 40 60 80 100

Devotional Material

Bible Reading

Prayer

Percentage

Q: Do you agree or disagree: “My spiritual needs are being met by this congregation”?

18

82

0 20 40 60 80 100

Disagree

Agree

Percentage

49

51

0 20 40 60

Little Growth

Much Growth

Percentage

Q: For you personally, to what extent does the worship service:

Experienced most.

1. Help you to know you are forgiven 79% 2. Part of the Kingdom of God 74%

3. Learn more about God 66% 4. Encouraged to a more faithful life 63%

5. Know God more fully 62%

Experienced least.

6. Make you feel good 59% 7. Sense of being in God’s presence 59% 8. Feel a part of the larger church 58% 9. Motivate you to share your faith with others 56% 10. Renew your spirit 54% 11. Prepare you to face everyday changes 53% 12. Deepen your faith 52%

WORSHIP EXPERIENCES. How often do you attend worship? About 98% of church leaders attend worship once a week or more.

WORSHIP EXPERIENCE. Meaningful worship is central for most congregations. This indicates what worshippers experience during worship.

Q: How often do you attend worship with this congregation?

2

98

0 20 40 60 80 100 120

Less than weekly

Weekly or more

Percentage

INVOLVEMENT. Are attendees involved in spiritual or fellowship/social activities? Most attendees (75%) are involved in spiritual growth activities, while 25% participate in mostly fellowship and social activities.

LENGTH OF ATTENDANCE. Tenure of worship attendance. Only 13% of the leadership is new in the past five years. DESCRIPTIONS OF CONGREGATION. When asked to describe congregational characteristics, the leadership rated the top four as:

Q: Are you regularly involved in any group activities here?

25

75

0 20 40 60 80Percentage

Spiritual

Fellowship/Social

Q: How long have you been going to worship service activities with this congregation?

Q: How well does each of the following statements describe your congregation (responses to very well and quite well)?

a. Our congregations is like a close-knit family 72% f. Our worship service is inspirational and uplifting 72% h. New members are easily incorporated into the life of our church 67% e. We are a moral beacon in our community 66%

2 29 13 19

55

0

20

40

60

80

100

Lessthan 1year

1-2 years 3-5 years 6-10years

11-20years

20+years

Perc

enta

ge

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Research shows that church location, attendance, and capacity are factors that influence the quality and quantity of worship experiences CHURCH LOCATION. In what type community is your church located? About 59% are in rural community, while 23% are in town (under 10,000 population), and 18% are in the city (over 10,000 population).

WORSHIP ATTENDANCE. The majority of churches participating in the survey (82%) have 250 or less in worship attendance. The remaining (18%) indicate 251 or more in worship.

BUILDING A CHURCH PROFILE

Q: Type of community where church is located.

18

23

59

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

City

Town

Rural

Percentage

Q: Average weekly attendance at the worship service you attend?

1

3

14

30

52

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Mega (over 1000)

Large (501-1000)

Mid-size (251-500)

Small (101-250)

Smallest (100 or less)

Percentage

CAPACITY. How full is your place of worship? About 16% reported more than 80% full, 35% reported 60-80% full and 49% report less than 60% full.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Does your congregation have a clear vision, goal, or direction? How does your congregation connect with non-members? How open is your congregation to diversity and different age groups? CHURCH VISION. Does the congregation have a clear vision, goal, or direction? About 50% said yes. However, 50% of the leadership do not have a clear vision for ministry and mission.

Q: About how full is your place of worship at the service you attend?

84

16

0 20 40 60 80 100

under 80%

over 80%

Percentage

BUILDING VISION, AGE DIVERSITY, OPENNESS, AND OUTREACH

Q: Does this congregation have a clear vision, goal, or direction for its ministry and mission?

50

50

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

No

Yes

Percentage

AGE OF WORSHIP ATTENDEES. What is the largest age group attending worship? About 79% are age 40 and up, while 21% are under age 40.

OPENNESS. Are congregations open to trying something new? 61% of the respondents agree or strongly agree while 39% are unsure, disagree or strongly disagree.

INVITING OTHERS. Do worshippers invite others to attend? One in ten leaders did not invite anyone to attend worship in the past 12 months.

Q: What is the largest age group attending worship?

6

15

40 39

0

10

20

30

40

50

24 & under 25-39 40-54 55 & up

AgesPe

rcen

tage

Q: Do you agree or disagree: “This congregation is open to trying something new”?

39

61

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

Disagree

Agree

Percentage

Q: Would you invite any of your unchurched friends or relatives to attend worship with you?

10

90

0 20 40 60 80 100

Have not in past12 months

Have in past 12months

Percentage

RECOMMENDATIONS: Worshipers have an individual identity based on preferences and perceptions. WORSHIP SPACE. A majority preferred the ideal worship space to be carpeted floors (90%), pews (85%), light colors (83%), and lots of natural light (80%).

TYPE OF SERVICE. A majority preferred that the ideal worship service would include worship service would include the Lord’s supper occasionally (84%), blend of styles (74%), sermons that address practical issues from the Biblical text (70%) and traditional (67%).

BUILDING ON PREFERENCES AND PERCEPTIONS

Q: Suppose for a moment you could design your ideal worship space, what would it look like? Uncertain 90% carpeted floors 5% bare floors 5% 85% pews 11% chairs 4% 8% dark colors 83% light colors 9% 80% lots of natural light 11% little natural light 9% 63% spacious 28% cozy 9% 26% movable seating 63% fixed seating 11% 48% plain 25% ornate 27%

Q: Suppose for a moment that you could design your ideal type of worship service. What would it include?

Uncertain 12% always include Lord’s supper 84% occasionally include Lord’s supper 4% 15% one style 74% blend of styles 11% 70% sermons on practical issues 20% verse by verse preaching 10% 67% traditional 20% contemporary 13% 65% ordered 24% spontaneous 11% 59% exuberant 24% reserved 21%

Elements in Service. A majority preferred the ideal worship service to include an invitation to commitment (98%), take place on Sunday (96%), with individually stated prayer concerns (74%), and be expressive (72%).

MOOD. A majority felt the service should reflect a spirit of reverence and awe in the presence of God (57%), while one-forth (25%) felt if should express celebration in the presence of God. Only 16% felt “moved to care and action for others” was most important.

Q: Suppose for a moment you could design the elements of your ideal worship service. What would it include

Uncertain 98% invitation to commitment 1% no invitation 1% 96% take place on Sunday 1% another day of the week 3% 74% individually stated prayer concerns 15% does not provide such an opportunity 11% 73% expressive 8% rationalistic 19% 61% include a children’s sermon 22% no children’s sermon 17% 53% lasts for an hour or less 25% last for more than an hour 22% 42% often uses multimedia technology 35% rarely, if ever, uses multimedia 23% 41% lasts for a set period of time 53% varied in length due to content 6% 17% usually has drama or dance 64% does not have drama or dance 19%

Q: While all worship services will include some of the following aspects, which is normally most important to you?

2

16

25

57

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

None of the above

Feeling moved to care andaction

Expressive celebration

Reverence and awe

Percentage

FOCUS. A strong majority felt the service was focused on the worship of God (80%) while the minority felt it included or featured elements that seemed to them to be more for entertainment (20%).

AUTHENTIC LEADERSHIP. When asked if the principal worship leader seems to truly believe what they are saying/doing during the worship service 94% of the respondents agreed.

CONFLICT. Has there been any conflict in the congregation? 56% of the church congregation indicate having some conflict.

Q: In the last year, has worship in your congregation ever included an element or feature that seemed to you to be more for entertainment than for the worship of God?

80

20

0

20

40

60

80

100

No Yes

Perc

enta

ges

Q: Which statement below best describes the actions of the principal worship leader during the worship service?

3

3

94

0 20 40 60 80 100

Not sure

Seems to be going through themotions

Seems to truly believe

Percentage

Q: Over the past two years, has there been any conflict in this congregation?

56

44

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Some conflict

No conflict

Percentage

RECOMMENDATIONS: This section explores the dynamics of how the congregation experiences and describes corporate worship of God. WORSHIP SERVICES. In response to the time and day for weekly worship service, the following is a listing in order of frequency: LENGTH OF WORSHIP SERVICE. How long does the typical worship service last? About 80% indicate the service is 60-75 minutes in length. The longest time was 180 minutes and the shortest was 40 minutes.

BUILDING WORSHIP EXPERIENCES AND ACTIONS

Q: Which weekly worship services are provided at the church?

2.5

65

86.5

98.5

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Other days & times

Wednesday evening

Sunday evening

Sunday morning

Percentage

Q: How long does the typical worship service last?

2

80

10 8

0102030405060708090

40-59 60-75 76-100 101-180

Minutes

Perc

enta

ge

Top Elements:

1. Congregational singing 100% 2. Sermon 100% 3. Offering 97% 4. Announcements 94% 5. Scripture Reading 90% 6. People greeting each other 89% 7. Invitation to Christian commitment 87% 8. Singing by a choir 77% 9. Written Order of Service 74% 10. Ordinances (Lord’s Supper & Baptism) 73% 11. Solo musical presentation 72%

FREQUENCY OF WORSHIP ELEMENTS. On a listing of 20 elements of worship, the top 11 elements were listed as used on a “regular” basis in 70% of the responses. Below is the complete listing. Q: Which of these elements are included on a “regular” basis in your worship service?

CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE IN WORSHIP. How do worshippers physically respond in worship? About 59% of worshippers say “Amen” while 49% applaud during worship. About 20% raise their hands in praise or prayer.

DESCRIPTIONS OF WORSHIP. How worshippers describe worship.

Remaining Nine:

12. Children’s Sermon 47% 13. Silent prayer/meditation 31% 14. Singing the “Doxology” 26% 15. Responsive reading 19% 16. Visual projection 15% 17. Vocal Praise Team 14% 18. Instrumental Praise Team 13% 19. Drama 9% 20. Speaking in tongues .5%

Q: At any time during a typical service, do worshippers regularly:

0.5

20

49

59

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

Speak aloud in tongues

Raise their hands

Applaud or clap

Say "Amen" or the like

Percentage

Q: In your opinion, to what extent would each of the following terms describe the usual worship service you attend? 1. Traditional 71%

2. Well-organized 65% 3. Child friendly 57% 4. Relevant 55% 5. Joyous 45% 6. Informal 33% 7. Spontaneous 21% 8. Quiet & reflective 15% 9. Rigid 7% 10. Liturgical 6% 11. Overly long 5% 12. Boring 3%

CHANGE IN STYLE OF WORSHIP. Approximately one-third of the churches reported a lot of change in worship style compared to 5 years ago.

PRINTED MATERIAL. How many churches use a printed bulletin for worship services, announcements, and sermon outline? The majority (82%) print the announcements, order of worship and sermon outline in a bulletin.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Q: Describe the change in the style of your current primary worship service.

32

35

33

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50

Changed a lot

Changed a little

Basically the same

Percentage

Q: Is there a printed order of worship?

19

63

8

10

0 20 40 60 80

1

2

3

4

Percentage

No printed bulletin

Announcements only printed

Announcements and order of service printed

Announcements, order of service andsermon outline printed

Musical expressions can be a unifying or divisive element of worship. CONGREGATIONAL SINGING. Traditional (hymns), Blended (mixture of hymns & choruses), Contemporary Praise & Worship (mostly choruses).

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS. About 70% of the churches report the use piano and/or organ in worship services.

MUSIC STYLES. The top three preferred styles of music were Traditional hymns, Praise music or choruses, and Southern gospel.

BUILDING MUSICAL EXPRESSIONS

Q: The congregational singing in our worship can be described as follows:

7

42

51

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Contemporary

Blended

Traditional

Percentage

Q: What musical instruments are used on a regular basis in your worship service?

3 3 5 5 6 8

2941

01020304050

Orchest

ra/Instr

uments

Praise b

andDrums

Electric

guitar

Acoustic guitar

Electric

keyboard

OrganPian

o

Perc

enta

ge

Q: While you may value many different styles of music, which of the following do you prefer in worship (Select your top 2)? % of Responses

1. Traditional hymns 44% 2. Praise music or choruses 27% 3. Southern gospel 14%

RECOMMENDATIONS:

What identity characteristics do the survey participants have in common such as gender, age, education, and employment status?

Gender.

Age: The mean was 54 years of age and the median was 55.

Zip.

BUILDING AN INDIVIDUAL PROFILE

Q: Are you male or female?

43

57

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Female

Male

Percentage

Education. About one-fourth of the participants completed a Masters Degree or some other graduate degree (24%).

Employment. Over half of the participants are employed full-time, part-time, or self-employed (59%).

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Q: What is the highest educational level you have completed?

7

24

16

5

18

26

4

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Other

Master

Degree

, Docto

rate,

or o...

Bachelo

r deg

ree fro

m universi

ty

Associa

te deg

ree

Some colle

ge

Completed

high school

Some high sc

hool

Perc

enta

ge

Q: What is your employment status?

3

8

29

1

59

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

Other

Full-time homemaker

Retired

Unemployed

Employed full time, part time or self-employed.

Percentage

The first section of the survey reflects the responses of minister and church lay leaders. This section reflects the responses of pastors and worship music leaders.

Position: Employment Status: Ministry Training.

Q: What is your employment status?

56% Pastor 44% Worship Music Leader

Q: What is your church employment status?

Q: What is your highest level of ministry training? PASTOR MUSIC

56% Seminary 15% 16% College 23% 10% Bible School 2% 1% Conferences 11% 9% Training on the job 32% 4% Other 2% 4% None 15%

2

30

68

50

30

20

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

Perc

enta

ge

PM

BUILDING WORSHIP THROUGH LEADERSHIP

Part-time, volunteer not paid Bivocational/part-time paid Full-time paid

Years in Ministry. Length of Tenure. In response to length of tenure in your current church, 60% of staff members had 7 years or less. Leadership Style. Staff leadership style was described as people oriented (22%), serving (20%) and partnership (18%).

Theological Orientation. Two-thirds of the congregations appear to be conservative (34%) and evangelical (29%).

Q: How many years have you served in ministry? PASTOR MUSIC 20 years average 20 years average

Q: What year did you begin serving this church? PASTOR MUSIC

10% 16-50 years 28% 13% 11-15 years 26% 27% 6-10 years 22% 50% 5 or less years 24%

Q: My leadership style can be described best as: PASTOR MUSIC

21% People oriented 24% 17% Serving 24% 20% Partnership 15% 15% Relationship-oriented 8% 11% Goal-oriented 11% 7% Task-oriented 10% 8% Democratic 8% 1% Authoritarian 0%

Q: What is the majority composition of your congregation in regard to the following approaches to faith? 33% Conservative 1% Liberal 29% Evangelical 1% Charismatic 18% Traditionalist 1% Seeker 12% Moderate 0% None 4% Fundamentalist 0% Pentecostal

Conflict. A majority indicated little conflict about worship style (84%).

RECOMMENDATIONS:

We asked pastors and worship music leaders how much time is devoted to worship planning, sermon preparation, and music preparation. We inquired as to who does the corporate worship service planning.

Worship Planning Time. Staff members indicated that they spent an average of 2 hours per week on worship planning.

Sermon Preparation. Pastors indicated that they spend an average of 11 hours per week on sermon preparation.

Q: What is the average time you spend per week on sermon preparation? PASTOR 11 hours average

Q: How would you rate the amount of conflict in your congregation about worship style?

BUILDING WORSHIP THROUGH PLANNING

Q: What is the average time per week that you personally spend in worship planning? (NOT including time for sermon/music preparation? PASTOR MUSIC 3.4 hours average 2.7 hours average

16

84

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90

Much conflict

Little conflict

Percentage

Music Preparation. Worship music leaders indicate that they spend an average of 3½ hours per week on musical preparation. Worship Planning. The pastor (46%), music leader (41%) and/or both are the two main worship planners in most churches.

There are many demands and expectations as to how a minister should prioritize time. The responses indicate that the top three roles the minister considers as most important are not the same when compared to how time is actually invested.

Role Priority. Ministers list their roles as follows:

Q: How much time do you spend per week in musical preparation for worship (including rehearsal)? MUSIC 3½ hours average

Q: Who does the worship planning for your church?

8

5

41

46

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50

Other

Lay Person

Music Leader

Pastor

Percentage

Q: What do you think are the most important roles for you as a minister?

PASTOR MUSIC

17% Conducting worship and worship prep 28% 22% Teaching people about Christ 15%

15% Training people for ministry/missions 8% 13% Sharing your faith with others 17%

14% Visiting, counseling & helping people 6% 2% Doing administrative/org. work 6% 17% Prayer and being a spiritual role model 20%

BUILDING INTENTIONAL MINISTRY ROLES

Role Priorities. When asked how they spend the majority of their time as a minister, they indicated: Special or Seasonal Worship Service Emphasis. The top six special emphasis in 80% of churches are VBS, Father’s Day/Mother’s Day, Christmas, Mid-week service, Revival, and Patriotic Service.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Q: In the past year, has the church provided any special or seasonal worship services or emphasis of the sort listed below?

Yes No

96% Vacation Bible School 5%

94% Father’s/Mother’s Day 6% 90% Christmas Musical 10% 89% Mid-week service(s) 11% 82% Revival Service 18% 80% Patriotic Service 20%

66% Easter musical 34% 63% Easter Sunrise 37% 62% Baby/Parent Dedication 39% 54% Memorial Day 46% 36% Spiritual Renewal Service 64% 32% Good Friday 68% 29% Holy Week Service 71%

16% Maunday Thursday 84% 12% Healing services 88%

Q: How do you spend the majority of your time as a minister?

PASTOR MUSIC

19% Conducting worship and worship prep 33% 15% Teaching people about Christ 8%

11% Training people for ministry/missions 8% 10% Sharing your faith with others 9%

20% Visiting, counseling & helping people 8% 13% Doing administrative/org. work 18% 12% Prayer and being a spiritual role model 16%

BUILDING SPECIAL OR SEASONAL WORSHIP SERVICES

WWHHEERREE DDOO WWEE GGOO FFRROOMM HHEERREE?? The tension between change and tradition has always been a reoccurring theme in the dialogue about worship. As we address these controversial issues facing the church today, we are hopeful that our journey into worship through study (knowing) and experiencing (being) will bring us back to a renewed understanding of what it means to worship God in spirit and truth. While this report has focused on the findings of the recent statewide worship survey, it is important to realize that this is a continually evolving process of new information and understandings. The challenge for us is keeping you informed and updated on the most current and relevant developments. Here are a few of the worship resources KBC is now providing and other that will be available in the near future:

1. Worship information available on our website – http://www.kybaptist.org and in printed form. • An annotated bibliography of books and articles on worship • A listing of worship resources • A listing of worship workshops • A listing of KBC churches that are successfully modeling worship based on size, location, and

style • The KBC worship survey results • Sample orders of worship reflecting different styles and size • Sample worship surveys for use with your congregation • Suggested material to teach your congregation about worship

2. Conferences and consultations on worship:

• A statewide worship conference for church leaders and laity “Journey into Worship” conference on October 11–12, 2002 at First Baptist Church, Bowling Green.

• Associational worship conferences for pastor and worship music leaders. • Consultations with individual churches about worship issues. • Consultations on leading congregational change and transitions.

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