So You're Leading Worship

Worship doesn't serve a single, static purpose; rather, we gather for a multitude of reasons and needs. Whether it's on Sunday morning in a sanctuary or in a small group in someone's home, our people arrive for worship for many reasons: they long to be inspired, comforted, changed, opened, challenged, loved, forgiven, lifted up, seen, connected, or filled with wonder (among other needs).

By weaving together different components, a worship service serves the whole—the common good—and offers a shared emotional experience. Each worship component has its own relational purpose: a particular reason for connecting us to one another and That Which Is Larger Than Us.

Our Tool Kit for Worship Leaders is the most helpful guide for learning how to plan and lead worship services. In the fall of 2022, an 8-session online course will be available on the UUA website for in-depth learning.

Resources

The Shared Pulpit

By Erika Hewitt

From Skinner House Books

A workshop guide to develop preaching experience among lay people. This 8-session seminar includes a leader's guide, readings, sample sermons, and exercises to help first-time preachers polish their craft. Being reprinted - available for backorder...

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Worship That Works

By Wayne B. Arnason, Kathleen Rolenz, Nancy McDonald Ladd

From Skinner House Books

The second edition of this classic UU text includes revisions and new chapters on multicultural worship, multigenerational worship, and new models of services for contemporary practices.

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