Worship Formation Modules

Educational resources for local leaders

• stand alone (perhaps on a Saturday morning),
• be combined (with a lunch break, two of them would create a daylong event),
• or used as one component of an existing event (such as a lay ministry retreat or rostered leaders' conference).

The following topics are currently available in electronic form as pdf files  by request to worship@elca.org.  Most are formatted to be led by local leaders.  There is no cost to use these materials! 

Evangelical Lutheran Worship: A deeper look
With each generation, the church renews language and patterns for worship.  Continue to explore the riches of the liturgical material in ELW that was begun in the initial introductory events.  This formation event is primarily presentational, sharing information about some of the deep issues underlying the development of liturgical resources in ELW, then looking at examples in the rites themselves.

Scripture shapes worship
The bible shapes our patterns and actions in worship drawing us into God's saving story.  The Book of Faith initiative sets the stage to explore the biblical foundations of worship and reflect on how the public proclamation of scripture brings the book of faith alive in the assembly.  This formation event invites any member of the worshiping assembly that seeks to more fully engage the Word of God in worship to reflect on the use of scripture in a variety of worship practices. 

Evangelical Lutheran Worship: More freedom and flexibility
We share a common pattern for worship and yet each worshiping assembly is unique.  Reflect on our common patterns for worship in ELW and explore the possibilities for shaping worship in a specific context, including contemporary worship, small congregations in rural and urban settings, and more.  This formation event includes the opportunity for participants to reflect on worship in their particular context, explore the possibilities that freedom and flexibility encourage and consider how to introduce something new in worship.  Also available in a format that can be used with other worship resources.

Worship & Mission
God's mission in Jesus Christ reveals the unfolding purpose of God for all people and the whole creation.  That mission flows through the church's assembly for worship in word and sacrament and into the everyday life of the people of God.  This module explores the inseparable nature of worship and mission and how the mission of God is enacted and expressed through our worship practice.

The Place Where We Worship
This module assists congregations to engage principles for worship regarding worship space, including thoughtful preparation of existing spaces, changing or creating worship spaces, and the art and environment for worship.

Exploring Musical Riches in Evangelical Lutheran Worship (resources for varied use)  
Although much of the musical repertoire in any hymnal is familiar, the amount of new material can be overwhelming for many. This module seeks to enlarge the musical vision of music leaders using ELW, exploring hidden—and sometimes not so hidden—treasures in that resource.

Evangelical Lutheran Worship: Leading the Assembly's Song
Leading a worshiping community in singing is a unique challenge, especially as our church's repertoire becomes more diverse.  This module helps participants with basic skills and attitudes whether leading with voice, organ, piano, or more.  Young, up and coming leaders from around the country have been trained to lead this module and are available to come to your area to present it.  Cost is approximately $700 to bring a leader into your area to lead this module.

For more information about using these materials in your synod, cluster, or congregation, email worship@elca.org.