Forget Sermon Series Mini Movies - Do This Instead

I love mini movies. Those sermon I love mini movies. Those sermon starters that play in church before the starters that play in church before the starters that play in church before the message [music] begins. They do two message [music] begins. They do two message [music] begins. They do two things. One, they act as a useful things. One, they act as a useful things. One, they act as a useful transition point in the service, but transition point in the service, but transition point in the service, but [music] they also set the tone for the [music] they also set the tone for the [music] they also set the tone for the message. Now, that being said, not all message. Now, that being said, not all message. Now, that being said, not all sermon starters are made equal. The sermon starters are made equal. The sermon starters are made equal. The reality is this, a lot of work tends to reality is this, a lot of work tends to reality is this, a lot of work tends to go into making a mini movie. And if the go into making a mini movie. And if the go into making a mini movie. And if the precedent in your church is that every precedent in your church is that every precedent in your church is that every single series needs one and it needs to single series needs one and it needs to single series needs one and it needs to be awesome, that is a heavy burden for be awesome, that is a heavy burden for be awesome, that is a heavy burden for the creative person or the creative the creative person or the creative the creative person or the creative team. In light of that, we want to make team. In light of that, we want to make team. In light of that, we want to make some alternative recommendations. some alternative recommendations. some alternative recommendations. Importantly, [music] each of these Importantly, [music] each of these Importantly, [music] each of these options focuses on two things. They're options focuses on two things. They're options focuses on two things. They're easier to pull off and they are more easier to pull off and they are more easier to pull off and they are more spiritually [music] formational. Let's spiritually [music] formational. Let's spiritually [music] formational. Let's dive in. dive in. dive in. >> Well, hey there and welcome to the >> Well, hey there and welcome to the >> Well, hey there and welcome to the ProChurch Tool Show. We're here to help ProChurch Tool Show. We're here to help ProChurch Tool Show. We're here to help you and your church navigate the biggest you and your church navigate the biggest you and your church navigate the biggest communication shift in 500 years. I'm communication shift in 500 years. I'm communication shift in 500 years. I'm Brady Sher, your host. I'm jo Brady Sher, your host. I'm jo Brady Sher, your host. I'm jo new liveries and old liturgies. It's new liveries and old liturgies. It's new liveries and old liturgies. It's Alexander Mills. Hello. Hello. Listen, I Alexander Mills. Hello. Hello. Listen, I Alexander Mills. Hello. Hello. Listen, I love a good mini movie. I love a good love a good mini movie. I love a good love a good mini movie. I love a good sermon bumper. I want that to be clear sermon bumper. I want that to be clear sermon bumper. I want that to be clear from the top of this episode. In fact, from the top of this episode. In fact, from the top of this episode. In fact, when I first became the media director when I first became the media director when I first became the media director at the church plant where all of this at the church plant where all of this at the church plant where all of this began in like 2011, many movies were began in like 2011, many movies were began in like 2011, many movies were like one of my primary responsibilities.

like one of my primary responsibilities. like one of my primary responsibilities. And so I have a fond fond place for them And so I have a fond fond place for them And so I have a fond fond place for them in my heart. The issue is this. Your in my heart. The issue is this. Your in my heart. The issue is this. Your pastor ends up like sharing an idea with pastor ends up like sharing an idea with pastor ends up like sharing an idea with you, right? Okay. Hey, we're working on you, right? Okay. Hey, we're working on you, right? Okay. Hey, we're working on this new sermon series that's going to this new sermon series that's going to this new sermon series that's going to look like this. And then you then find look like this. And then you then find look like this. And then you then find some type of creative expression of that some type of creative expression of that some type of creative expression of that that you can pull off and maybe it's that you can pull off and maybe it's that you can pull off and maybe it's good for one sermon series. Maybe it's good for one sermon series. Maybe it's good for one sermon series. Maybe it's good for two or three. And invariably good for two or three. And invariably good for two or three. And invariably what happens is you get to one and if what happens is you get to one and if what happens is you get to one and if this is like how you always do order of this is like how you always do order of this is like how you always do order of service, you're like, you know, I don't service, you're like, you know, I don't service, you're like, you know, I don't really have a good idea this time. And really have a good idea this time. And really have a good idea this time. And you mail it in, right? And and you mail it in, right? And and you mail it in, right? And and >> there's nothing wrong with that. like >> there's nothing wrong with that. like >> there's nothing wrong with that. like not every single Sunday is going but not every single Sunday is going but not every single Sunday is going but creatively it pains me to think that I creatively it pains me to think that I creatively it pains me to think that I have resolved to just mailing this in have resolved to just mailing this in have resolved to just mailing this in either I don't have the time this month either I don't have the time this month either I don't have the time this month I don't have the creative idea for it my I don't have the creative idea for it my I don't have the creative idea for it my creative energy is needed elsewhere this creative energy is needed elsewhere this creative energy is needed elsewhere this specific sermon series does not specific sermon series does not specific sermon series does not translate well into the normal types of translate well into the normal types of translate well into the normal types of videos we make whatever it might be videos we make whatever it might be videos we make whatever it might be >> if there are better options to explore I >> if there are better options to explore I >> if there are better options to explore I think that's worth it think that's worth it think that's worth it >> there are a couple of other reasons why >> there are a couple of other reasons why >> there are a couple of other reasons why sermon trailers sermon bumper mini sermon trailers sermon bumper mini sermon trailers sermon bumper mini movies, whatever you call them, um movies, whatever you call them, um movies, whatever you call them, um could, you know, be considered lacking.

could, you know, be considered lacking. could, you know, be considered lacking. Um, again, I love mini movies. All Um, again, I love mini movies. All Um, again, I love mini movies. All right, this is not this just right, this is not this just right, this is not this just alternatives, diminishing returns. So, alternatives, diminishing returns. So, alternatives, diminishing returns. So, it's a four-week series. You play that it's a four-week series. You play that it's a four-week series. You play that sermon series uh trailer week one, and sermon series uh trailer week one, and sermon series uh trailer week one, and you're like, "Wow, new and exciting." you're like, "Wow, new and exciting." you're like, "Wow, new and exciting." But then you play the same one week two, But then you play the same one week two, But then you play the same one week two, right? right? right? >> Maybe there's a tin tiny little, you >> Maybe there's a tin tiny little, you >> Maybe there's a tin tiny little, you know, by line at the end that's know, by line at the end that's know, by line at the end that's different for that sermon series that different for that sermon series that different for that sermon series that week. By the time it gets to week four, week. By the time it gets to week four, week. By the time it gets to week four, you know, you know, you know, >> maybe it's starting to feel tired. maybe >> maybe it's starting to feel tired. maybe >> maybe it's starting to feel tired. maybe it's starting to feel stale. it's starting to feel stale. it's starting to feel stale. >> And then the other part of it is that >> And then the other part of it is that >> And then the other part of it is that when you're watching a sermon bumper, when you're watching a sermon bumper, when you're watching a sermon bumper, waiting to then watch the sermon, those waiting to then watch the sermon, those waiting to then watch the sermon, those are very similar in terms of what you, are very similar in terms of what you, are very similar in terms of what you, the person in the pew, are doing. And so the person in the pew, are doing. And so the person in the pew, are doing. And so what we're going to explore in this what we're going to explore in this what we're going to explore in this episode are alternative ideas that episode are alternative ideas that episode are alternative ideas that deliberately require different things deliberately require different things deliberately require different things from the congregation to mix up that from the congregation to mix up that from the congregation to mix up that space and say, "Okay, if we're going to space and say, "Okay, if we're going to space and say, "Okay, if we're going to like sit for 20, 30, 40 plus minutes for like sit for 20, 30, 40 plus minutes for like sit for 20, 30, 40 plus minutes for a sermon here, a sermon here, a sermon here, >> what could we do to get the congregation >> what could we do to get the congregation >> what could we do to get the congregation maybe more involved um and have a little maybe more involved um and have a little maybe more involved um and have a little bit of a change of pace?" Well, a sermon bit of a change of pace?" Well, a sermon bit of a change of pace?" Well, a sermon bumper or a mini movie at best is, you bumper or a mini movie at best is, you bumper or a mini movie at best is, you know, a valuable piece of creative know, a valuable piece of creative know, a valuable piece of creative content that maybe adds to the season or content that maybe adds to the season or content that maybe adds to the season or the theme or the sermon that's going to the theme or the sermon that's going to the theme or the sermon that's going to follow. But at worst, it could just be follow. But at worst, it could just be follow. But at worst, it could just be because it is a transition moment, often because it is a transition moment, often because it is a transition moment, often from worship to the sermon. At worst, it from worship to the sermon. At worst, it from worship to the sermon. At worst, it can just be uh an opportunity to fumble can just be uh an opportunity to fumble can just be uh an opportunity to fumble a transition and lose people's interest a transition and lose people's interest a transition and lose people's interest or attention in maybe what had been or attention in maybe what had been or attention in maybe what had been cultivated during worship or what's cultivated during worship or what's cultivated during worship or what's about to happen in the sermon. So, I about to happen in the sermon. So, I about to happen in the sermon. So, I think it's worth exploring. You know, we think it's worth exploring. You know, we think it's worth exploring. You know, we talk a lot on the show about pattern talk a lot on the show about pattern talk a lot on the show about pattern interrupts. It's it's it's not to say

interrupts. It's it's it's not to say interrupts. It's it's it's not to say you need to throw out your sermon you need to throw out your sermon you need to throw out your sermon bumpers or your minov and and and do bumpers or your minov and and and do bumpers or your minov and and and do something alternative forever, but like something alternative forever, but like something alternative forever, but like you said, if there's a sermon series you said, if there's a sermon series you said, if there's a sermon series that isn't like sparking that that that isn't like sparking that that that isn't like sparking that that creative uh that creative [snorts] creative uh that creative [snorts] creative uh that creative [snorts] intuition to to to come up with intuition to to to come up with intuition to to to come up with something really creative and something something really creative and something something really creative and something that actually adds and and engages the that actually adds and and engages the that actually adds and and engages the congregation in in what you're about to congregation in in what you're about to congregation in in what you're about to present in the sermon or what have you, present in the sermon or what have you, present in the sermon or what have you, like maybe it's worth exploring like maybe it's worth exploring like maybe it's worth exploring something. Uh, and you know me, I love something. Uh, and you know me, I love something. Uh, and you know me, I love the the uh the occasion to do something the the uh the occasion to do something the the uh the occasion to do something a little bit more like uh participatory a little bit more like uh participatory a little bit more like uh participatory and and involve the folks so that it's and and involve the folks so that it's and and involve the folks so that it's not just uh from the top down or from not just uh from the top down or from not just uh from the top down or from the stage down, but like people get the stage down, but like people get the stage down, but like people get their bodies, their mouths in some their bodies, their mouths in some their bodies, their mouths in some cases, their their spirits involved in cases, their their spirits involved in cases, their their spirits involved in what's going on. I I find that can be what's going on. I I find that can be what's going on. I I find that can be very uh formative. And so we've got like very uh formative. And so we've got like very uh formative. And so we've got like a full handful of alternative ideas here a full handful of alternative ideas here a full handful of alternative ideas here today on the show. today on the show. today on the show. >> Yeah. And we want you to consider this >> Yeah. And we want you to consider this >> Yeah. And we want you to consider this permission from us, okay? To stop doing permission from us, okay? To stop doing permission from us, okay? To stop doing the minmov every single sermon series if the minmov every single sermon series if the minmov every single sermon series if you want. We're just giving you that you want. We're just giving you that you want. We're just giving you that permission. What could you do instead? permission. What could you do instead? permission. What could you do instead? Alternative idea number one, the Alternative idea number one, the Alternative idea number one, the standing scripture reading. And this standing scripture reading. And this standing scripture reading. And this comes not from us, but from Pastor Luke comes not from us, but from Pastor Luke comes not from us, but from Pastor Luke Simmons of Ironwood Church in Phoenix.

Simmons of Ironwood Church in Phoenix. Simmons of Ironwood Church in Phoenix. We had him on the show a little while We had him on the show a little while We had him on the show a little while back. That episode title was five small back. That episode title was five small back. That episode title was five small changes most churches should consider changes most churches should consider changes most churches should consider making. So here's the setup for this making. So here's the setup for this making. So here's the setup for this idea. announcements end or whatever has idea. announcements end or whatever has idea. announcements end or whatever has just occurred that happens typically just occurred that happens typically just occurred that happens typically before the sermon where maybe you need before the sermon where maybe you need before the sermon where maybe you need that transitionary piece. Mhm. that transitionary piece. Mhm. that transitionary piece. Mhm. >> So what happens here is that a person >> So what happens here is that a person >> So what happens here is that a person comes up to the pulpit up to the stage comes up to the pulpit up to the stage comes up to the pulpit up to the stage and says, "Hey, today's passage is book, and says, "Hey, today's passage is book, and says, "Hey, today's passage is book, chapter, verse. Here's where in the chapter, verse. Here's where in the chapter, verse. Here's where in the Bible you can find that if you want to Bible you can find that if you want to Bible you can find that if you want to add that additional piece, if you're add that additional piece, if you're add that additional piece, if you're able, please stand for the reading of able, please stand for the reading of able, please stand for the reading of God's word." And then what you have is a God's word." And then what you have is a God's word." And then what you have is a trained volunteer, not the pastor. This trained volunteer, not the pastor. This trained volunteer, not the pastor. This was Pastor Luke's point that he wanted was Pastor Luke's point that he wanted was Pastor Luke's point that he wanted to emphasize. It is not me, the person to emphasize. It is not me, the person to emphasize. It is not me, the person who's about to preach, who does this. A who's about to preach, who does this. A who's about to preach, who does this. A trained volunteer reads the entire trained volunteer reads the entire trained volunteer reads the entire sermon passage aloud. The congregation sermon passage aloud. The congregation sermon passage aloud. The congregation stands and follows along. At the end, stands and follows along. At the end, stands and follows along. At the end, there's a tag. there's a tag. there's a tag. So, I think Pastor Luke said theirs was, So, I think Pastor Luke said theirs was, So, I think Pastor Luke said theirs was, "May this word of the Lord help us "May this word of the Lord help us "May this word of the Lord help us pursue the truly good life in Jesus."

pursue the truly good life in Jesus." pursue the truly good life in Jesus." You may be seated. You may be seated. You may be seated. >> Then pastor approaches. >> Then pastor approaches. >> Then pastor approaches. >> I think he mentioned that was topical to >> I think he mentioned that was topical to >> I think he mentioned that was topical to the the sermon series like it was the the sermon series like it was the the sermon series like it was relevant to the sermon series and they relevant to the sermon series and they relevant to the sermon series and they kind of cater it um you know throughout kind of cater it um you know throughout kind of cater it um you know throughout the seasons of the church. the seasons of the church. the seasons of the church. >> Right. Right. And and that's like that's >> Right. Right. And and that's like that's >> Right. Right. And and that's like that's almost the idea of the mini movie being almost the idea of the mini movie being almost the idea of the mini movie being expressed elsewhere, right? Like I expressed elsewhere, right? Like I expressed elsewhere, right? Like I remember the first time I saw a sermon remember the first time I saw a sermon remember the first time I saw a sermon bumper in church and I was like this is bumper in church and I was like this is bumper in church and I was like this is revvelatory. revvelatory. revvelatory. >> Church has changed forever. >> Church has changed forever. >> Church has changed forever. >> I didn't real this summer, you know? I >> I didn't real this summer, you know? I >> I didn't real this summer, you know? I didn't realize we could do that. Like didn't realize we could do that. Like didn't realize we could do that. Like that's very cool. And then like all that's very cool. And then like all that's very cool. And then like all things we always talk about the creative things we always talk about the creative things we always talk about the creative curveball. Doesn't matter if you can curveball. Doesn't matter if you can curveball. Doesn't matter if you can throw 100 mph gas. Like if that's all throw 100 mph gas. Like if that's all throw 100 mph gas. Like if that's all you're throwing, eventually that is you're throwing, eventually that is you're throwing, eventually that is going to become stale and predictable. going to become stale and predictable. going to become stale and predictable. So what makes this alternative potent So what makes this alternative potent So what makes this alternative potent from our perspective? The first is that from our perspective? The first is that from our perspective? The first is that there's a physical posture that has a there's a physical posture that has a there's a physical posture that has a theological component to it that you're theological component to it that you're theological component to it that you're communicating, right? You stand. So communicating, right? You stand. So communicating, right? You stand. So okay, this is not an ordinary thing. We okay, this is not an ordinary thing. We okay, this is not an ordinary thing. We are standing for this. Your body's are standing for this. Your body's are standing for this. Your body's involved, not just your ears. It's an involved, not just your ears. It's an involved, not just your ears. It's an act of reverence, but I don't think it's act of reverence, but I don't think it's act of reverence, but I don't think it's stuffy. Sometimes you can have these stuffy. Sometimes you can have these stuffy. Sometimes you can have these like reverent things that feel like like reverent things that feel like like reverent things that feel like ancient, but not like good ancient.

ancient, but not like good ancient. ancient, but not like good ancient. And then because you're like physically And then because you're like physically And then because you're like physically standing, you're not just hearing God's standing, you're not just hearing God's standing, you're not just hearing God's word, like you're honoring it with your word, like you're honoring it with your word, like you're honoring it with your physical posture. So there's something physical posture. So there's something physical posture. So there's something to that. to that. to that. >> The next thing it does, and this was >> The next thing it does, and this was >> The next thing it does, and this was another emphasized point by Pastor Luke, another emphasized point by Pastor Luke, another emphasized point by Pastor Luke, is that it is communicating is that it is communicating is that it is communicating accessibility. This is not the pastor accessibility. This is not the pastor accessibility. This is not the pastor being like, I am the expert, being like, I am the expert, being like, I am the expert, >> right? >> right? >> right? >> And I am the one, the only one who can >> And I am the one, the only one who can >> And I am the one, the only one who can and will interpret this for you. When a and will interpret this for you. When a and will interpret this for you. When a regular person reads it, the implied regular person reads it, the implied regular person reads it, the implied message behind that is that this word is message behind that is that this word is message behind that is that this word is for all of us. the scriptures are for all of us. the scriptures are for all of us. the scriptures are democratized and I think that's a really democratized and I think that's a really democratized and I think that's a really powerful thing to communicate even if it powerful thing to communicate even if it powerful thing to communicate even if it is being communicated under the surface is being communicated under the surface is being communicated under the surface >> the formational tag at the end we talk >> the formational tag at the end we talk >> the formational tag at the end we talk so much about [snorts] so much about [snorts] so much about [snorts] >> shared language the language you use >> shared language the language you use >> shared language the language you use becomes the culture you build this is becomes the culture you build this is becomes the culture you build this is one of the expressions of that idea one of the expressions of that idea one of the expressions of that idea because what it does is it creates because what it does is it creates because what it does is it creates shared vocabulary I I think I said this shared vocabulary I I think I said this shared vocabulary I I think I said this on that podcast um but my mom always on that podcast um but my mom always on that podcast um but my mom always ended every prayer in our house with a ended every prayer in our house with a ended every prayer in our house with a tag and then I use that same tag when I tag and then I use that same tag when I tag and then I use that same tag when I pray now you get that shar pray now you get that shar pray now you get that shar vocabulary.

vocabulary. vocabulary. >> Anything else here that I wanted to hit >> Anything else here that I wanted to hit >> Anything else here that I wanted to hit on? on? on? Oh, we talked about like the unique Oh, we talked about like the unique Oh, we talked about like the unique version of the tag, right? Cuz the version of the tag, right? Cuz the version of the tag, right? Cuz the traditional I mean, what was the one? traditional I mean, what was the one? traditional I mean, what was the one? What's the one? Um, my mom always said, What's the one? Um, my mom always said, What's the one? Um, my mom always said, "May we always be mindful of the needs "May we always be mindful of the needs "May we always be mindful of the needs of others." of others." of others." >> My dad was My dad is the same tag. >> My dad was My dad is the same tag. >> My dad was My dad is the same tag. >> Really? >> Really? >> Really? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Oh, well, apparently it's not unique to >> Oh, well, apparently it's not unique to >> Oh, well, apparently it's not unique to my family then. my family then. my family then. >> Wow. Childhood shattered. [laughter] >> Wow. Childhood shattered. [laughter] >> Wow. Childhood shattered. [laughter] No, but it is beautiful in the context No, but it is beautiful in the context No, but it is beautiful in the context of this too where it's like a lot of the of this too where it's like a lot of the of this too where it's like a lot of the we're going to get into like some call we're going to get into like some call we're going to get into like some call and response things later. Uh you know, and response things later. Uh you know, and response things later. Uh you know, a common tag in in the in the Catholic a common tag in in the in the Catholic a common tag in in the in the Catholic church or the Orthodox church is this is church or the Orthodox church is this is church or the Orthodox church is this is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. And it it is nice and in some cases And it it is nice and in some cases And it it is nice and in some cases familiar. Maybe you're you're traveling familiar. Maybe you're you're traveling familiar. Maybe you're you're traveling or you're trying out a new church and or you're trying out a new church and or you're trying out a new church and you hear the similar response to the you hear the similar response to the you hear the similar response to the reading of scripture. It's like, oh, reading of scripture. It's like, oh, reading of scripture. It's like, oh, this feels familiar. This feels like this feels familiar. This feels like this feels familiar. This feels like home. This feels like my mom's prayer or home. This feels like my mom's prayer or home. This feels like my mom's prayer or my dad's prayer. There's something to my dad's prayer. There's something to my dad's prayer. There's something to that shared language kind of being that shared language kind of being that shared language kind of being passed on maybe from one church to the passed on maybe from one church to the passed on maybe from one church to the next, one community to the next, next, one community to the next, next, one community to the next, ecumenically from one denomination to ecumenically from one denomination to ecumenically from one denomination to the next. Like Luke did such a great job the next. Like Luke did such a great job the next. Like Luke did such a great job on that that interview we had with him.

on that that interview we had with him. on that that interview we had with him. One of our one of my favorite interviews One of our one of my favorite interviews One of our one of my favorite interviews from last year just um kind of showing from last year just um kind of showing from last year just um kind of showing how to borrow from different how to borrow from different how to borrow from different denominations and and bless the denominations and and bless the denominations and and bless the traditions of other denominations and traditions of other denominations and traditions of other denominations and incorporate them into uh you know modern incorporate them into uh you know modern incorporate them into uh you know modern religious practice in the West in religious practice in the West in religious practice in the West in America in particular. Um, I'm a big fan America in particular. Um, I'm a big fan America in particular. Um, I'm a big fan of of this alternative um, uh, you know, of of this alternative um, uh, you know, of of this alternative um, uh, you know, strategy in particular because it is an strategy in particular because it is an strategy in particular because it is an embodied act in the moment to to raise embodied act in the moment to to raise embodied act in the moment to to raise your body to stand. of course your body to stand. of course your body to stand. of course communicates reverence for the for the communicates reverence for the for the communicates reverence for the for the scripture, the reading of God's word for scripture, the reading of God's word for scripture, the reading of God's word for sure, but also it involves your body in sure, but also it involves your body in sure, but also it involves your body in an active way where we know when you're an active way where we know when you're an active way where we know when you're consuming content, whether it's a book consuming content, whether it's a book consuming content, whether it's a book or a sermon or a podcast, if you if you or a sermon or a podcast, if you if you or a sermon or a podcast, if you if you accompany that with some sort of action accompany that with some sort of action accompany that with some sort of action with your body, when you're reading a with your body, when you're reading a with your body, when you're reading a book, if you have a pen by your your book, if you have a pen by your your book, if you have a pen by your your bedside table and you're circling things bedside table and you're circling things bedside table and you're circling things or in in a sermon, if you're writing or in in a sermon, if you're writing or in in a sermon, if you're writing down notes or for the scripture reading, down notes or for the scripture reading, down notes or for the scripture reading, if you stand and activate your body for if you stand and activate your body for if you stand and activate your body for that moment. You are it's going to be that moment. You are it's going to be that moment. You are it's going to be more formative in a way where just more formative in a way where just more formative in a way where just passively spectating or or consuming as passively spectating or or consuming as passively spectating or or consuming as somebody reads the scriptures over you somebody reads the scriptures over you somebody reads the scriptures over you um is not as formative. And I don't know um is not as formative. And I don't know um is not as formative. And I don't know I I think it's always beneficial in the I I think it's always beneficial in the I I think it's always beneficial in the western church where western church where western church where we we we are prone to presenting something to be are prone to presenting something to be are prone to presenting something to be consume. We can be prone to presenting consume. We can be prone to presenting consume. We can be prone to presenting the gospel as something to be consumed.

the gospel as something to be consumed. the gospel as something to be consumed. I think it's it's wonderful to always be I think it's it's wonderful to always be I think it's it's wonderful to always be on the lookout for ways for people to on the lookout for ways for people to on the lookout for ways for people to participate. Um, and so that's why participate. Um, and so that's why participate. Um, and so that's why bringing up a a volunteer is so valuable bringing up a a volunteer is so valuable bringing up a a volunteer is so valuable because you see that yeah, it's not just because you see that yeah, it's not just because you see that yeah, it's not just the pastor who gets to read the the pastor who gets to read the the pastor who gets to read the scripture here, but it could be any one scripture here, but it could be any one scripture here, but it could be any one of us and and somebody who's up there of us and and somebody who's up there of us and and somebody who's up there uh, you know, may stumble or fumble uh, you know, may stumble or fumble uh, you know, may stumble or fumble through it and that is beautiful because through it and that is beautiful because through it and that is beautiful because that represents me who's the lay person that represents me who's the lay person that represents me who's the lay person who's sitting down and maybe isn't who's sitting down and maybe isn't who's sitting down and maybe isn't confident enough to get up and read in confident enough to get up and read in confident enough to get up and read in front of people. So I see myself front of people. So I see myself front of people. So I see myself reflected in that as well. One more reflected in that as well. One more reflected in that as well. One more point. Did you know that our Christian point. Did you know that our Christian point. Did you know that our Christian tradition has a long history of standing tradition has a long history of standing tradition has a long history of standing for the reading of scripture? for the reading of scripture? for the reading of scripture? >> I am aware. >> I am aware. >> I am aware. >> You can see all the way back in in the >> You can see all the way back in in the >> You can see all the way back in in the book of Nehemiah. You see Ezra standing book of Nehemiah. You see Ezra standing book of Nehemiah. You see Ezra standing and and the people of Israel standing to and and the people of Israel standing to and and the people of Israel standing to read the scriptures. One of my favorite read the scriptures. One of my favorite read the scriptures. One of my favorite moments is Jesus in the temple when he moments is Jesus in the temple when he moments is Jesus in the temple when he picks up the scroll um of Isaiah. He picks up the scroll um of Isaiah. He picks up the scroll um of Isaiah. He stands to read and then once he's done stands to read and then once he's done stands to read and then once he's done reading the scroll, the scripture says reading the scroll, the scripture says reading the scroll, the scripture says um in the Gospel of Luke that he sits um in the Gospel of Luke that he sits um in the Gospel of Luke that he sits down to preach, which is very down to preach, which is very down to preach, which is very interesting. So there's there's almost interesting. So there's there's almost interesting. So there's there's almost like this it's almost like the reading like this it's almost like the reading like this it's almost like the reading of scripture by standing was was shown of scripture by standing was was shown of scripture by standing was was shown as its own act of worship in the as its own act of worship in the as its own act of worship in the service. So the there's so from so many service. So the there's so from so many service. So the there's so from so many different angles there is so much value different angles there is so much value different angles there is so much value to giving this one a try in your to giving this one a try in your to giving this one a try in your Christian community.

Christian community. Christian community. >> What does the Gospel of Luke say about >> What does the Gospel of Luke say about >> What does the Gospel of Luke say about the stopmotion sermon trailer I made for the stopmotion sermon trailer I made for the stopmotion sermon trailer I made for our sermon series Baggage Claim? our sermon series Baggage Claim? our sermon series Baggage Claim? [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] I don't I don't know. But if if whatever I don't I don't know. But if if whatever I don't I don't know. But if if whatever creative effort or discipline you had to creative effort or discipline you had to creative effort or discipline you had to cultivate has contributed to anything we cultivate has contributed to anything we cultivate has contributed to anything we do here today, I think it was a win. do here today, I think it was a win. do here today, I think it was a win. >> Well, so what I had was I had this like >> Well, so what I had was I had this like >> Well, so what I had was I had this like old suitcase of my grandfathers. And old suitcase of my grandfathers. And old suitcase of my grandfathers. And what the whole point of baggage claim what the whole point of baggage claim what the whole point of baggage claim was like, hey, you're carrying baggage. was like, hey, you're carrying baggage. was like, hey, you're carrying baggage. It's imagery. Do you understand? I'm It's imagery. Do you understand? I'm It's imagery. Do you understand? I'm seeing it even without seeing the ser. seeing it even without seeing the ser. seeing it even without seeing the ser. >> No, it's fine. [laughter] So So this was >> No, it's fine. [laughter] So So this was >> No, it's fine. [laughter] So So this was my first fora into stop motion. So the my first fora into stop motion. So the my first fora into stop motion. So the the the suitcase kind of like wiggles the the suitcase kind of like wiggles the the suitcase kind of like wiggles itself into the frame and then it opens itself into the frame and then it opens itself into the frame and then it opens itself up and I had all of these um like itself up and I had all of these um like itself up and I had all of these um like you know oh sadness or whatever you know you know oh sadness or whatever you know you know oh sadness or whatever you know on a piece of paper written and then I on a piece of paper written and then I on a piece of paper written and then I crumpled up the piece of paper and then crumpled up the piece of paper and then crumpled up the piece of paper and then what happened was all the pieces of what happened was all the pieces of what happened was all the pieces of paper that were crumpled came out of the paper that were crumpled came out of the paper that were crumpled came out of the suitcase and the suitcase wiggled out of suitcase and the suitcase wiggled out of suitcase and the suitcase wiggled out of the frame and then like each one opened the frame and then like each one opened the frame and then like each one opened and it showed all the things like that and it showed all the things like that and it showed all the things like that were representative of the baggage that were representative of the baggage that were representative of the baggage that we carry. I know it's lost on you but we carry. I know it's lost on you but we carry. I know it's lost on you but try to stay with me. And then the title try to stay with me. And then the title try to stay with me. And then the title baggage claimful.

baggage claimful. baggage claimful. >> Is that hosted on Vimeo somewhere? >> Is that hosted on Vimeo somewhere? >> Is that hosted on Vimeo somewhere? >> Yes, but we will [laughter] not show >> Yes, but we will [laughter] not show >> Yes, but we will [laughter] not show that to anyone. It's so remember this is that to anyone. It's so remember this is that to anyone. It's so remember this is 15 years ago, right? Who edits these 15 years ago, right? Who edits these 15 years ago, right? Who edits these >> videos? Modern cameras didn't exist, >> videos? Modern cameras didn't exist, >> videos? Modern cameras didn't exist, okay? Like if someone sees it, this is okay? Like if someone sees it, this is okay? Like if someone sees it, this is like when someone listen finds the music like when someone listen finds the music like when someone listen finds the music I made in high school, you know, like, I made in high school, you know, like, I made in high school, you know, like, oh, this is the GUY I LISTEN TO. I DON'T oh, this is the GUY I LISTEN TO. I DON'T oh, this is the GUY I LISTEN TO. I DON'T KNOW ANYMORE. KNOW ANYMORE. KNOW ANYMORE. >> What was that? Canon DSLR, the T2i or >> What was that? Canon DSLR, the T2i or >> What was that? Canon DSLR, the T2i or something. something. something. >> Oh, yeah. Right. And I'm taking >> Oh, yeah. Right. And I'm taking >> Oh, yeah. Right. And I'm taking pictures. It was hard work. Stop motion. pictures. It was hard work. Stop motion. pictures. It was hard work. Stop motion. Okay. I was honoring God with my Okay. I was honoring God with my Okay. I was honoring God with my creativity. And in 2012, it was creativity. And in 2012, it was creativity. And in 2012, it was wellreceived. I can promise you that. wellreceived. I can promise you that. wellreceived. I can promise you that. You've mentioned a couple of different You've mentioned a couple of different You've mentioned a couple of different denominations. This was a point that denominations. This was a point that denominations. This was a point that Pastor Luke brought up as well, which Pastor Luke brought up as well, which Pastor Luke brought up as well, which was sometimes he's like, "We have was sometimes he's like, "We have was sometimes he's like, "We have Catholics and we have uh, you know, Catholics and we have uh, you know, Catholics and we have uh, you know, people of Orthodox backgrounds come to people of Orthodox backgrounds come to people of Orthodox backgrounds come to our church and they have like different our church and they have like different our church and they have like different >> expectations and like reverence around >> expectations and like reverence around >> expectations and like reverence around scripture compared to like scripture compared to like scripture compared to like non-denominational or modern evangelical non-denominational or modern evangelical non-denominational or modern evangelical churches. And every time we do an churches. And every time we do an churches. And every time we do an episode like this and every time we do a episode like this and every time we do a episode like this and every time we do a social post like this, people will get social post like this, people will get social post like this, people will get in and be like, well, all the Catholics in and be like, well, all the Catholics in and be like, well, all the Catholics are like, what are they talking about? are like, what are they talking about? are like, what are they talking about? And and they, you know, highlight how And and they, you know, highlight how And and they, you know, highlight how like different traditions exist. And I like different traditions exist. And I like different traditions exist. And I thought it was very thought it was very thought it was very >> very mindful of Luke to be like, I'm >> very mindful of Luke to be like, I'm >> very mindful of Luke to be like, I'm aware of these people that come to our aware of these people that come to our aware of these people that come to our church. And even cues like this make church. And even cues like this make church. And even cues like this make them feel like, oh, okay, this church them feel like, oh, okay, this church them feel like, oh, okay, this church like understands and has some like understands and has some like understands and has some similarities to me. He said, a lot of similarities to me. He said, a lot of similarities to me. He said, a lot of unchurched people come and they expect unchurched people come and they expect unchurched people come and they expect reverence and like certain amount of reverence and like certain amount of reverence and like certain amount of stuffy posture almost around things like stuffy posture almost around things like stuffy posture almost around things like that which was lost on me and I thought that which was lost on me and I thought that which was lost on me and I thought was a very astute uh observation.

was a very astute uh observation. was a very astute uh observation. >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> final few things on this. Okay, just >> final few things on this. Okay, just >> final few things on this. Okay, just practical stuff. practical stuff. practical stuff. >> You know, you can have like four to six >> You know, you can have like four to six >> You know, you can have like four to six people who you know can read well people who you know can read well people who you know can read well publicly. publicly. publicly. >> Sure. >> Sure. >> Sure. >> It's okay if someone like stumbles over >> It's okay if someone like stumbles over >> It's okay if someone like stumbles over the word. They don't have to be like a the word. They don't have to be like a the word. They don't have to be like a polished presenter the way that the polished presenter the way that the polished presenter the way that the communicator is, but like if you want communicator is, but like if you want communicator is, but like if you want someone who's like, "Yeah, I'm someone who's like, "Yeah, I'm someone who's like, "Yeah, I'm confident. I can do this." Um diverse confident. I can do this." Um diverse confident. I can do this." Um diverse ages, genders, backgrounds is really ages, genders, backgrounds is really ages, genders, backgrounds is really nice. They don't need to be perfect. nice. They don't need to be perfect. nice. They don't need to be perfect. that we said ideally you're choosing that we said ideally you're choosing that we said ideally you're choosing someone who's like not normally on someone who's like not normally on someone who's like not normally on stage. They don't normally get the stage. They don't normally get the stage. They don't normally get the spotlight. spotlight. spotlight. >> Yeah. It's not the worship leader coming >> Yeah. It's not the worship leader coming >> Yeah. It's not the worship leader coming down down down >> or not the drummer like someone who's >> or not the drummer like someone who's >> or not the drummer like someone who's like always up there. Have them practice like always up there. Have them practice like always up there. Have them practice the passage. This one's key. And we're the passage. This one's key. And we're the passage. This one's key. And we're going to get into a bunch of other going to get into a bunch of other going to get into a bunch of other ideas. This is I'm going to say this ideas. This is I'm going to say this ideas. This is I'm going to say this once. It is true for almost every idea once. It is true for almost every idea once. It is true for almost every idea that we come through. that we come through. that we come through. >> Coach the person on pace. Coach yourself >> Coach the person on pace. Coach yourself >> Coach the person on pace. Coach yourself on pace. on pace. on pace. >> Slower than you think you need to go. >> Slower than you think you need to go. >> Slower than you think you need to go. And once you've done it slower, do it And once you've done it slower, do it And once you've done it slower, do it slower still. slower still. slower still. >> People tend to get up and they race >> People tend to get up and they race >> People tend to get up and they race through things. If you are a seasoned through things. If you are a seasoned through things. If you are a seasoned communicator, you know that you've had communicator, you know that you've had communicator, you know that you've had to teach this and coach this into to teach this and coach this into to teach this and coach this into yourself slower than you think. All yourself slower than you think. All yourself slower than you think. All right, right, right, let's get to alternative idea number let's get to alternative idea number let's get to alternative idea number two, which is the responsive scripture two, which is the responsive scripture two, which is the responsive scripture reading. So reading. So reading. So >> the idea here is that the scripture >> the idea here is that the scripture >> the idea here is that the scripture passage is displayed on the screen and passage is displayed on the screen and passage is displayed on the screen and then couple of different options here, then couple of different options here, then couple of different options here, but you can divide this into leader and but you can divide this into leader and but you can divide this into leader and congregation portions. So the leader congregation portions. So the leader congregation portions. So the leader reads their line, congregation reads the reads their line, congregation reads the reads their line, congregation reads the response, everyone again engaged in the response, everyone again engaged in the response, everyone again engaged in the text. We did this all the time in the text. We did this all the time in the text. We did this all the time in the Baptist church that I grew up in. There Baptist church that I grew up in. There Baptist church that I grew up in. There was like 25 of us was like 25 of us was like 25 of us >> and we didn't have um mics. We didn't >> and we didn't have um mics. We didn't >> and we didn't have um mics. We didn't have like a sound system. And so a lot have like a sound system. And so a lot have like a sound system. And so a lot of the scripture reading would go like

of the scripture reading would go like of the scripture reading would go like this. Honestly, a lot of this the this. Honestly, a lot of this the this. Honestly, a lot of this the worship went like this. You know, it's worship went like this. You know, it's worship went like this. You know, it's like, okay, the girls are going to sing like, okay, the girls are going to sing like, okay, the girls are going to sing this part and the guys are going to sing this part and the guys are going to sing this part and the guys are going to sing >> class. Yeah. Yeah. Waves of waves of >> class. Yeah. Yeah. Waves of waves of >> class. Yeah. Yeah. Waves of waves of mercy, waves of grace, and actions of mercy, waves of grace, and actions of mercy, waves of grace, and actions of course along with it. So course along with it. So course along with it. So >> why does this work? cuz actions and >> why does this work? cuz actions and >> why does this work? cuz actions and songs are awesome. [laughter] Okay, why songs are awesome. [laughter] Okay, why songs are awesome. [laughter] Okay, why does this work? Um, again, people are does this work? Um, again, people are does this work? Um, again, people are engaged. There's that active versus engaged. There's that active versus engaged. There's that active versus passive element. There's the church passive element. There's the church passive element. There's the church unity element. So, this is distinct from unity element. So, this is distinct from unity element. So, this is distinct from the first one where you can have people the first one where you can have people the first one where you can have people read along with the sermon uh with the read along with the sermon uh with the read along with the sermon uh with the scripture passage, but the idea more is scripture passage, but the idea more is scripture passage, but the idea more is that you're listening to the volunteer. that you're listening to the volunteer. that you're listening to the volunteer. Here, you're hearing your voice amongst Here, you're hearing your voice amongst Here, you're hearing your voice amongst everyone else. Where else does that everyone else. Where else does that everyone else. Where else does that happen? happen? happen? >> This is like one of those things that >> This is like one of those things that >> This is like one of those things that like you can't get online. like you can't get online. like you can't get online. >> If I sit in a pew, you can't get this >> If I sit in a pew, you can't get this >> If I sit in a pew, you can't get this anywhere else, right? Like even in anywhere else, right? Like even in anywhere else, right? Like even in person, like you're not doing this. person, like you're not doing this. person, like you're not doing this. >> Yeah. Well, we were on a flight recently >> Yeah. Well, we were on a flight recently >> Yeah. Well, we were on a flight recently and the person that the flight attendant and the person that the flight attendant and the person that the flight attendant goes, "All right, everyone, I want you goes, "All right, everyone, I want you goes, "All right, everyone, I want you to raise your hands in the air." And I to raise your hands in the air." And I to raise your hands in the air." And I could just feel everyone going like, could just feel everyone going like, could just feel everyone going like, "What? How dare you make?" And and "What? How dare you make?" And and "What? How dare you make?" And and eventually we all did it. And we raised eventually we all did it. And we raised eventually we all did it. And we raised our hands in the air. And it was like, our hands in the air. And it was like, our hands in the air. And it was like, you know, a fun prelude into her saying, you know, a fun prelude into her saying, you know, a fun prelude into her saying, "Pick up the garbage in front, you know, "Pick up the garbage in front, you know, "Pick up the garbage in front, you know, hand it out." But like hand it out." But like hand it out." But like >> the you just saying like, "Where else do >> the you just saying like, "Where else do >> the you just saying like, "Where else do you do that?" It reminded me of that you do that?" It reminded me of that you do that?" It reminded me of that because that was such a strange because that was such a strange because that was such a strange experience on that flight. Oh, we're all experience on that flight. Oh, we're all experience on that flight. Oh, we're all doing things in sequence in unison. This doing things in sequence in unison. This doing things in sequence in unison. This is so unlike everyday adult life.

is so unlike everyday adult life. is so unlike everyday adult life. >> Mhm. And that was memorable to you, >> Mhm. And that was memorable to you, >> Mhm. And that was memorable to you, >> right? You see that? That's how it >> right? You see that? That's how it >> right? You see that? That's how it works. works. works. >> Right. When it's so unusual. Exactly. >> Right. When it's so unusual. Exactly. >> Right. When it's so unusual. Exactly. And that is kind of the pattern And that is kind of the pattern And that is kind of the pattern interrupt that we are suggesting. But interrupt that we are suggesting. But interrupt that we are suggesting. But not just for the sake of pattern not just for the sake of pattern not just for the sake of pattern interruption, interruption, interruption, >> but also for all of these missional >> but also for all of these missional >> but also for all of these missional reasons. You talked about the ancient reasons. You talked about the ancient reasons. You talked about the ancient practice. Hey, church has done this type practice. Hey, church has done this type practice. Hey, church has done this type of reading for a long long time. That's of reading for a long long time. That's of reading for a long long time. That's great. And then, hey, zero production great. And then, hey, zero production great. And then, hey, zero production effort. we we promised that, you know, effort. we we promised that, you know, effort. we we promised that, you know, early on like, hey, these things are early on like, hey, these things are early on like, hey, these things are going to have uh great missional purpose going to have uh great missional purpose going to have uh great missional purpose behind them. Um they're formative and behind them. Um they're formative and behind them. Um they're formative and hey, we're not asking you to do too much hey, we're not asking you to do too much hey, we're not asking you to do too much in terms of production. Now, if this is in terms of production. Now, if this is in terms of production. Now, if this is unfamiliar to you and you didn't grow up unfamiliar to you and you didn't grow up unfamiliar to you and you didn't grow up in the Baptist church that I grew up in in the Baptist church that I grew up in in the Baptist church that I grew up in of 25 people, what we wanted to do was of 25 people, what we wanted to do was of 25 people, what we wanted to do was make it practical. So, we have a couple make it practical. So, we have a couple make it practical. So, we have a couple of examples of this. Okay? So, Alex of examples of this. Okay? So, Alex of examples of this. Okay? So, Alex being the leader, being the leader, being the leader, >> the pastor here, he is going to read the >> the pastor here, he is going to read the >> the pastor here, he is going to read the pastor parts and then I am going to be pastor parts and then I am going to be pastor parts and then I am going to be the stand-in for the congregation. Okay? the stand-in for the congregation. Okay? the stand-in for the congregation. Okay? And we're going to show you like what And we're going to show you like what And we're going to show you like what this could uh look like. this could uh look like. this could uh look like. >> And again, practically when we do this >> And again, practically when we do this >> And again, practically when we do this at our church, what we'll do is we'll at our church, what we'll do is we'll at our church, what we'll do is we'll put them up on the screen, the the words put them up on the screen, the the words put them up on the screen, the the words up on the screen, and we'll just put up on the screen, and we'll just put up on the screen, and we'll just put them in different colors. So like the them in different colors. So like the them in different colors. So like the leader will be white and the response leader will be white and the response leader will be white and the response will be like yellow or something. And will be like yellow or something. And will be like yellow or something. And before we do the reading, we'll say before we do the reading, we'll say before we do the reading, we'll say like, "Hey, uh you know, I'm going to like, "Hey, uh you know, I'm going to like, "Hey, uh you know, I'm going to read the white parts, you all respond read the white parts, you all respond read the white parts, you all respond with the yellow parts, whether we do it with the yellow parts, whether we do it with the yellow parts, whether we do it for scripture reading or like a guided for scripture reading or like a guided for scripture reading or like a guided prayer or something." So me, the leader, prayer or something." So me, the leader, prayer or something." So me, the leader, I would say, "The Lord is my shepherd. I I would say, "The Lord is my shepherd. I I would say, "The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want. He makes me lie down in shall not want. He makes me lie down in shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the green pastures. He leads me beside the green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul.

still waters. He restores my soul. still waters. He restores my soul. >> You and I should do this more often. >> You and I should do this more often. >> You and I should do this more often. That was beautiful. That was beautiful. That was beautiful. >> I It was very strange. Very unusual for >> I It was very strange. Very unusual for >> I It was very strange. Very unusual for me. Yeah. Yeah. So that's like a verse me. Yeah. Yeah. So that's like a verse me. Yeah. Yeah. So that's like a verse by verse alternating. by verse alternating. by verse alternating. >> Now we're going to show you a different >> Now we're going to show you a different >> Now we're going to show you a different version. This is like again uh this is version. This is like again uh this is version. This is like again uh this is all Psalm 23, but this is like statement all Psalm 23, but this is like statement all Psalm 23, but this is like statement and response. Okay. So it's rewarded a and response. Okay. So it's rewarded a and response. Okay. So it's rewarded a bit. Now instead of it's just like take bit. Now instead of it's just like take bit. Now instead of it's just like take the scriptures and go back and forth. the scriptures and go back and forth. the scriptures and go back and forth. Now it's statement and response version. Now it's statement and response version. Now it's statement and response version. Okay. Okay. Okay. >> So the leader, the Lord is my shepherd. >> So the leader, the Lord is my shepherd. >> So the leader, the Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want. I shall not want. I shall not want. >> He makes me lie down in green pastures. >> He makes me lie down in green pastures. >> He makes me lie down in green pastures. >> He leads me beside still waters. >> He leads me beside still waters. >> He leads me beside still waters. >> Nice. Final version. This is like call >> Nice. Final version. This is like call >> Nice. Final version. This is like call and affirmation. So again, subtly and affirmation. So again, subtly and affirmation. So again, subtly different in terms of presentation. different in terms of presentation. different in terms of presentation. >> You're doing the call and I'm doing the >> You're doing the call and I'm doing the >> You're doing the call and I'm doing the affirmation part. affirmation part. affirmation part. >> Okay. So the leader says, "Who is your >> Okay. So the leader says, "Who is your >> Okay. So the leader says, "Who is your shepherd?" shepherd?" shepherd?" >> The Lord is my shepherd. >> The Lord is my shepherd. >> The Lord is my shepherd. >> And what do you lack? >> And what do you lack? >> And what do you lack? >> I shall not want. >> I shall not want. >> I shall not want. >> Yeah, that's nice. >> Yeah, that's nice. >> Yeah, that's nice. >> Psalm 100. I included this version >> Psalm 100. I included this version >> Psalm 100. I included this version because this was a psalm that I because this was a psalm that I because this was a psalm that I memorized. Another thing we did in the memorized. Another thing we did in the memorized. Another thing we did in the Baptist church, pastor would give you Baptist church, pastor would give you Baptist church, pastor would give you candy if you memorize scripture. So I candy if you memorize scripture. So I candy if you memorize scripture. So I had Apostles Creed and Psalm 100. And had Apostles Creed and Psalm 100. And had Apostles Creed and Psalm 100. And then like all of like Ephesians like the then like all of like Ephesians like the then like all of like Ephesians like the whole the whole like clanging symbol whole the whole like clanging symbol whole the whole like clanging symbol that's Ephesians that's Ephesians that's Ephesians >> that's Corinthians but >> that's Corinthians but >> that's Corinthians but >> okay great that part. So we didn't have >> okay great that part. So we didn't have >> okay great that part. So we didn't have to memorize where it was from. I just to memorize where it was from. I just to memorize where it was from. I just [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] classic. Okay. So Psalm 100 is the classic. Okay. So Psalm 100 is the classic. Okay. So Psalm 100 is the leader. And then I'm we're going to go leader. And then I'm we're going to go leader. And then I'm we're going to go back and forth.

back and forth. back and forth. >> Shout for joy to the Lord all the earth. >> Shout for joy to the Lord all the earth. >> Shout for joy to the Lord all the earth. >> Worship the Lord with gladness. Come >> Worship the Lord with gladness. Come >> Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him with joyful songs. before him with joyful songs. before him with joyful songs. >> Know that the Lord is God. >> Know that the Lord is God. >> Know that the Lord is God. >> It is he who made us and we are his. >> It is he who made us and we are his. >> It is he who made us and we are his. >> We are his people. >> We are his people. >> We are his people. >> The sheep of his pasture. >> The sheep of his pasture. >> The sheep of his pasture. >> Enter his gates with thanksgiving and >> Enter his gates with thanksgiving and >> Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. his courts with praise. his courts with praise. >> Give thanks to him and praise his name. >> Give thanks to him and praise his name. >> Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love For the Lord is good and his love For the Lord is good and his love endures forever. endures forever. endures forever. >> His faithfulness continues through all >> His faithfulness continues through all >> His faithfulness continues through all generations. generations. generations. >> Hey, what's nice and you you've probably >> Hey, what's nice and you you've probably >> Hey, what's nice and you you've probably seen this if you're following along, is seen this if you're following along, is seen this if you're following along, is that the scriptures uh and specifically that the scriptures uh and specifically that the scriptures uh and specifically the Psalms kind of laid out in a way the Psalms kind of laid out in a way the Psalms kind of laid out in a way that is conducive to this call- on that is conducive to this call- on that is conducive to this call- on response kind of narrative. So, you response kind of narrative. So, you response kind of narrative. So, you don't have to do a whole lot of work or don't have to do a whole lot of work or don't have to do a whole lot of work or remixing to make it kind of feel like, remixing to make it kind of feel like, remixing to make it kind of feel like, oh, this this I'm I'm not I'm not oh, this this I'm I'm not I'm not oh, this this I'm I'm not I'm not force-fitting this like this this is uh force-fitting this like this this is uh force-fitting this like this this is uh this is nice. this is nice. this is nice. >> Yeah. Yeah. And it just aligns uh >> Yeah. Yeah. And it just aligns uh >> Yeah. Yeah. And it just aligns uh neatly. Alternative number three, sermon neatly. Alternative number three, sermon neatly. Alternative number three, sermon inspired confession or affirmation. So inspired confession or affirmation. So inspired confession or affirmation. So this is a remix on the idea of okay this is a remix on the idea of okay this is a remix on the idea of okay before the sermon we're going to do a before the sermon we're going to do a before the sermon we're going to do a communal reading of like I said the the communal reading of like I said the the communal reading of like I said the the apostles creed that I memorized or the apostles creed that I memorized or the apostles creed that I memorized or the nine creed something like that. So nine creed something like that. So nine creed something like that. So instead take that idea and make it instead take that idea and make it instead take that idea and make it series specific a creed type communal series specific a creed type communal series specific a creed type communal reading. Um you could sub in prayer here reading. Um you could sub in prayer here reading. Um you could sub in prayer here as well. Uh I I didn't include any like as well. Uh I I didn't include any like as well. Uh I I didn't include any like prayer things here just because I don't prayer things here just because I don't prayer things here just because I don't imagine that's a novel concept for imagine that's a novel concept for imagine that's a novel concept for virtually any church and I didn't want virtually any church and I didn't want virtually any church and I didn't want to hey have you ever thought about to hey have you ever thought about to hey have you ever thought about praying [laughter] praying [laughter] praying [laughter] >> be like yeah unsubscribe. So again we're >> be like yeah unsubscribe. So again we're >> be like yeah unsubscribe. So again we're going to give you examples of this to going to give you examples of this to going to give you examples of this to show what we mean probably just easier show what we mean probably just easier show what we mean probably just easier than description. So we've got an than description. So we've got an than description. So we've got an affirmation example and a confession affirmation example and a confession affirmation example and a confession example. We're going to do affirmation example. We're going to do affirmation example. We're going to do affirmation first. And the idea would be that this

first. And the idea would be that this first. And the idea would be that this is around the idea of a sermon series is around the idea of a sermon series is around the idea of a sermon series rooted in the concept of identity. So, rooted in the concept of identity. So, rooted in the concept of identity. So, >> is your church doing a sermon series >> is your church doing a sermon series >> is your church doing a sermon series around that right now? Something like around that right now? Something like around that right now? Something like that. that. that. >> Ours? >> Ours? >> Ours? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, I think so. >> Yeah, I think so. >> Yeah, I think so. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I wasn't there last week cuz we >> Yeah. I wasn't there last week cuz we >> Yeah. I wasn't there last week cuz we were on our retreat, but thanks for were on our retreat, but thanks for were on our retreat, but thanks for exposing. exposing. exposing. >> And your buddy preached, Pastor Justin. >> And your buddy preached, Pastor Justin. >> And your buddy preached, Pastor Justin. >> Oh, I do have a h a pattern. [laughter] >> Oh, I do have a h a pattern. [laughter] >> Oh, I do have a h a pattern. [laughter] That's brutal. That's brutal. That's brutal. >> He's like he's like, "I'm preaching this >> He's like he's like, "I'm preaching this >> He's like he's like, "I'm preaching this week." I'm like, "Oh, [laughter] I will week." I'm like, "Oh, [laughter] I will week." I'm like, "Oh, [laughter] I will be away." Well, if he's listening to be away." Well, if he's listening to be away." Well, if he's listening to this show, he can he can find comfort in this show, he can he can find comfort in this show, he can he can find comfort in the fact that I listen to his sermon the fact that I listen to his sermon the fact that I listen to his sermon online today. online today. online today. >> Well, that's good because this week we >> Well, that's good because this week we >> Well, that's good because this week we exposed that I don't go to his sermons exposed that I don't go to his sermons exposed that I don't go to his sermons cuz I'm always away and the week before cuz I'm always away and the week before cuz I'm always away and the week before we couldn't remember the name of his we couldn't remember the name of his we couldn't remember the name of his podcast. So, we love you, Pastor Justin. podcast. So, we love you, Pastor Justin. podcast. So, we love you, Pastor Justin. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> Okay, leader. Uh, who are we? >> Okay, leader. Uh, who are we? >> Okay, leader. Uh, who are we? >> We are children of God adopted through >> We are children of God adopted through >> We are children of God adopted through the blood of Christ. the blood of Christ. the blood of Christ. >> And what defines us? >> And what defines us? >> And what defines us? >> Not our past, not our failures, not the >> Not our past, not our failures, not the >> Not our past, not our failures, not the world's opinions, but the unshakable world's opinions, but the unshakable world's opinions, but the unshakable love of God. love of God. love of God. >> What is our calling? >> What is our calling? >> What is our calling? >> To love God with all that we are, to >> To love God with all that we are, to >> To love God with all that we are, to love our neighbors as ourselves, and to love our neighbors as ourselves, and to love our neighbors as ourselves, and to make disciples of all nations. And what make disciples of all nations. And what make disciples of all nations. And what is our hope? is our hope? is our hope? >> That Christ who began a good work in us >> That Christ who began a good work in us >> That Christ who began a good work in us will carry it to completion. will carry it to completion. will carry it to completion. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Love it. >> Love it. >> Love it. >> So you now have a basically like so I >> So you now have a basically like so I >> So you now have a basically like so I have now affirmed what is true about have now affirmed what is true about have now affirmed what is true about myself and about humanity.

myself and about humanity. myself and about humanity. >> It is related to the sermon that pastor >> It is related to the sermon that pastor >> It is related to the sermon that pastor Alex is about to give. Alex is about to give. Alex is about to give. >> And you can see it there. There are four >> And you can see it there. There are four >> And you can see it there. There are four hypothetically there are four stanzas hypothetically there are four stanzas hypothetically there are four stanzas for the four sermons of your sermon for the four sermons of your sermon for the four sermons of your sermon series. So you just plot this out before series. So you just plot this out before series. So you just plot this out before you before you uh before the first week you before you uh before the first week you before you uh before the first week of your sermon series. And now every of your sermon series. And now every of your sermon series. And now every week for these four weeks on the heels week for these four weeks on the heels week for these four weeks on the heels of your sermon that you know the gospel of your sermon that you know the gospel of your sermon that you know the gospel you've presented, your church is now you've presented, your church is now you've presented, your church is now affirming what you've said as the pastor affirming what you've said as the pastor affirming what you've said as the pastor to be true and what they're confessing to be true and what they're confessing to be true and what they're confessing to be true about themselves and to be true about themselves and to be true about themselves and repeating that week over week over week. repeating that week over week over week. repeating that week over week over week. It it's not hard to see the possibility It it's not hard to see the possibility It it's not hard to see the possibility here for like actual spiritual formation here for like actual spiritual formation here for like actual spiritual formation through a short and simple practice like through a short and simple practice like through a short and simple practice like this. And this goes to show the this. And this goes to show the this. And this goes to show the difference of a sermon bumper, which we difference of a sermon bumper, which we difference of a sermon bumper, which we said, you do this four weeks in a row. said, you do this four weeks in a row. said, you do this four weeks in a row. You watch the same exact thing four You watch the same exact thing four You watch the same exact thing four weeks in a row and it becomes maybe a weeks in a row and it becomes maybe a weeks in a row and it becomes maybe a bit stale. bit stale. bit stale. >> You repeat that same affirmation four >> You repeat that same affirmation four >> You repeat that same affirmation four weeks in a row. There's nothing about weeks in a row. There's nothing about weeks in a row. There's nothing about that that is stale, that that is stale, that that is stale, >> right? >> right? >> right? >> And yet like the work that goes into it, >> And yet like the work that goes into it, >> And yet like the work that goes into it, which is a important part of this to which is a important part of this to which is a important part of this to consider because if we had unlimited consider because if we had unlimited consider because if we had unlimited resources, we could probably make like a resources, we could probably make like a resources, we could probably make like a worldass sermon bumper every single worldass sermon bumper every single worldass sermon bumper every single time. But that's not realistic.

time. But that's not realistic. time. But that's not realistic. >> Let's get to the confession uh version >> Let's get to the confession uh version >> Let's get to the confession uh version of this. Uh, when's the last time you of this. Uh, when's the last time you of this. Uh, when's the last time you confessed? confessed? confessed? >> Never. Is that a practice that the >> Never. Is that a practice that the >> Never. Is that a practice that the modern day Christian is routinely doing modern day Christian is routinely doing modern day Christian is routinely doing aside from maybe your spouse and say aside from maybe your spouse and say aside from maybe your spouse and say like, "Yeah, I screwed up again." You like, "Yeah, I screwed up again." You like, "Yeah, I screwed up again." You know, whatever it was. Um, probably know, whatever it was. Um, probably know, whatever it was. Um, probably unlike unlike unlike >> actually your spouse coming to you and >> actually your spouse coming to you and >> actually your spouse coming to you and saying, "You screwed up again." saying, "You screwed up again." saying, "You screwed up again." >> Right. So again, [laughter] is that >> Right. So again, [laughter] is that >> Right. So again, [laughter] is that that's that's a call in response right that's that's a call in response right that's that's a call in response right there. You screwed up. Yes, I did. Yes, there. You screwed up. Yes, I did. Yes, there. You screwed up. Yes, I did. Yes, I did. I did. I did. >> Why do you keep doing this? I don't >> Why do you keep doing this? I don't >> Why do you keep doing this? I don't [laughter] know. Will you change? I'm [laughter] know. Will you change? I'm [laughter] know. Will you change? I'm gonna try. You said that last time. gonna try. You said that last time. gonna try. You said that last time. Amen. [laughter] Amen. [laughter] Amen. [laughter] Okay. So this is our confession version Okay. So this is our confession version Okay. So this is our confession version again for an identity series. And this again for an identity series. And this again for an identity series. And this one is even cooler because again this is one is even cooler because again this is one is even cooler because again this is now modeling something that we all are now modeling something that we all are now modeling something that we all are cognitive is a key part of what we claim cognitive is a key part of what we claim cognitive is a key part of what we claim would be like Christian practice and yet would be like Christian practice and yet would be like Christian practice and yet is maybe one of [snorts] the most is maybe one of [snorts] the most is maybe one of [snorts] the most neglected that and like lament. neglected that and like lament. neglected that and like lament. >> Yeah. And the scriptures say like >> Yeah. And the scriptures say like >> Yeah. And the scriptures say like through your confession you are healed. through your confession you are healed. through your confession you are healed. So like there's you know like this So like there's you know like this So like there's you know like this spiritual practice like it it act like spiritual practice like it it act like spiritual practice like it it act like it it has it's not a means to an end but it it has it's not a means to an end but it it has it's not a means to an end but like it it bears it bears good fruit. So like it it bears it bears good fruit. So like it it bears it bears good fruit. So example, um, oh no, this is this is not example, um, oh no, this is this is not example, um, oh no, this is this is not call in response. This is a confession call in response. This is a confession call in response. This is a confession for all of us.

for all of us. for all of us. >> All right, Alex and I are going to read >> All right, Alex and I are going to read >> All right, Alex and I are going to read this together. All right, this together. All right, this together. All right, >> Lord, we confess that we are anxious >> Lord, we confess that we are anxious >> Lord, we confess that we are anxious people. We worry about tomorrow when you people. We worry about tomorrow when you people. We worry about tomorrow when you told us not to. told us not to. told us not to. >> We try to control what only you control. >> We try to control what only you control. >> We try to control what only you control. >> We forget that you are our father and >> We forget that you are our father and >> We forget that you are our father and that you care for us. Forgive our that you care for us. Forgive our that you care for us. Forgive our unbelief. Teach us to cast our anxieties unbelief. Teach us to cast our anxieties unbelief. Teach us to cast our anxieties on you because you care for us. In Jesus on you because you care for us. In Jesus on you because you care for us. In Jesus name. Amen. You see, that would have name. Amen. You see, that would have name. Amen. You see, that would have been a lot better if one of us had a mic been a lot better if one of us had a mic been a lot better if one of us had a mic because we are going like exactly off of because we are going like exactly off of because we are going like exactly off of each other. If Alex is a bit louder, I each other. If Alex is a bit louder, I each other. If Alex is a bit louder, I could follow him there. We're just could follow him there. We're just could follow him there. We're just trying to match it perfectly. And as I trying to match it perfectly. And as I trying to match it perfectly. And as I tried to coach him on this, but he was tried to coach him on this, but he was tried to coach him on this, but he was going too fast. going too fast. going too fast. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] Embarrassing. Alternative number four, Embarrassing. Alternative number four, Embarrassing. Alternative number four, the testimony transition. Okay, we're the testimony transition. Okay, we're the testimony transition. Okay, we're going to get into a little bit more of going to get into a little bit more of going to get into a little bit more of production here. Not sermon bumper level production here. Not sermon bumper level production here. Not sermon bumper level production as we'll outline, but a production as we'll outline, but a production as we'll outline, but a little bit more. So, you want this to be little bit more. So, you want this to be little bit more. So, you want this to be the same length as a sermon bumper. So the same length as a sermon bumper. So the same length as a sermon bumper. So in that 60 to 90 second range, church in that 60 to 90 second range, church in that 60 to 90 second range, church member sharing a brief testimony. Now I member sharing a brief testimony. Now I member sharing a brief testimony. Now I don't want to present this as the don't want to present this as the don't want to present this as the typical testimony where you're trying to typical testimony where you're trying to typical testimony where you're trying to like capture a person a person's full like capture a person a person's full like capture a person a person's full story in 60 to 90 seconds. So this is story in 60 to 90 seconds. So this is story in 60 to 90 seconds. So this is like less the traditional testimony like less the traditional testimony like less the traditional testimony video. We're going to talk about some video. We're going to talk about some video. We're going to talk about some variations and some differences on it. I variations and some differences on it. I variations and some differences on it. I would film this on a phone. Okay, keep would film this on a phone. Okay, keep would film this on a phone. Okay, keep it lowfi. I have begun filming more it lowfi. I have begun filming more it lowfi. I have begun filming more things on a phone on our retreat.

things on a phone on our retreat. things on a phone on our retreat. >> You had your phone all out and about on >> You had your phone all out and about on >> You had your phone all out and about on our retreat our retreat our retreat >> and I was looking at I was like, "Okay, >> and I was looking at I was like, "Okay, >> and I was looking at I was like, "Okay, look, a phone. This is so much better look, a phone. This is so much better look, a phone. This is so much better than my Canon T3i baggage claim this than my Canon T3i baggage claim this than my Canon T3i baggage claim this [clears throat] summer coming soon. [clears throat] summer coming soon. [clears throat] summer coming soon. >> This again doesn't need to be a >> This again doesn't need to be a >> This again doesn't need to be a testimony. One of the ways that you can testimony. One of the ways that you can testimony. One of the ways that you can do this is like a with a question do this is like a with a question do this is like a with a question prompt. Okay, so let's say you're doing prompt. Okay, so let's say you're doing prompt. Okay, so let's say you're doing a sermon series on worry just like a a a sermon series on worry just like a a a sermon series on worry just like a a unique way of posing this. So you get unique way of posing this. So you get unique way of posing this. So you get four different people and you ask them four different people and you ask them four different people and you ask them the same question and you play one of the same question and you play one of the same question and you play one of each person before each of the four each person before each of the four each person before each of the four weeks in the series. So something as weeks in the series. So something as weeks in the series. So something as simple as like what's the first color simple as like what's the first color simple as like what's the first color that you think of when you hear the word that you think of when you hear the word that you think of when you hear the word worry and you prompt them ahead of time worry and you prompt them ahead of time worry and you prompt them ahead of time like hey I don't want you to think I like hey I don't want you to think I like hey I don't want you to think I just give me the first thing that comes just give me the first thing that comes just give me the first thing that comes to your mind you know it could be word to your mind you know it could be word to your mind you know it could be word associ association something like that associ association something like that associ association something like that anything with the purpose the objective anything with the purpose the objective anything with the purpose the objective of getting a person's like live reveal of getting a person's like live reveal of getting a person's like live reveal in the moment and the reason this is in the moment and the reason this is in the moment and the reason this is important is because the person on important is because the person on important is because the person on screen is a proxy for the person in the screen is a proxy for the person in the screen is a proxy for the person in the pew pew pew >> right >> right >> right >> because the person in the pew is like >> because the person in the pew is like >> because the person in the pew is like hearing that question for the first time hearing that question for the first time hearing that question for the first time as well.

as well. as well. >> That question is being asked to them as >> That question is being asked to them as >> That question is being asked to them as well. Yeah. well. Yeah. well. Yeah. >> And then you're like, "Oh, I wonder what >> And then you're like, "Oh, I wonder what >> And then you're like, "Oh, I wonder what someone else thinks." And usually what someone else thinks." And usually what someone else thinks." And usually what happens is they think a very similar happens is they think a very similar happens is they think a very similar thing. thing. thing. >> And even if they don't, then that >> And even if they don't, then that >> And even if they don't, then that becomes an important part of the becomes an important part of the becomes an important part of the extrapolation in the sermon series. extrapolation in the sermon series. extrapolation in the sermon series. >> Say the color on three. 1 2 3. >> Say the color on three. 1 2 3. >> Say the color on three. 1 2 3. >> Interesting. >> Interesting. >> Interesting. >> Wow. I was thinking about darkness and >> Wow. I was thinking about darkness and >> Wow. I was thinking about darkness and you were thinking about the blood of you were thinking about the blood of you were thinking about the blood of Christ. I feel like personally Christ. I feel like personally Christ. I feel like personally >> I was thinking about alarms like like >> I was thinking about alarms like like >> I was thinking about alarms like like emergency lights. Oh, and I was just emergency lights. Oh, and I was just emergency lights. Oh, and I was just thinking of like darkness, like when you thinking of like darkness, like when you thinking of like darkness, like when you get stuck in worry and it's just like get stuck in worry and it's just like get stuck in worry and it's just like this cloud. this cloud. this cloud. >> Wow, >> Wow, >> Wow, >> look at this. Right. >> look at this. Right. >> look at this. Right. >> Okay, just Alex and I not as alike as we >> Okay, just Alex and I not as alike as we >> Okay, just Alex and I not as alike as we thought. Although our parents have the thought. Although our parents have the thought. Although our parents have the same [laughter] same [laughter] same [laughter] >> prayer tags. >> prayer tags. >> prayer tags. >> So, uh, another version of this uh or or >> So, uh, another version of this uh or or >> So, uh, another version of this uh or or like another variation, not even like another variation, not even like another variation, not even variation, like just practical thing is variation, like just practical thing is variation, like just practical thing is I would probably have like a black I would probably have like a black I would probably have like a black screen at the beginning. Think about how screen at the beginning. Think about how screen at the beginning. Think about how movies start like this, like you know, movies start like this, like you know, movies start like this, like you know, in 1916 this thing happened and here are in 1916 this thing happened and here are in 1916 this thing happened and here are the fallouts of that thing. So you could the fallouts of that thing. So you could the fallouts of that thing. So you could just have a black screen and say, "We just have a black screen and say, "We just have a black screen and say, "We asked 14 people in the congregation this asked 14 people in the congregation this asked 14 people in the congregation this question." Or, "We asked this person question." Or, "We asked this person question." Or, "We asked this person this question. Here was their response this question. Here was their response this question. Here was their response and then it just like jumps right into and then it just like jumps right into and then it just like jumps right into that."

that." that." >> Very uh fun way of doing that. You could >> Very uh fun way of doing that. You could >> Very uh fun way of doing that. You could also do it where you flip it on the also do it where you flip it on the also do it where you flip it on the congregation. I don't think it's as congregation. I don't think it's as congregation. I don't think it's as powerful this way, but it it could be powerful this way, but it it could be powerful this way, but it it could be where the key is you don't want to ask where the key is you don't want to ask where the key is you don't want to ask dull rhetorical questions. This is the dull rhetorical questions. This is the dull rhetorical questions. This is the problem that churches get into. problem that churches get into. problem that churches get into. >> What are you worrying about? >> What are you worrying about? >> What are you worrying about? >> Oh, right. [laughter] Okay. That's >> Oh, right. [laughter] Okay. That's >> Oh, right. [laughter] Okay. That's probably what I put in baggage claim probably what I put in baggage claim probably what I put in baggage claim honestly. Okay. Right. Like I know about honestly. Okay. Right. Like I know about honestly. Okay. Right. Like I know about these mistakes cuz I made them. So it these mistakes cuz I made them. So it these mistakes cuz I made them. So it has to be like something hyper specific has to be like something hyper specific has to be like something hyper specific and even like a bit novel or strange and even like a bit novel or strange and even like a bit novel or strange like even like the color like like even like the color like like even like the color like >> why did we say that? Because Alex >> why did we say that? Because Alex >> why did we say that? Because Alex thought red and I thought black. I'm thought red and I thought black. I'm thought red and I thought black. I'm like huh that's like an interesting like huh that's like an interesting like huh that's like an interesting place to kick off a sermon. Like what place to kick off a sermon. Like what place to kick off a sermon. Like what does anyone ever start a sermon like does anyone ever start a sermon like does anyone ever start a sermon like that? Surely someone has. This is the that? Surely someone has. This is the that? Surely someone has. This is the first time someone's had this idea. But first time someone's had this idea. But first time someone's had this idea. But it's different and it's unique and that it's different and it's unique and that it's different and it's unique and that can be like a really interesting place can be like a really interesting place can be like a really interesting place to start. to start. to start. >> Let's get to the final alternative. And >> Let's get to the final alternative. And >> Let's get to the final alternative. And this one is just silence. What is the this one is just silence. What is the this one is just silence. What is the purpose of a mini movie, a sermon purpose of a mini movie, a sermon purpose of a mini movie, a sermon bumper? It's to prepare people for the bumper? It's to prepare people for the bumper? It's to prepare people for the sermon tonally, but also subject matter. sermon tonally, but also subject matter. sermon tonally, but also subject matter. >> When you need your child to reset, okay, >> When you need your child to reset, okay, >> When you need your child to reset, okay, what do you do? I what I do is I say, what do you do? I what I do is I say, what do you do? I what I do is I say, "Okay, let's take a couple deep breaths, "Okay, let's take a couple deep breaths, "Okay, let's take a couple deep breaths, right?" And the purpose of that is to right?" And the purpose of that is to right?" And the purpose of that is to like slow down, like slow down, like slow down, >> take a little breather, >> take a little breather, >> take a little breather, >> stop what you're doing right now and let >> stop what you're doing right now and let >> stop what you're doing right now and let your breath just reset you.

your breath just reset you. your breath just reset you. >> The extended elongated adult version of >> The extended elongated adult version of >> The extended elongated adult version of that is just sitting in silence. So, 30 that is just sitting in silence. So, 30 that is just sitting in silence. So, 30 seconds of silence. Simple cue to the seconds of silence. Simple cue to the seconds of silence. Simple cue to the church, something like this. Hey, we're church, something like this. Hey, we're church, something like this. Hey, we're going to do 30 seconds of silence. No going to do 30 seconds of silence. No going to do 30 seconds of silence. No music, no words, just you and God. Use music, no words, just you and God. Use music, no words, just you and God. Use this time however you need to. Pray, this time however you need to. Pray, this time however you need to. Pray, breathe, let go of the week, prepare breathe, let go of the week, prepare breathe, let go of the week, prepare your heart, whatever it might be. That's your heart, whatever it might be. That's your heart, whatever it might be. That's kind of the point of this. 30 seconds of kind of the point of this. 30 seconds of kind of the point of this. 30 seconds of silence will do something different for silence will do something different for silence will do something different for Alex than it will for me, than it will Alex than it will for me, than it will Alex than it will for me, than it will for my wife sitting next to me, than it for my wife sitting next to me, than it for my wife sitting next to me, than it will for Alex's wife sitting next to will for Alex's wife sitting next to will for Alex's wife sitting next to him. And that's kind of the point. The him. And that's kind of the point. The him. And that's kind of the point. The objective is the same for everyone, but objective is the same for everyone, but objective is the same for everyone, but how that happens is going to be unique how that happens is going to be unique how that happens is going to be unique for everyone. That's not how a sermon for everyone. That's not how a sermon for everyone. That's not how a sermon trailer tends to work, right? You just trailer tends to work, right? You just trailer tends to work, right? You just show the thing and everyone's like, "I show the thing and everyone's like, "I show the thing and everyone's like, "I saw the thing." saw the thing." saw the thing." >> 30 seconds of silence. Now it's just you >> 30 seconds of silence. Now it's just you >> 30 seconds of silence. Now it's just you and God and it's that's that's it. and God and it's that's that's it. and God and it's that's that's it. >> Yeah. And these transitions, sermon >> Yeah. And these transitions, sermon >> Yeah. And these transitions, sermon bumpers, any of these alternative ideas, bumpers, any of these alternative ideas, bumpers, any of these alternative ideas, like I said earlier, they are most often like I said earlier, they are most often like I said earlier, they are most often happening between worship and the happening between worship and the happening between worship and the sermon. And as eloquent as your worship sermon. And as eloquent as your worship sermon. And as eloquent as your worship leader is and as delicate as your pads leader is and as delicate as your pads leader is and as delicate as your pads are, like we must admit that the tone of are, like we must admit that the tone of are, like we must admit that the tone of the two main portions of the service can the two main portions of the service can the two main portions of the service can can be like uh pretty drastically uh um can be like uh pretty drastically uh um can be like uh pretty drastically uh um contrasted. Like worship in in the contrasted. Like worship in in the contrasted. Like worship in in the modern American church can be like can modern American church can be like can modern American church can be like can be can be loud. It can be jovial in not be can be loud. It can be jovial in not be can be loud. It can be jovial in not in a bad way, just in like a plain way.

in a bad way, just in like a plain way. in a bad way, just in like a plain way. Like the energyy's high and then we got Like the energyy's high and then we got Like the energyy's high and then we got to get to the sermon where it's like, to get to the sermon where it's like, to get to the sermon where it's like, okay, it's one person talking and the okay, it's one person talking and the okay, it's one person talking and the rest of us are quiet now. like the drums rest of us are quiet now. like the drums rest of us are quiet now. like the drums are gone. And so it's it can be a are gone. And so it's it can be a are gone. And so it's it can be a delicate transition to get from like delicate transition to get from like delicate transition to get from like these high highs like my nervous system these high highs like my nervous system these high highs like my nervous system was like all the way activated. I I was was like all the way activated. I I was was like all the way activated. I I was jumping, I was clapping, I was singing, jumping, I was clapping, I was singing, jumping, I was clapping, I was singing, we were shouting, what have you. And we were shouting, what have you. And we were shouting, what have you. And then like now we're sitting. And so in then like now we're sitting. And so in then like now we're sitting. And so in our church, I will regularly um begin our church, I will regularly um begin our church, I will regularly um begin the sermon portion of the service with the sermon portion of the service with the sermon portion of the service with this cue. Like I'll get up and say and this cue. Like I'll get up and say and this cue. Like I'll get up and say and I'll acknowledge kind of like I did I'll acknowledge kind of like I did I'll acknowledge kind of like I did earlier in this episode and say like earlier in this episode and say like earlier in this episode and say like where else do we get to do this where where else do we get to do this where where else do we get to do this where you have an opportunity to just come to you have an opportunity to just come to you have an opportunity to just come to quiet. And so I'll just open that quiet. And so I'll just open that quiet. And so I'll just open that opportunity and say let's come to quiet. opportunity and say let's come to quiet. opportunity and say let's come to quiet. Let's like let's find our way to the Let's like let's find our way to the Let's like let's find our way to the center and let's meet God there and let center and let's meet God there and let center and let's meet God there and let it linger for you know if you think it linger for you know if you think it linger for you know if you think you're letting it linger for 30 seconds you're letting it linger for 30 seconds you're letting it linger for 30 seconds similar to how fast you think you're similar to how fast you think you're similar to how fast you think you're reading the scriptures it's probably not reading the scriptures it's probably not reading the scriptures it's probably not that long. It's probably like 13 seconds that long. It's probably like 13 seconds that long. It's probably like 13 seconds because 13 seconds of silence is like is because 13 seconds of silence is like is because 13 seconds of silence is like is pretty heavy when there's a lot of pretty heavy when there's a lot of pretty heavy when there's a lot of people looking at you up on stage. And people looking at you up on stage. And people looking at you up on stage. And so you have to learn to lingle linger a so you have to learn to lingle linger a so you have to learn to lingle linger a little bit longer there. But yeah, let's little bit longer there. But yeah, let's little bit longer there. But yeah, let's let's just come to quiet and let it go let's just come to quiet and let it go let's just come to quiet and let it go and and set your anxieties aside and and and set your anxieties aside and and and set your anxieties aside and give the parents who have young kids who give the parents who have young kids who give the parents who have young kids who are now off to children's church like a are now off to children's church like a are now off to children's church like a moment to take their own deep breaths moment to take their own deep breaths moment to take their own deep breaths cuz their kids are finally gone for the cuz their kids are finally gone for the cuz their kids are finally gone for the first time all week. And that I find first time all week. And that I find first time all week. And that I find that really sets the stage for God to do that really sets the stage for God to do that really sets the stage for God to do what what what God wants to do through what what what God wants to do through what what what God wants to do through the sermon, which is communicate the the sermon, which is communicate the the sermon, which is communicate the gospel. It just gives all the adults in gospel. It just gives all the adults in gospel. It just gives all the adults in the room an opportunity to Yeah. take the room an opportunity to Yeah. take the room an opportunity to Yeah. take that deep breath, you know, open

that deep breath, you know, open that deep breath, you know, open ourselves towards the Lord. Um and and ourselves towards the Lord. Um and and ourselves towards the Lord. Um and and reset like on on a a biological level, reset like on on a a biological level, reset like on on a a biological level, reset our nervous systems and and reset our nervous systems and and reset our nervous systems and and prepare ourselves for what is next. prepare ourselves for what is next. prepare ourselves for what is next. >> You did that at Beach Church this past >> You did that at Beach Church this past >> You did that at Beach Church this past Sunday on the company retreat. So, Sunday on the company retreat. So, Sunday on the company retreat. So, Pastor Justin, I missed him, but we got Pastor Justin, I missed him, but we got Pastor Justin, I missed him, but we got Pastor Alex. [laughter] Pastor Alex. [laughter] Pastor Alex. [laughter] >> You're not without. >> You're not without. >> You're not without. >> Yeah. Exactly. Exactly. Hey, the first >> Yeah. Exactly. Exactly. Hey, the first >> Yeah. Exactly. Exactly. Hey, the first uh idea on this list came from uh a uh idea on this list came from uh a uh idea on this list came from uh a pastor, and this is not an exhaustive pastor, and this is not an exhaustive pastor, and this is not an exhaustive list. This is just a few that came to list. This is just a few that came to list. This is just a few that came to mind for [music] us that we thought were mind for [music] us that we thought were mind for [music] us that we thought were compelling. We'd love to hear your compelling. We'd love to hear your compelling. We'd love to hear your options, your ideas. Throw those into options, your ideas. Throw those into options, your ideas. Throw those into the comments below. And thanks as always the comments below. And thanks as always the comments below. And thanks as always for your time, attention, and trust. for your time, attention, and trust. for your time, attention, and trust. [music] We'll talk to you next week. [music] We'll talk to you next week. [music] We'll talk to you next week. >> I'm not really an intro guy. >> I'm not really an intro guy. >> I'm not really an intro guy. >> What? That's the only reason we watch us >> What? That's the only reason we watch us >> What? That's the only reason we watch us >> for the intros. Yeah. >> for the intros. Yeah. >> for the intros. Yeah. >> Not me. >> Not me. >> Not me. >> What? What are you watching it for? >> What? What are you watching it for? >> What? What are you watching it for? >> The wrestling. >> The wrestling. >> The wrestling. >> That's weird.