The potential for moments that matter exists in every church, as we listen for God’s guidance, develop our crafts, and pray like crazy for supernatural power to be unleashed, according to Nancy Beach in her book An Hour on Sunday: Creating Moments of Transformation and Wonder. Nancy is Director of Programming and a teaching pastor at Willow Creek Community Church, a church which has been at the forefront of the use of the arts in services over the past 30 years.
In chapter 8 on Excellence, the author says, “I sometimes allow myself to dream about what would happen if the church once again became known as the place where outstanding art was created for God.” In chapter 9, on Creativity, she says, “Our aim should be to create services so compelling, so meaningful, and so unexpected, that the time sails by and attenders leave with an enthusiastic desire to talk about their experience..” In chapter 10 on Authenticity, she says, “If I had to choose just one supreme value, I’d pick authenticity over excellence and creativity simply because the door to attenders’ hearts and minds will slam shut the instant they pick up on pretense of any kind.”
The book, which is whimsically illustrated throughout, is filled with useful hints and information about how to present church services in ways which will fully engage attenders. I found that reading it all the way through took some effort, but the effort was rewarded. It is the most useful book of its kind that I have read, and I highly recommend it.