Should there be more than one way to hold a church service? Perhaps we should allow many ways of having a church meeting; instead of the one (almost universal) way of church based on sermon-hearing.

Christians invite people to church so that they can hear one man perform and talk about Christ. However, what if we created an environment where everyday people could actively participate in interacting with the living, resurrected Jesus Christ?  What if instead of a preacher performing church was people participating?

“There are two ways of being creative. One can sing and dance. Or one can create an environment in which singers and dancers flourish.” –Warren Bennis,

“Engagement explodes in meetings when people are listened to and acknowledged.” –D. Sibbet

“The wise leader stays in the background and facilitates other people’s process.” –John Heider

Participatory church permits many ways of doing church. It doesn’t force the meeting into a rigid format; but rather allows various and creative expressions to come forth each Sunday. Week after week, participatory church is never the same format. (In 6 years of doing participatory church at The Salvation Army Berry Street, every single Sunday has gone a different way from all the other Sundays.)  The variety of ways of doing church is truly amazing! Try participatory and see for yourself.

You can experience participatory church in Nashville at The Salvation Army Berry Street, 225 Berry St., 37207 on Sundays at 10:45 am. and Tuesdays at 6:00 pm.