Postcards from a Ministry Quest (2)

Here's another question from a candidate questionnaire I filled out a few months ago that I found interesting and enjoyable to answer.

Question: Describe your ideal order of service.

My answer: An ideal order of service will have a "revelation/response" pattern: a strong emphasis on God's revelation at the start (reading of Scripture, songs with more "revelatory" content, congregational prayer/sharing times, etc) leading up to the ministry of the Word (teaching/preaching time), followed by an opportunity for meaningful and authentic response (prayer times, songs with more "responsive"/personal content, communion, etc.). An ideal order of service will also emphasize participation, encourage intergenerational worship, and maintain a balance between individual and corporate elements.