Walmart Worship, II

After my search for salt, I put the bags in my cart and begin to make the long trek back to the grocery side (where, of course, I parked). Out of the corner of my eye, I saw bundles of firewood on the shelf. Walmart is now selling firewood. With my inner cynic already jacked up from wandering the behemoth, I wanted someone with me so I could deliver cultural commentary on this. I couldn't bring myself to be one of those people that just start making random observations to strangers in public. (No. I blog instead.)

Within a few seconds of passing the seasonal outdoor stuff, I realized, gosh, that's pretty smart. People come in for bug spray, tiki-torches, and citronella and [idea] "hey, let's roast marshmallows tonight!" Or for people getting off I-70 heading for a camping trip at Mohican State Park (I like it there). While getting some last minute supplies, the wife says, "Honey, grab some firewood; it'll save us a stop along the way." This goes against the grain of her Grizzly Adams husband. But he's already succumbed to camping in a pop-up trailer, so why not buy firewood at Walmart?

What's a small item that we can "stock" as a worship team to serve our congregation? Something they might not even realize they want. I'm not talking about buffet-styled, consumer-driven church and worship. But something that makes someone's morning a little better.

• How about making it a practice to meet guests after the service? It shouldn't mean more that someone who sings or plays on stage talks them. But it does.
• Maybe take an extra few minutes of the service to actually teach a new song, versus expecting the congregation to keep up with words and melody they're hearing for the first time.
• What if we created a moment for people to just stop? No singing, no announcements, no message, no pastor praying. Just press pause. Take in. Let out. And open up for what's next.
• What if we didn't do "special music" every week? So when we did do it, we can make it great. And it would be special.

Think about it. What's the "firewood at Walmart" that you could provide?


[and that last question wasn't so much rhetorical. I'd love to have you post your responses]