Multiple Intelligences in Worship

Are you a visual learner? Researchers estimate that 40-60% of people learn visually. You are correct if this sounds like something students and teachers are thinking about during back to school season. This is not, however, to be neglected by the faith community.

In 1983, Howard Gardner published his landmark book, Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences, in which he detailed a different way of viewing intelligence that was quickly embraced by educators. Gardner, a Harvard researcher and professor, looked at intelligence as many-sided rather than as a general aptitude that could be measured by a paper and pencil test. He saw these intelligences as gifts within an individual that should be recognized and fostered.

How is your congregation addressing the needs of those that will be more attuned to worship through visual elements? Worship and Arts committees might brainstorm and find ideas beginning with banners fixed in one spot, power point staging, processional banners, flowers and other natural objects, clergy stoles and vestments, mobiles. This is not an exclusive list! We are encouraged and instructed again and again throughout the Bible to worship with all that we are…just don’t neglect the visual aspect.

If you have never taken a Multiple Intelligences quiz you might find http://www2.bgfl.org/bgfl2/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks3/ict/multiple_int/index.htm interesting!

A Duct Tape Stole!?

I've just stumbled upon an old news story about a bride and groom that wore a wedding dress and tuxedo created out of duct tape. They were kind enough to complete the look by creating a stole out of the same supplies for the pastor. Reading this report has caused me to shake my head while at the same time chuckle out loud...what will someone think of next?

While maintaining reverence for worship, artists should think seriously about the materials that can be used for items such as stoles and worship banners. The days of felt glued upon felt are thankfully in the past! In my mind, any material that doesn't stretch is viable for these creations. When we think of worship banners the possibilities extend even further to include multitudes of types of papers. With both fabrics and papers, sheerness, transparency, texture, color, and pattern should be considered (and not forgotten) when seeking supplies for your next addition of something visual in worship. Happy creating!

Innovate, Educate

I worshiped, as a first time visitor, at a neighboring church this past Sunday. The worship space was large (probably seating 1000 people) with the focus being a stage that was central, wide, and very simply appointed. I suspect the simplicity was intentional by the architect because it allowed for this space to be multifunctional while at the same time it guided congregants focus. The drama of the visual immediately caught my attention as I prepared myself to worship. Upstage was a very well orchestrated visual that contained a ribbon floating and cascading through midair with three interwoven objects. I suspected that the objects were part of a sermon series or the "message of the summer" but I really couldn't conjur up what the message was. Thankfulfully I did not leave this service perplexed because the pastor was generous enough to eloquently explain the visual in his message.

Should I have had to sit through three quarters of a worship experience before getting the connection to the visual? Maybe this was good, because it got me thinking. And, thankfully I didn't leave the space still in a quandry. I ponder this today because I believe a large part of including the visual in worship is educating those that experience it. Including a description in the worship bulletin, make a verbal connection during the message, and reinforcing themes with the music chosen for the day are easy ways to educate about the visual images in worship. Adding or subtracting visual components to your worship space will keep the message fresh. Including scriptural references and thought provoking questions about what people are seeing will only enhance the church coming together as one body and strengthen our knowledge in what we believe.

How to Celebrate Ordinary Time

As a Presbyterian, my church celebrates Ordinary Time, for us it is the longest portion of the church year. It is a time of spiritual growth and we celebrate with the color green. Ordinary in this situation does not mean regular or average but it comes from the word "ordinal" which simply means counted time. We our currently in the midst of counting our days until we begin Advent.

Professionally I am the designer of stoles and worship banners. I love using the many greens that nature gives us during the months of Ordinary Time. The fresh, lively spring greens to the rich and deep greens of summer and finally the soft and subdued tones of fall are all so visually satisfying. Personally, this time of year conjures up a few symbols such as: plant life to represent growth, creation (I love connecting to 2 Cor. 5:17-19), and the anchor cross and a heart to signify faith, hope and love.

There is much to embrace when we examine our Christian life, growth, and the mystery of God. So, how do you observe Ordinary Time devotedly and creatively for so many weeks?