Worship Walks: A Sample

Steve Hughes

Preparation

• Wear ministry shirts and name tags.
• Hang a sign around a tree.
• Arrive at least 15 minutes early.

Introduction

• Informally visit and have introductions in first five minutes. This allows latecomers to arrive.
• Stand in a circle to begin.
• Read Psalms 143:1, 5-6, 8-10.
• Open in prayer.
• Ask participants to look for evidence of the power of water. Share at the first stop.

First Stop

• Ask participants, "As we walked, or as you look around, how do you see the effect of the power of water?"
• Read John 7:37-39.
• Say, "As water is powerful in the natural world, more so is the living water from faith in Christ and the Holy Spirit in our lives."
• Ask, "How has the power or nature of Christ, the Living Water, had an effect on your life?" (refreshes, cools, cleanses, and heals)
• Say, "Think how the power of the sun works in our surroundings." Share at the second stop.

Second Stop

• Ask, "How does the sun affect this particular setting?" (warms soil, photosynthesis, light to see and hunt, heats, melts snow, and releases the power of water).
• Read Ephesians 5:8-14.
• Say, "God's Son, Christ, brings warmth, light to see through dark places in our life, power for growth amidst hardships. Verse 14 reminds me of getting out of a sleeping bag and anticipating the warming rays of the sun. I hope we will start each day with the warmth of God's Son in our lives as we face Him and let Christ shine on us. As we go to the last stop, think about what object or living thing you see that best represents your relationship with God." Share at the third stop.

Third Stop

• Say, "Share what object or living thing best represents your relationship with God."
• Read Colossians 2:6-7.
• Say, "Our Christian lives are like trees, rooted in Christ, with Christ as our foundation. Like strong trees we reach up to receive the gift of the Son."
• Stand in a circle for the responsive reading.

Responsive reading:

Based on Psalm 1:1-3 and Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

Leader: Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked

People: or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.

Leader: But his delight is in the law of the LORD,

People: and on his law he meditates day and night.

Leader: He is like a tree planted by streams of water,

People: which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.

Leader: Trust in the LORD with all your heart

People: and lean not on your own understanding;

Leader: in all your ways acknowledge him,

People: and he will make your paths straight.

Sing the "Doxology:"
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav'nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Adapted from material by Steve Hughes. Used with permission.