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Curating Worship
Curation is a term usually used in the art world for the role of imagining and overseeing an exhibition or art experience. However the word is now being adopted by people in alternative worship, as it affords a very different and inventive way of thinking about how to lead a service or praise event. Rather than simply presiding over liturgy or fronting a band, curation involves negotiating between institutions and artists and making do with what is to hand to create something brilliant. The hope is that moments of epiphany will be experienced as God is invited to be and breathe in the space, and people make connections with their own lives and stories. Curating Worship is in two parts. The first considers the kind of thinking, skills and disciplines involved in good curation. The second consists of in depth interviews, which tease out from people who have curated amazing worship experiences around the world, the ideas and theories behind their approaches and the practical processes involved.
- GenresNonfiction
175 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2010
3 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 1, 2020
Jonny Baker is known for his work with alternative worship in the UK. This edited book begins with his explanation of the task of worship leader as curator--what to display in worship, how to let it shine, and what to leave out this time. The bulk of the book is 12 "interviews" with other alt worship leaders discussing their congregation or particular curations they have done in the UK (including Ireland), Australia, New Zealand, and the US. Ten years old now but still full of interesting ideas, thinking outside typical worship boxes.
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December 18, 2014MORE on Curating Worship today from Maggi Dawn 18.08.2010:
it bypasses the many difficulties that occur from the notion of “leading” worship. The culture of the “worship leader” pitches the lucky few to the front of the room in the starring role, either as Vicars or rock-star musicians, and the backlash against church hierarchies and worship superstars has created the fanciful idea that communities will coalesce without any leadership at all. “Curating”, which just as it sounds is drawn from the world of art, museum and exhibition, acknowledges creative leadership without making the curator the centre of attention.
These are the issues Jonny addresses here, and I like the way he does so, first by giving us a well thought out essay of his own, and then by giving attention through analysis and interview to a few of the practitioners of this mode of organisation and creative output.
the best bit of the book is the two short essays at the beginning, in which Jonny explains why engaging “hands on” in a created world is in itself a transformative experience that goes far beyond the intellectual exercise of reasoning out one’s belief. The imagination is engaged in a different way when your whole body is committed to the experience, which Jonny illustrates with accounts of his own visits to large-scale art installations and then translates into the world of spiritual transformation. I would buy this book for the opening two chapters alone. Oh yes, and the cover.
Hats off, Jonny, Lots of stars.
it bypasses the many difficulties that occur from the notion of “leading” worship. The culture of the “worship leader” pitches the lucky few to the front of the room in the starring role, either as Vicars or rock-star musicians, and the backlash against church hierarchies and worship superstars has created the fanciful idea that communities will coalesce without any leadership at all. “Curating”, which just as it sounds is drawn from the world of art, museum and exhibition, acknowledges creative leadership without making the curator the centre of attention.
These are the issues Jonny addresses here, and I like the way he does so, first by giving us a well thought out essay of his own, and then by giving attention through analysis and interview to a few of the practitioners of this mode of organisation and creative output.
the best bit of the book is the two short essays at the beginning, in which Jonny explains why engaging “hands on” in a created world is in itself a transformative experience that goes far beyond the intellectual exercise of reasoning out one’s belief. The imagination is engaged in a different way when your whole body is committed to the experience, which Jonny illustrates with accounts of his own visits to large-scale art installations and then translates into the world of spiritual transformation. I would buy this book for the opening two chapters alone. Oh yes, and the cover.
Hats off, Jonny, Lots of stars.
July 12, 2011
i've followed Jonny Baker's blog for a many years now and i've always enjoyed his posts about worship - so it was no surprise that i also liked his book: Curating Worship.
Curating Worship is mostly a collection of conversations with alt worship leaders, designers, creators and visionaries all whom seem very capable with their craft in their own right. Baker's book dives deep into the world of alternative worship - and he brings an interesting perspective on what the role of a worship designer might be - comparing it to a curator of art at an art exhibit or museum.
i really clung to this analogy and felt a close connection with this form of worship creating. in my experiences of leading, designing and coordinating worship services, interactions and experiences i've never quite known how to describe exactly what it is that i am most passionate about. this book helped me process my God-given desire and passion.
i feel drawn to the role of curator. the church in America needs more curators of worship to help people connect with a living and loving God (in a fresh way).
the ideas and stories shared in Baker's book were inspiring and helpful. I underlined and highlighted a lot - particularly the interview with the leaders/creators of Ikon in Ireland.
the appendix in the back was also helpful for any one person or group eager to learn the in's and out's of how to put together an interactive worship service.
bravo Jonny Baker for bringing forth a fresh perspective of how one might lead others to experiential, connected worship of God.
Curating Worship is mostly a collection of conversations with alt worship leaders, designers, creators and visionaries all whom seem very capable with their craft in their own right. Baker's book dives deep into the world of alternative worship - and he brings an interesting perspective on what the role of a worship designer might be - comparing it to a curator of art at an art exhibit or museum.
i really clung to this analogy and felt a close connection with this form of worship creating. in my experiences of leading, designing and coordinating worship services, interactions and experiences i've never quite known how to describe exactly what it is that i am most passionate about. this book helped me process my God-given desire and passion.
i feel drawn to the role of curator. the church in America needs more curators of worship to help people connect with a living and loving God (in a fresh way).
the ideas and stories shared in Baker's book were inspiring and helpful. I underlined and highlighted a lot - particularly the interview with the leaders/creators of Ikon in Ireland.
the appendix in the back was also helpful for any one person or group eager to learn the in's and out's of how to put together an interactive worship service.
bravo Jonny Baker for bringing forth a fresh perspective of how one might lead others to experiential, connected worship of God.
November 15, 2014
A decent read, mostly interview content, picking the brains of practitioners. I'll probably refer back to this over time, as I have with Baker's other book, "Alternative Worship". The best part of this was being inspired by the stories of other communities and being pushed to consider what might be (im)possible in my own context.
March 22, 2014
This books puts a name to what I want to do! Full of perspectives with which I resonate and topics to ponder.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews