Curating Worship
Curation is a term usually used in the art world for the role of imagining and overseeing an exhibition or installation in a gallery or museum. However, the word is now being adopted in worship, since it affords a new and inventive way of thinking about how to put together a service, art experience or event. Rather than focusing on the role of presiding over liturgy or fronting a band, curation involves working off stage, negotiation between institutions and artists 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 as participants 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, which forms the main section of the book, consists of in-depth interviews. These 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.
Jonny baker is Pioneer Leadership team Leader for the Church Mission Society, and a member of Grace, an alternative worship community that is part of St Mary’s, Ealing. He is co-author (with Doug Gay) of ‘Alternative Worship’ (SPCK, 2003).