Sunday Worship Planning: How to Balance Spirit-Led and Strategic Gatherings

Sunday gatherings are more than just a program on the calendar—they’re a formative rhythm that shapes disciples over time. In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Ashton Burgos sits down with Senior Pastor Jay Strother and Worship Minister Travis Cottrell to unpack the why and how behind corporate worship.

Together, they explore the balance of strategy and Spirit in planning services, the power of music to form theology, and the role of intentional collaboration across multiple campuses. From prayer moments to worship set lists, they discuss how small details can help churches create space for God to move in lasting ways.

Whether you’re a worship leader, pastor, or ministry volunteer, this conversation offers practical wisdom and real stories that will help you rethink your approach to Sunday gatherings—and ultimately point your people more fully to Jesus.

Episode Guests:

• Travis Cottrell: Worship Minister
• Ashton Burgos: Worship Production Manager
• Jay Strother: Senior Pastor

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Sunday Gathering Encouragement
• 05:51 Inclusive Worship: Moving Forward Mindfully
• 06:44 Inclusive Worship Planning
• 12:04 “Timely Sermons and Spiritual Flexibility”
• 14:45 Unplanned Sermon Moment Impresses Congregation
• 17:14 “Collaborative Worship Planning Process”
• 22:14 Contextualizing Church Messages Online
• 25:22 Prayer Card Tradition Ignites Breakthrough
• 26:56 Innovative Prayer Gathering Expansion
• 29:14 Morning Prayer Gathering Success>

Resources Mentioned:

• Hebrews 10 – Encouragement not to forsake gathering together
• 1 Corinthians 14 – Spirit-led order in worship; God is not a God of disorder
• Trust in God – Worship song referenced as part of congregational formation
• Elevate Conference – Tuesday, September 9th at Brentwood Baptist in Nashville, Tennessee