Sometimes, you gotta zoom out.
Maybe you're deep into song selection, trying to build a setlist around Sunday's sermon. Maybe you're working through a challenging lesson with your Sunday school class. Or maybe you're in the middle of a theological conversation that seems to get more complicated—and more contentious—the longer it goes.
These are different situations, but they all have a familiar feeling: We're working hard, and we're not always sure how the pieces fit together.
Here’s the thing: The details, the conversations, the decisions… they all matter.
But sometimes, it helps to step back and consider the larger framework that informs them.
The Three Big Boxes
When you feel mired in the weeds of ministry (or, maybe just bogged down in the day-to-day of the Christian life), it’s helpful to categorize ways of thinking, feeling, and doing into what I’m going to call the “three big boxes”:
Orthodoxy (right thinking)
Orthopraxy (right doing)
Doxology (right expression)
These boxes don’t exist independently of each other; rather, they’re like that tin of flavored popcorn you get at Christmas—you know, with the butter, cheese, and caramel flavors nicely separated with cardboard dividers. You get three dimensions of one overall experience, with different sensations hitting your tastebuds that vary between sweet, funky, and smooth. (Yeah, if couldn’t already tell—I’m excited for the Christmas season coming up with all the treats 😅)
In this case, orthodoxy informs us how we are to think about God. Orthopraxy informs us how we are to live in the light of our understanding of God. And doxology helps us express our feelings as we are shaped by proper understanding and practice of the Christian life.
Each distinct group contributes to the overall experience, but focusing too much on one “flavor” creates an imbalance:
Orthodoxy alone is devoid of real action and expression beyond the lecture hall, podcast, or book.
Orthopraxy quickly becomes a vehicle for work-based righteousness, shallow in its understanding of God’s nature and out of touch with the emotional side of our created nature.
Doxology can become sensational if it’s not tempered with right thinking and a more holistic partnership with active service beyond singing, praying, and preaching.
In a practical sense for worship leaders, pastors, and teachers, here’s a breakdown of the boxes:
Orthodoxy: What we believe informs what we sing, teach, and say.
Orthopraxy: Our commitment to faithful practice informs how we lead and serve.
Doxology: Our desire for God informs how we use resources (songs, teaching tools, systems, etc.) to express our adoration.
So… Why Even Bother?
Now, the initial pushback might be this: Does lifting my head up make my work less effective, or less faithful in my stewardship?
I would say, no. It’s actually really useful to look up and recalibrate because it refocuses your work to be even more effective. You’re able to shift perspectives, align categories holistically, and in doing so, bring greater purpose to each decision made.
So as an action item, either as an individual or as church, think about these things:
What do I (or we) believe?
How should I (or we) live?
How does my life (or, our lives) find purpose in the glory of God?
It might be that you look at these questions and feel a bit exasperated—like you already know the answers.
But it’s good to have a reminder every now and then—even if it seems repetitive 😁
Be blessed 👊✌️
Derek is the founder and director of Worship Strategies and is also Creative Ministries Director Faith Family Church in Fayette, MO. Outside of ministry, he is active as a musician and entrepreneur. He is married to his wife Kaitlynn, and they have two beautiful daughters.
Want Our Help with Your Worship Ministry?
A big part of what we do at WORSHIP STRATEGIES is to help churches improve how they worship.
Practically, this looks like discipleship, leadership coaching, music instruction, and production advising to help your team grow and excel in their giftings to glorify God and edify His people.
The cool thing? We do this free of financial obligation for each church. We have a growing team of folks who support us in our work for YOU 🫵 and be a blessing to churches who need help but lack tangible resources for improvement.
If you’re interested in working with us, then just click the button below to get started.
