This service, called W.O.W. (Wide Open Worship) is exactly that. It is open to anyone and every one, and you never know what will happen from week to week. Dress is casual. The setting is very informal and close. We have coffee and cinnamon rolls before, during, and after the service. Worshippers can feel free to get another cup of coffee.
The service features a live band - the Lindenwood W.O.W. Band under the leadership of Kevin Paige. Shortly after the service begins, everyone is asked to get up, go around the room, and meet at least three new people. Then, during the announcements some humor is shared. And, varying from week to week, drama, dance, videos, and other multi-media features are used throughout the service. Every few weeks we have a feature called "Cross Walk" in which we go out and interview people on the streets relating to the subject of the day.
The morning prayer each week is done creatively, and often is given by recognized personalities from the Memphis community. W.O.W. is also known to give away gifts to the worshippers - T-shirts, caps, magnets with prayers on them, pens, etc. Confetti and balloons have been used on occasions to enhance the atmosphere of celebration. Obviously, this appeals to a younger crowd, so the average age at W.O.W. is younger. Still, our "oldest" worshiper was 95.