Marcia McFee

Denomination: United Methodist Church (UMC)

Marcia McFee, the Ford Fellow at San Francisco Theological Seminary, a ritual artist, author, and travel-retreat leader through the Worship Design Studio she created, is the author of Think Like a Filmmaker: Sensory-Rich Worship Design for Unforgettable Messages.

Marcia's engaging and interactive style has been called "refreshing," "inspiring," and "unforgettable." She combines her background and experience in performance with a variety of worship and preaching styles in order to bring a fresh experience of the Gospel to each worship setting. Marcia teaches and speaks across the country and has provided worship design and leadership at numerous international and regional gatherings. She is the creator of the Worship Design Studio, an online resource for the inspiration and education of those who plan worship (http://worshipdesignstudio.com), including four plus years of lectionary and non-lectionary themes based on the liturgical year (including one based on Rev. Peter Wallace' book, "The Passionate Jesus"). See more at https://worshipdesignstudio.com/emerge

Articles by Marcia McFee

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Marcia McFee: Metamorphosis Moment: Ritual Artistry and the Work of the People

Thursday March 30, 2023
Shifting the mindset from “what can we do about this predicament” to “what will we do with this possibility?” opens us up to so many opportunities for growth.

A Time for Transformation

Thursday October 20, 2016
This post is all about my new worship series, "God Bless Us Every One: The Redemption of Scrooge." This is a wonderful worship journey to share with your congregation this year!

"The Art of Creating a World"

Friday September 16, 2016
In this excerpt from my new book, _Think Like a Filmmaker_, we’re going to look at ways to expand our understanding of the media arts as more than just “a big, electronic bulletin.” You’re invited to use the reflection questions at the end as you consider ways to create immersive experiences for your congregation.

"Musical Transitions"

Thursday August 04, 2016
In this excerpt from my new book, _[Think Like a Filmmaker](http://www.thinklikeafilmmaker.com)_, we’re revisiting the concept of transitions, but this time we’re looking at the musical transition as a way to move from one action to the next. You’re invited to use the reflection questions at the end as you think about how music can be used to help smooth the flow of worship.

"The Verbal Transition"

Thursday July 14, 2016
In this excerpt from my new book, [_Think Like a Filmmaker_](http://www.thinklikeafilmmaker.com), we’re taking a look at the verbal transition, one of the many practices of the verbal artist. You’re invited to use the reflection questions at the end as you think about how the verbal arts are used to clarify, beautify, and usher in the elements of your worship.

"Symbols: Drawing Meaning from the Ordinary Stuff of Life"

Thursday July 07, 2016
In this excerpt from my new book, [_Think Like a Filmmaker_](http://www.thinklikeafilmmaker.com), we’re taking a closer look at how visual artists use symbol to enrich the texture of worship. You’re invited to use the reflection questions at the end as you think about how the visual arts enhance the worship life of your community.

Roles of the Design Team

Thursday June 23, 2016
In this excerpt from my new book, _Think Like a Filmmaker_, we’re examining the many different kinds of artists who are needed to work together on a film production crew. There are definitely some major similarities between a film design team and worship arts leaders! You’re invited to use the reflection questions at the end while you think about how your team works together in preparing and leading worship experiences each week.

"From Story-Tellers to Story-Dwellers"

Thursday June 02, 2016
In this excerpt from my new book, Think Like a Filmmaker, we’re digging into how filmmakers see the power of story in bringing people together by offering an unforgettable experience””in much the same way as worship! You’re invited to use the reflection questions at the end as you think about how we love to tell the Story””and why story is such an important tool for navigating the course of our everyday lives.

You Are a Ritual Artist!

Friday May 27, 2016
In this excerpt from my new book, _Think Like a Filmmaker_, we’re unpacking the idea of what it means to be a ritual artist. You’re invited to use the reflection questions at the end of this post to guide your own exploration of your identity as a ritual artist.

A Prayer for Holy Week

Thursday March 10, 2016
As we journey through Lent towards Holy Week, consider using this prayer as an offering for worship or as a personal reflection on the everyday bravery required to live as people of God, in every season.

The Pace of Worship

Thursday February 25, 2016
This article serves as an introduction to the four primal kinesthetic worship patterns that drive each of us in worship and in our daily lives. Which pattern are you? Read to learn about all four types!

Worship Movements 5/5: For Everyone Born

Thursday February 11, 2016
In this blog series, we're exploring 20th century liturgical movements to understand how our recent past effects our modern worship practices.

Worship Movements 4/5: With Every Ounce...

Thursday January 28, 2016
In this article series, we're exploring 20th century liturgical movements to understand how our recent past effects our modern worship practices.

Worship Movements 3/5: New Tunes, New Spirit

Thursday January 14, 2016
In this blog series, we're exploring 20th century liturgical movements to understand how our recent past effects our modern worship practices.

Worship Movements 2/5: Holy Spirit Fire

Thursday December 24, 2015
In this article series, we're exploring 20th century liturgical movements to understand how our recent past effects our modern worship practices.

Worship Movements 1/5: Making Ritual 'Rich-You-All'

Thursday December 03, 2015
In this worship series, we're exploring 20th century liturgical movements to understand how our recent past effects our modern worship practices.

"What do you do with announcements?"

Thursday November 12, 2015
The number one, hands-down, Frequently Asked Question in my workshops in the Worship Design Studio is this: “What do you do with announcements?” In this week's article, I share the answers I give to design teams in my workshops and consultations.

Types of Symbol for All Saints' Day

Thursday October 29, 2015
Powerful symbols manifest in many different forms. In this article, we explore several types of symbol in the context of worship design.

The Beat of a Different Drummer

Thursday June 18, 2015
Sometimes real and deeply seated conflicts can arise between worshipers with different worship styles. This article examines these differences and offers some solutions for looking at conflict within our worship.

Form and Freedom: Writing Communion Prayers

Thursday June 04, 2015
Creating writing takes its place in worship through the liturgical arts and communal prayer. In this article, we explore the form and spirit of writing prayers for communion.

Starting Points for an Extraordinary Ordinary Time

Thursday May 21, 2015
Here are some ideas for a creative and engaging ordinary time!

Try It on for Size

Friday May 08, 2015
When looking to expand your worship horizons, don't be afraid to experiment!

Ritual Artists 3/3: An Example of Liturgical Art

Thursday April 30, 2015
Liturgy is one example of ritual art. This article unpacks some ways to start thinking about artful ways to implement original liturgical writing into worship.

Ritual Artists 2/3: Four Principles of Ritual Artistry

Thursday April 23, 2015
This article explores four essential elements needed to approach worship as a ritual artist.

Ritual Artists 1/3: Planning Together and Planning Ahead

Thursday April 09, 2015
In this first article in a series of three about ritual artists, we explore the many roles that ritual artists can take on in the act of planning worship series.

The Threshold Moment: Getting More "Goosebumps Factor"

Thursday April 02, 2015
Transcendental moments in worship are sadly few and far between during much of the liturgical year. This article explores ways to create poignant and meaningful transitions into worship.

"Do Together!"

Thursday March 26, 2015
The power of collaboration is evident in the worship space. This article offers some suggestions for creative collaboration with your whole church!

Change 3/3: The "Feel" of the Holy

Thursday March 19, 2015
Some worship experiences just feel right and resonate with us, while others don't. This article examines our responses to worship and explores how we can approach creating worship experiences that resonate more with our churches.