Mosaic Church blew me away on my visit to California in February. Good news - you can experience some of it at Mosaic's video podcast site.

Allow me to share some high moments of the experience with you, in terms of the creative style of worship:

• No real glitz. Sounds weird, right? They worked on a low-key atmosphere w ith candles, set designs emulating stained glass windows, and they had all of the techno-gizmos to make high power worship work. They used darkness to cloak the absence of "glitz" in atmosphere. But in the midst of it all, authenticity and being about worship were front and center.
• The band played very few songs. Worship was more about interaction and deepening into God's hands. Songs were used as a motif - i.e. one song was predominant and used in several different ways throughout the worship experience.
• Erwin, the pastor, went straight to the scriptures. No welcome - no "play the audience" and "warm them up." The band played one song, and then Erwin was on stage reading from the Psalms.
• It was exciting walking onto the campus. Their layout calls for the use of multiple buildings for children and other ministries. So, as you're walking up, there are people everywhere with children.
• Shortly after the opening scripture and one more band song, Erwin talked about our need for prayer and simply invited all who would come to the stage for prayer. It was simple, heart-felt and many responded - either by entering the arena of the stage or in quiet prayer. The sense of a Holy God was palpable in those moments.
• I was warmly welcomed - in my seat - by people who were not staff and were not the 'stand at the door greeters.'   
• Booths were set-up outside with information for ministry and mission. It was enough out of the ordinary to peak my interest.
• I left feeling like I'd heard from God.

If you get the chance and you're in Pasadena, CA, check them out for innovative and holy worship.