Back in earlier centuries when the literacy rate was low, liturgy was employed regularly and frequently. The use of stories, pictures, and repeated refrains helped provide ways for people to understand and remember God—it was a hook for them to hang things on.

In many settings today where the church is spreading, the literacy rate is also low. In places where people can’t read (or can’t read well) does that mean they cannot be followers of Jesus? Absolutely not. Rituals and liturgy that create a pattern of faith are immensely helpful.

One church has the days of the week labeled to draw people’s attention to various aspects of faith. On Miracle Monday, people pray, fast, and expect miracles. On Family Friday people practice the one-another commands in the context of their families. It’s a simple structure that’s built into the week and helps people establish faith practices.

The same approach can be helpful even for our leadership and our highly literate congregations: simple practices and processes that keep people moving in the right direction. Establishing patterns like this into our leadership development structures can help maintain quality as leadership moves into future generations.