For a nice article by Bono regarding Easter and other things...
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/19/opinion/19bono.html?_r=1
23 April 2009
12 April 2009
More Easter Musings
Dr. Mouw, the president of Fuller Seminary, has a great little blurb about Easter on Fuller's website:
http://www.fuller.edu/news-and-events/home-features/easter-mouw.aspx
Let us proclaim the Resurrection boldly and unabashedly!
http://www.fuller.edu/news-and-events/home-features/easter-mouw.aspx
Let us proclaim the Resurrection boldly and unabashedly!
11 April 2009
Christ Jesus is risen!
He is risen indeed! May the joy of the resurrection continue to resonate in our lives long after the lilies, eggs and brunches are gone.
Happy Easter, everyone!
Happy Easter, everyone!
Great Friday
Every year, our church pastors normally participate in community and/or ecumenical Good Friday services. However, holding a Good Friday service of our own is not usually part of our tradition during the Easter season. Enter the worship leader filled with ideas from seminary... Pastor George, Pastor Connie and I met together and planned a service that would hopefully be true to our congregation, but also a chance to stretch ourselves in worship. We ended coming up with a unique blend of art, music, scripture, readings, confession and prayer that really seemed to work well.
Though the content of the service was a blessing, the greater blessing was the high attendance that we enjoyed for this "inaugural" Good Friday service. I'm reminded of how blessed I am to work with a congregation that puts its trust in its leadership, even when the road ahead might be unknown or unfamiliar. This has been the kind of group I have had the honor of serving for so long, and am continually thankful to God for my Christian brothers and sisters at ABC.
Though the content of the service was a blessing, the greater blessing was the high attendance that we enjoyed for this "inaugural" Good Friday service. I'm reminded of how blessed I am to work with a congregation that puts its trust in its leadership, even when the road ahead might be unknown or unfamiliar. This has been the kind of group I have had the honor of serving for so long, and am continually thankful to God for my Christian brothers and sisters at ABC.
03 April 2009
Leading Worship In Spirit and Truth, Part 3
THE WORSHIP LEADER’S POSITION AS MENTOR
As mentioned earlier, today’s worship leaders have the opportunity to engage in discipling others in their own personal worship journeys. This can be extended to include the opportunity to mentor others, particularly those on one’s worship team. This allows others the chance to grow in understanding and experience regarding how to effectively lead. British composer Stuart Townend spent his time in university under the mentorship of fellow worship leader Dave Fellingham. Townend speaks about how influential Fellingham was in his development as a worship leader:
"Dave taught me by example. I watched him as he led worship, as he preached and taught, as he moved in the prophetic. I learned more than information from him. I saw the man at close quarters – his maturity and security in God, the way he dealt with people, his pastor’s heart, his boldness to step out in the prophetic, and above all his passion for Jesus. It stirred me to seek God for those kinds of qualities for myself…without doubt Dave has been the greatest spiritual influence on my adult life—but only because he was willing to have me alongside him, observing him at close range, speaking into my life, and then lovingly pushing me out of the nest when it was time for me to use my own wings."[1]
Casey Corum also highlights the responsibility leaders have in mentoring others, not only those on the worship team, but also those in the congregation: “It is important for all of us to have examples to follow; to have people like us who have gone before us to encourage our own journey in the Lord.”[2]
THE WORSHIP LEADER’S WITNESS AS A LIVING EXAMPLE
Corum’s ideas on mentoring remind us of a principle important not only to worship leaders, but any individual entrusted in the church with leadership responsibilities: the need to demonstrate a humble yet committed walk with Christ in everyday life. Just as pastors are expected to model Christian character and the fruit of the Spirit in a way that inspires others, so should the worship leader conduct themselves accordingly. Recognized worship leader Matt Redman touches on the importance of lifestyle witness:
"We talk a lot about Spirit-led worship, but if we truly want to be led by the Holy Spirit, we need to make sure we’re keeping in step with Him in our everyday lives. As a worship leader this is a challenging and even scary thought. I need to make sure that I’m making my life an appropriate dwelling place for Him."[3]
American worship leader Tim Hughes also values the significance of our daily walk with God: “As a worship leader it is so important that we are constantly seeking God’s will and concerning ourselves with what the Father is doing.”[4]
Paul Oakley speaks of the direct connection between one’s personal spiritual life and their effectiveness as a worship leader: “The key thing for me is to maintain an intimate walk with God, with all the challenges of a busy life. You want to stretch yourself musically, you might want to try and write songs and introduce your own songs, but underneath all that you've got to work hard at keeping intimate with God, because that's where it all comes from.”[5]
This same idea is echoed by Canadian Vineyard worship leader Dan Wilt:
"Christ-like character is central to the worship leader's calling because our heart attitudes, on such a visible leadership platform, eventually influence every member of the congregation or group that we lead. We disciple not just by “how we are” as a worship leader, but more concretely by “who we are” as a worship leader. The audible music and notes are not the only song we are singing. Lead worship from the foundation of a life that, both privately and publicly, resounds with love, obedience and honor toward Jesus. Your strongest leadership instrument will become the sound of your life, and your worship leadership will manifest the favor and strength that only God can give."[6]
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
The considerations and principles that need to guide the church worship leaders of the 21st century are more complex than the responsibilities of the choir directors and/or song leaders of the 20th century. The role of a worship leader is not just logistical or musical in nature, but pastoral in their leadership of church staff, volunteers, and the congregation. A pastoral mindset guides a worship leader as their choices of music and admonishment point to God rather than oneself. A solid biblical and theological framework can maximize a worship leader’s ability to effectively and holistically spread the gospel. Solid leadership also allows for opportunities for discipleship and mentoring. Finally, a worship leader recognizes the call by God for all leaders to model Christian character consistent with the content of the message being sung and preached during weekly services. In this time of significant transition for Western culture and the Church universal, worship leaders find themselves at the forefront of demonstrating how life in Christ, expressed corporately in worship and individually through our daily interaction with each other, is highly relevant in an age where spirituality is valued but Christianity is held by the world as irrelevant or politically suspect. Future generations will look back and examine how the Church adjusted to reach the postmodern world of the 21st century. May we be good stewards of the gifts God has given us and the Spirit that equips us to do great things in His name.
ENDNOTES:
[1] Stuart Townend, “Journey Into Worship”; available from http://www.worshiptogether.com/features/article.aspx?iid=218139; Internet; accessed 17 November 2006.
[2] Corum.
[3] Matt Redman, The Unquenchable Worshipper (Ventura: Regal Books, 2001). Excerpt also available from http://www.worshiptogether.com/features/article.aspx?iid=218140; accessed 17 November 2006.
[4] Tim Hughes, “First Service”; available from http://www.worshiptogether.com/features/article.aspx?iid=218147; Internet; accessed 17 November 2006.
[5] Interview with Paul Oakley, “Intimacy With God: The Key to Paul’s Success”; available from http://www.worshiptogether.com/features/article.aspx?iid=218120; accessed 17 November 2006.
[6] Dan Wilt, “The Sound of Your Life: Character and the Worship Leader”; available from http://www.insideworship.com/resources/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2237&Itemid=2; accessed 17 November 2006.
As mentioned earlier, today’s worship leaders have the opportunity to engage in discipling others in their own personal worship journeys. This can be extended to include the opportunity to mentor others, particularly those on one’s worship team. This allows others the chance to grow in understanding and experience regarding how to effectively lead. British composer Stuart Townend spent his time in university under the mentorship of fellow worship leader Dave Fellingham. Townend speaks about how influential Fellingham was in his development as a worship leader:
"Dave taught me by example. I watched him as he led worship, as he preached and taught, as he moved in the prophetic. I learned more than information from him. I saw the man at close quarters – his maturity and security in God, the way he dealt with people, his pastor’s heart, his boldness to step out in the prophetic, and above all his passion for Jesus. It stirred me to seek God for those kinds of qualities for myself…without doubt Dave has been the greatest spiritual influence on my adult life—but only because he was willing to have me alongside him, observing him at close range, speaking into my life, and then lovingly pushing me out of the nest when it was time for me to use my own wings."[1]
Casey Corum also highlights the responsibility leaders have in mentoring others, not only those on the worship team, but also those in the congregation: “It is important for all of us to have examples to follow; to have people like us who have gone before us to encourage our own journey in the Lord.”[2]
THE WORSHIP LEADER’S WITNESS AS A LIVING EXAMPLE
Corum’s ideas on mentoring remind us of a principle important not only to worship leaders, but any individual entrusted in the church with leadership responsibilities: the need to demonstrate a humble yet committed walk with Christ in everyday life. Just as pastors are expected to model Christian character and the fruit of the Spirit in a way that inspires others, so should the worship leader conduct themselves accordingly. Recognized worship leader Matt Redman touches on the importance of lifestyle witness:
"We talk a lot about Spirit-led worship, but if we truly want to be led by the Holy Spirit, we need to make sure we’re keeping in step with Him in our everyday lives. As a worship leader this is a challenging and even scary thought. I need to make sure that I’m making my life an appropriate dwelling place for Him."[3]
American worship leader Tim Hughes also values the significance of our daily walk with God: “As a worship leader it is so important that we are constantly seeking God’s will and concerning ourselves with what the Father is doing.”[4]
Paul Oakley speaks of the direct connection between one’s personal spiritual life and their effectiveness as a worship leader: “The key thing for me is to maintain an intimate walk with God, with all the challenges of a busy life. You want to stretch yourself musically, you might want to try and write songs and introduce your own songs, but underneath all that you've got to work hard at keeping intimate with God, because that's where it all comes from.”[5]
This same idea is echoed by Canadian Vineyard worship leader Dan Wilt:
"Christ-like character is central to the worship leader's calling because our heart attitudes, on such a visible leadership platform, eventually influence every member of the congregation or group that we lead. We disciple not just by “how we are” as a worship leader, but more concretely by “who we are” as a worship leader. The audible music and notes are not the only song we are singing. Lead worship from the foundation of a life that, both privately and publicly, resounds with love, obedience and honor toward Jesus. Your strongest leadership instrument will become the sound of your life, and your worship leadership will manifest the favor and strength that only God can give."[6]
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
The considerations and principles that need to guide the church worship leaders of the 21st century are more complex than the responsibilities of the choir directors and/or song leaders of the 20th century. The role of a worship leader is not just logistical or musical in nature, but pastoral in their leadership of church staff, volunteers, and the congregation. A pastoral mindset guides a worship leader as their choices of music and admonishment point to God rather than oneself. A solid biblical and theological framework can maximize a worship leader’s ability to effectively and holistically spread the gospel. Solid leadership also allows for opportunities for discipleship and mentoring. Finally, a worship leader recognizes the call by God for all leaders to model Christian character consistent with the content of the message being sung and preached during weekly services. In this time of significant transition for Western culture and the Church universal, worship leaders find themselves at the forefront of demonstrating how life in Christ, expressed corporately in worship and individually through our daily interaction with each other, is highly relevant in an age where spirituality is valued but Christianity is held by the world as irrelevant or politically suspect. Future generations will look back and examine how the Church adjusted to reach the postmodern world of the 21st century. May we be good stewards of the gifts God has given us and the Spirit that equips us to do great things in His name.
ENDNOTES:
[1] Stuart Townend, “Journey Into Worship”; available from http://www.worshiptogether.com/features/article.aspx?iid=218139; Internet; accessed 17 November 2006.
[2] Corum.
[3] Matt Redman, The Unquenchable Worshipper (Ventura: Regal Books, 2001). Excerpt also available from http://www.worshiptogether.com/features/article.aspx?iid=218140; accessed 17 November 2006.
[4] Tim Hughes, “First Service”; available from http://www.worshiptogether.com/features/article.aspx?iid=218147; Internet; accessed 17 November 2006.
[5] Interview with Paul Oakley, “Intimacy With God: The Key to Paul’s Success”; available from http://www.worshiptogether.com/features/article.aspx?iid=218120; accessed 17 November 2006.
[6] Dan Wilt, “The Sound of Your Life: Character and the Worship Leader”; available from http://www.insideworship.com/resources/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2237&Itemid=2; accessed 17 November 2006.
Leading Worship in Spirit and Truth, Part 2
THE WORSHIP LEADER’S RESPONSIBILITY TO POINT TO GOD (not “ME”)
Much discussion has been made over the distinction between church music that is sung to God (or about God) and songs about our relationship with God. Since its inception, modern praise and worship music has often been criticized for being overly abundant with lyrics that are relational in nature. Yet more and more worship leaders and composers in the last half-decade are speaking out regarding the need for more songs focusing on God and his attributes to be written and sung. Mike Pilavachi, pastor of the UK Soul Survivor movement, asks: “How many songs do we sing that are just about God and do not (emphasis added) bring us into the story? How often is God not only the object but also the center of our worship? I am sure we need to sing more songs that praise Him for who He is, irrespective of what He has done for us.”[1] Louie Giglio, leader of the Passion youth worship movement, echoes Pilavachi’s sentiments: “So if you want a quick glimpse into how small you are (in relation to the whole of creation) as a leader, take note of which pronouns consume you: ‘His,’ ‘He’ and ‘Yours"; or ‘I,’ ‘me’ and ‘mine.’”[2]
Sally Morgenthaler, author of Worship Evangelism, speaks of her own journey as a worship leader and planner, and how she has come to recognize the need to put primary focus during worship on vertical communion with God rather than horizontal reflection:
"As a young worship leader, I focused on creating worship experiences, on making sure people felt like they’d met God before they left. As a worship planner, I still ask myself the question, how are people going to encounter God in this time of worship? But increasingly, I’m focusing on the God of our experience, not the experience itself. The reason for this is that it’s entirely possible to feel close to God without really focusing on who He is. It’s entirely possible to work ourselves into a worship euphoria without distinguishing between god generic and God incarnate. And in this age of spiritual pluralism, that difference is pivotal."[3]
THE WORSHIP LEADER’S NEED FOR A SOLID BIBLICAL FOUNDATION
One of the key reasons I chose to attend seminary was because I believe that effective worship leading is greatly enhanced with solid biblical teaching at a level that can best be provided through seminary training. If worship leaders are truly taking a larger role in the life of the church and their position during the weekly service, a well-developed theological and biblical groundwork needs to be in place to guide their decisions in music selections as well as their leadership towards others. A casual understanding of biblical truths and/or an incomplete comprehension of theological issues (especially when facing a congregation that potentially brings with them a myriad of experiences, opinions and perspectives) can hinder a worship leader’s ability to best minister to their congregation. British recording artist and worship leader Vicky Beeching addresses this very issue when reflecting on her theological training:
"I chose to study Theology with the aim of going into full time worship ministry afterwards. I always hoped that it would have a good affect on my song writing and worship leading, and it did. My lyric writing improved as I got to know the Bible in more depth, and I could be sure that I wasn’t writing heresy! It also taught me a lot about church history, and biblical interpretation which has been useful in my teaching and seminars. Parts of the course were challenging, as some views taught at Oxford were more liberal than my own beliefs. But I learned to only take on board the things that sat right with me. Overall it was a great experience, and I came away with a rounded view of what people think of Christianity and an even stronger commitment to my own beliefs."[4]
ENDNOTES:
[1] Mike Pilavachi, “God Centered”; available from http://www.worshiptogether.com/features/article.aspx?iid=218176; Internet; accessed 17 November 2006.
[2] Louie Giglio, “Little Leaders”; available from http://www.worshiptogether.com/features/article.aspx?iid=218191; Internet; accessed 17 November 2006.
[3] Graham Kendrick, Mike Pilavachi, and Sally Morgenthaler, “The One Thing”; available from http://www.worshiptogether.com/features/article.aspx?iid=218192; Internet; accessed 17 November 2006.
[4] Interview with Vicki Beeching, “A New Voice From England”; available from http://www.worshiptogether.com/features/article.aspx?iid=260103; Internet; accessed 17 November 2006
Much discussion has been made over the distinction between church music that is sung to God (or about God) and songs about our relationship with God. Since its inception, modern praise and worship music has often been criticized for being overly abundant with lyrics that are relational in nature. Yet more and more worship leaders and composers in the last half-decade are speaking out regarding the need for more songs focusing on God and his attributes to be written and sung. Mike Pilavachi, pastor of the UK Soul Survivor movement, asks: “How many songs do we sing that are just about God and do not (emphasis added) bring us into the story? How often is God not only the object but also the center of our worship? I am sure we need to sing more songs that praise Him for who He is, irrespective of what He has done for us.”[1] Louie Giglio, leader of the Passion youth worship movement, echoes Pilavachi’s sentiments: “So if you want a quick glimpse into how small you are (in relation to the whole of creation) as a leader, take note of which pronouns consume you: ‘His,’ ‘He’ and ‘Yours"; or ‘I,’ ‘me’ and ‘mine.’”[2]
Sally Morgenthaler, author of Worship Evangelism, speaks of her own journey as a worship leader and planner, and how she has come to recognize the need to put primary focus during worship on vertical communion with God rather than horizontal reflection:
"As a young worship leader, I focused on creating worship experiences, on making sure people felt like they’d met God before they left. As a worship planner, I still ask myself the question, how are people going to encounter God in this time of worship? But increasingly, I’m focusing on the God of our experience, not the experience itself. The reason for this is that it’s entirely possible to feel close to God without really focusing on who He is. It’s entirely possible to work ourselves into a worship euphoria without distinguishing between god generic and God incarnate. And in this age of spiritual pluralism, that difference is pivotal."[3]
THE WORSHIP LEADER’S NEED FOR A SOLID BIBLICAL FOUNDATION
One of the key reasons I chose to attend seminary was because I believe that effective worship leading is greatly enhanced with solid biblical teaching at a level that can best be provided through seminary training. If worship leaders are truly taking a larger role in the life of the church and their position during the weekly service, a well-developed theological and biblical groundwork needs to be in place to guide their decisions in music selections as well as their leadership towards others. A casual understanding of biblical truths and/or an incomplete comprehension of theological issues (especially when facing a congregation that potentially brings with them a myriad of experiences, opinions and perspectives) can hinder a worship leader’s ability to best minister to their congregation. British recording artist and worship leader Vicky Beeching addresses this very issue when reflecting on her theological training:
"I chose to study Theology with the aim of going into full time worship ministry afterwards. I always hoped that it would have a good affect on my song writing and worship leading, and it did. My lyric writing improved as I got to know the Bible in more depth, and I could be sure that I wasn’t writing heresy! It also taught me a lot about church history, and biblical interpretation which has been useful in my teaching and seminars. Parts of the course were challenging, as some views taught at Oxford were more liberal than my own beliefs. But I learned to only take on board the things that sat right with me. Overall it was a great experience, and I came away with a rounded view of what people think of Christianity and an even stronger commitment to my own beliefs."[4]
ENDNOTES:
[1] Mike Pilavachi, “God Centered”; available from http://www.worshiptogether.com/features/article.aspx?iid=218176; Internet; accessed 17 November 2006.
[2] Louie Giglio, “Little Leaders”; available from http://www.worshiptogether.com/features/article.aspx?iid=218191; Internet; accessed 17 November 2006.
[3] Graham Kendrick, Mike Pilavachi, and Sally Morgenthaler, “The One Thing”; available from http://www.worshiptogether.com/features/article.aspx?iid=218192; Internet; accessed 17 November 2006.
[4] Interview with Vicki Beeching, “A New Voice From England”; available from http://www.worshiptogether.com/features/article.aspx?iid=260103; Internet; accessed 17 November 2006
02 April 2009
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