Preparing for Lent

What comes to your mind when you hear terms such as “Lent” or “Ash Wednesday”?  Your response would certainly be shaped by your past spiritual experiences—or inexperience—with these annual events.  Some of us who previously worshiped in a “high church” tradition (Catholic, Lutheran, Episcopalian, etc.) might remember ashes on the forehead, fasting and prayer, or abstaining from something such as meat or smoking.  Others, including many of us who have been life-long practicing Baptists, have had little or no experience with Lent-related practices.

Traditionally, Lent has functioned within the church as a time of preparation for believers, helping them to meditate upon the crucifixion and resurrection for a forty day period, culminating during Good Friday and Easter Sunday.  The symbolism of “forty days” is related to the forty days Jesus spent in the wilderness, fasting and praying before he entered into public ministry.  Over the centuries, Christians have developed various disciplines to help them focus during the period of Lent, including fasting and prayer, as well as other forms of abstinence and self-denial.

In recent years, we have gently explored the season of Lent at Altadena Baptist Church, making an effort to more intentionally prepare for Easter in the weeks preceding it.  This year, we have chosen to work more methodically through this Lenten period, but in ways that are geared to address the needs and spiritual journeys within our own congregation.  Our expression of Lent in the coming weeks won’t necessarily look like the way Lent is  practiced in other churches; we will seek to find unique ways to examine the challenges of living our lives for Christ in a world filled with distractions and temptations.  We will consider the cost of committing and devoting ourselves to Christ, remembering along the way the cost that Christ himself paid for us through his own death.  For the next six Sundays, our pastors will be preaching on Scriptures concerning Jesus’ final days as he approached the reality of the cross.  The other elements of our worship services will supplement the content of the sermons, and will also focus on various disciplines that we are called as Christians to practice daily, not simply during the season of Lent.  These disciplines include such themes as confession, sacrifice, humility and compassion, forgiveness, perseverance, and faithfulness.

We invite you to join us at ABC on Wednesday, February 22, at 7:00 PM, for an evening of worship and reflection, as we officially enter into Lent as a community.  It will be unlike any other Ash Wednesday service you may have attended, but it will be true to who we are as the Altadena Baptist Church family of believers.  The service will be a meaningful way for us to prepare for what promises to be a spiritually enriching opportunity for us, both individually and corporately.

A Moment in Time and Space, Part 2

If you came here because today as a result of my recent article for the ABC Messenger, congratulations! (For the rest of you, you might want to read this linked article first.) Below are the lyrics for the songs we will be singing this Sunday at Altadena Baptist Church. For those who will be worshipping with us this weekend, please feel free to read them once or meditate upon the lyrics throughout the week. (For the rest of you, this might not be the blog entry you're looking for.  You can go about your business...  move along.)

You can also download the lyrics through this link.

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HOW GOOD AND PLEASANT

Tommy Walker

How good and pleasant it is when we dwell together in unity

And praise the Lord, praise the Lord!

How good and pleasant it is when we dwell together in unity

And praise the Lord, praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!

Showers of blessing, showers they fall;

When we love and live in unity, when we lift one voice, loud and strong!

©2000 Integrity’s Praise Music/BMI. CCLI License No. 67437

*****

EVERYDAY

Joel Houston

What to say, Lord, it’s You who gave me life,

And I can’t explain just how much you mean to me;

Now that You have saved me, Lord, I give all that I am to You,

That everyday I can be a light that shines Your name!

Everyday, Lord, I’ll learn to stand upon Your Word,

And I pray that I, that I might come to know You more;

That You would guide me in ev’ry single step I take,

That everyday I can be a light unto the world!

Everyday it’s You I’ll live for, everyday I’ll follow after You;

Everyday I’ll walk with You, my Lord!

It’s You I live for everyday, it’s You I live for everyday,

It’s You I live for everyday!

©1999 Joel Houston (Hillsong) (Admin. in U.S. & Canada by Integrity's Hosanna! Music). CCLI License No. 67437.

*****

THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT

Bill Fiala

I love You, Lord, with all my soul,

With all my mind, with all my strength.

I love You, Lord, with all my heart,

With all I am for who You are.

Because You loved me first, I love You, Lord.

© 1996 Bill Fiala. CCLI License No. 67437

*****

HOW DEEP THE FATHER’S LOVE FOR US
Stuart Townend

How deep the Father's love for us, how vast beyond all measure,

That He should give His only Son to make a wretch His treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss; the Father turns His face away,
As wounds which mar the Chosen One bring many sons to glory.

Behold, the man upon a cross, my sin upon His shoulders;

Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life—I know that it is finished.

I will not boast in anything, bo gifts, no power, no wisdom;

But I will boast in Jesus Christ: His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer;
But this I know with all my heart: His wounds have paid my ransom.

© 1995 Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing). All rights Reserved. CCLI License No. 67437.

*****

CENTER OF MY JOY
Gloria Gaither, Richard Smallwood, and William J. Gaither

Jesus, You're the center of my joy.

All that's good and perfect comes from You.
You're the heart of my contentment, hope for all I do;
Jesus, You're the center of my joy.

When I've lost my direction, You're the compass for my way;

You're the fire and light when nights are long and cold.
In sadness You are the laughter that shatters all my fears;
When I'm all alone, Your hand is there to hold.

You are why I find pleasure in the simple things of life,
You're the music in the meadows and the streams;
The voices of the children, my fam'ly and my home,
You're the source and finish of my highest dreams.

Jesus, You're the center of my joy.

All that's good and perfect comes from You.
You're the heart of my contentment, hope for all I do;

Jesus… You are… the center… of my joy…

© 1987 William J. Gaither, Inc. | Century Oak Publishing Group | Richwood Music ARR UBP of Gaither Copyright Management | (Admin. by MCS Music America, Inc.) | (Admin. by MCS Music America, Inc.) CCLI License No. 67437.

*****
NEARER, MY GOD, TO THEE
Text: Sarah F. Adams
Music: Lowell Mason

Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!

E’en though it be a cross that raiseth me;
Still all my song shall be, nearer my God, to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee.

Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down,

Darkness be over me, my rest a stone;
Yet in my dreams I’d be nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee.

There let the way appear steps unto heav’n,

All that Thou sendeth me in mercy giv’n;
Angels to beckon me nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee.

Then, with my waking thoughts bright with Thy praise,

Out of my stony griefs, Bethel I’ll raise;
So by my woes to be nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee.

Public Domain

*****

THE WONDERFUL CROSS

Original music based on a Gregorian chant; arranged by Lowell Mason, original lyrics by Isaac Watts
Arrangement by Jesse Reeves and Chris Tomlin; refrain lyrics by Chris Tomlin and J.D. Walt

When I survey the wondrous cross

On which the Prince of Glory died
My richest gain I count but loss
And pour contempt on all my pride

See from his head, his hands, his feet

Sorrow and love flow mingled down
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet
Or thorns compose so rich a crown

O the wonderful cross, O the wonderful cross

Bids me come and die and find that I may truly live

O the wonderful cross, O the wonderful cross

All who gather here by grace draw near and bless your name

Were the whole realm of nature mine

That were an offering far too small
Love so amazing, so divine
Demands my soul, my life, my all

Arrangement ©2000 Rivermusic Songs/sixstepspublishing. CCLI License No. 67437

STATIONS mentioned in local Altadena blog

A local blog for the city of Altadena genorously posted an article regarding our Good Friday service.  You can read it by clicking here.

Merry Christmas!

Like many others, Shanti and I are using the Internet to send out our Christmas greetings this year. (Why not, it's FREE!) Anyway, we invite you to click here for your viewing/downloading/printing pleasure.

May the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit bless you richly in the coming new year.

Advent

We were blessed this last Sunday to have a few of our church members share their artistic talents as we entered the Advent season. My friend (and fellow band member) Tim read a poem he had written, and another friend, Matt, provided a series of realtime drawings that were inspired by Tim's poem. We had a videocamera capture Matt sketching out the drawings as the poem progressed, and I provided music inspired by both the poem and the drawings.

I want to post more about how this all worked and how it impacted our corporate worship, but in the meantime, you can read the poem and see the drawings here.

Even More Easter Musings

For a nice article by Bono regarding Easter and other things...

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/19/opinion/19bono.html?_r=1

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!

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!

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.

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.

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

Back To the Blog Redux

Yeah, yeah, I know. Let's see if I can keep current THIS time...

Back to the Blog

For the vast multitudes who have missed me while I've been gone...

I'm back.

I suspect that the part of my brain that remained committed to maintaining this blog decided to shut down once finals were over at Fuller last June. Not that I haven't had any strong thoughts regarding worship since then... I just plain forgot to make it over to this here web page.

As previously hinted, some significant things have developed that have impacted me as a worship leader...

1) ATTRITION
At church, we've struggled with some significant losses on our worship team over the last few months. Back around Easter time, we had the luxury of multiple individuals who could fill in playing most instruments (except, naturally, PIANO) in our rotation. As of now, we basically have one bass guitarist, one rhythm guitarist, and one "switch-hitter". (We were down to one drummer again during the summer, but are gratefully not only back up to two, but three!) Not only am I grateful for the past blessings of a large rotation, but I am looking forward to how God will continue to provide in the coming month. (Translation for those who don't speak Church: "I miss our old friends, but God hasn't let us down yet.")

The loss of worship team members has allowed for some unexpected creativity in putting together weekly teams. We've had some strong Sundays with vocals stepping up a notch; we've had a few fun almost "unplugged" services; I even got to have fun by playing bass on a few tunes a month ago. (I don't know how fun THAT was for the congregation, though.) And I've enjoyed watching the talents of those "who remain" being stretched and challenged.

2) OPPORTUNITY
I find myself this fall with an additional opportunity to grow as a worship leader: I've been chosen as one of six "chapel interns" for Fuller Seminary during the 2007-08 year. The six of us will work together with faculty and staff to plan and coordinate the weekly chapel services held each Wednesday on campus.

Last Thursday, I attended an all-day retreat for the six of us, along with our supervisor, Ed Willmington, and the current director of chapel, Doug Nason. During the last hour of our retreat, we discussed the first four or five chapels of the school year and did some brainstorming. After almost a decade of planning worship services essentially on my own, it was both refreshing and disconcerting to have to plan and brainstorm in a committee. Definitely a positive experience, but a very new one as well.

More to come...

Leading Worship in Spirit and Truth, Part 1

THE WORSHIP LEADER’S ROLE AS A PASTORAL ROLE

Disappearing are the days where the person in charge of church music simply picked good songs, clocked in and out for rehearsals on Wednesday evenings, and sat politely on Sunday mornings until the various songs were performed. For churches that employ modern worship music, the leaders find themselves much more integrated into the life of the worship service. They are actively engaged not only with the conducting the music being played on the stage, but with bringing the congregation along into the act of corporate worship. A worship leader must lead with insight and compassion, recognizing their role as an integral part of the ministry to the congregation. British worship leader Noel Richards says, “A worship leader does need to lead with a pastor’s heart. God is passionately in love with us—whether we respond to Him or not. He loves His Church and we need to love those who we are trying to lead—even though at times we get frustrated with the lack of response.”[1] Casey Corum, worship pastor and director of production for Vineyard Music USA, elaborates: “We must lead (worship leaders) all the way to a pastoral love for the church; loving and serving people through their gifts.”[2]

Today’s popular worship leaders suggest that many of the roles associated with head pastors are also the responsibility of worship leaders. Vineyard worship leader Danny Daniels speaks of how the worship leader often acts as intercessor on behalf of the congregation:

"When we lead people in worship, we represent God to his people, and the people of God. This is the basic function of the priesthood. As such, a significant part of leading worship is seeking God on behalf of ourselves and the people. Unless he anoints the songs we sing, inhabits our praises and touches us in return as we seek him, we will not have worshipped him effectively. When we pray that these things might be accomplished, we are praying according to his will, and we can be confident of the Spirit leading us into a meaningful worship experience."[3]

Chris Tomlin further suggests that discipling others in the congregation should be a priority for worship leaders: “Always remember that you are responsible to the people you lead. God has placed you there to disciple. Do not be discouraged if they are not where you are spiritually, but continue to love them and lead them by example. This brings glory to God.”[4]

Viewing the role of worship leader as a pastoral role gives proper context and understanding for his or her duties, expectations and directives. Seen by the congregation as not only a leader of music, but as one of the leaders within the church, worship leaders have an awesome responsibility to maintain.

ENDNOTES:
[1] Noel Richards, “Journey Into Worship”; available from http://www.worshiptogether.com/features/article.aspx?iid=218162; Internet; accessed 17 November 2006.

[2] Casey Corum, “Caring for Creatives”; available from http://www.worshiptogether.com/features/article.aspx?iid=259977; Internet; accessed 17 November 2006.

[3] Danny Daniels, “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; Internet; accessed 17 November 2006.

[4] Matt Redman (interviewer), “Chris Tomlin”; available from http://www.worshiptogether.com/features/article.aspx?iid=218185; Internet; accessed 17 November 2006.

Leading Worship in Spirit and Truth (Introduction)

Last fall, I had to write a paper about worship leading and some of the thoughts future and emerging leaders should consider. I enjoyed writing the paper, but since it was assignment, I promptly forgot all about it when the term was over... until a friend recently mentioned that she had read it and appreciated the ideas I wrote about. (Thanks, Amanda!)

Sooo... I thought I'd share those same thoughts in this blog. There are five themes I explored regarding the role and responsibilty of today's worship leaders, drawn from the examples suggested by some of today's prominent worship leaders around the world. I'll start by re-printing the introduction in this post, and later postings will look at each of those five themes. Hope this is encouraging and helpful not only to worship leaders, but to congregants who recognize the growing role that worship leaders play in today's churches!

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In the past twenty years, an increasing number of Western churches have seen the rise of a new role in church leadership: that of the worship leader. The shift for many congregations from traditional forms of music (including hymns and choral music) to modern choruses (often labeled as “praise and worship” music) has resulted in an increase of visibility, responsibility and accountability for those responsible for church music. In terms of visibility, many worship leaders spend as much time (if not more) during a weekly service in front of a congregation as the preaching pastor. Secondly, worship leaders carry the responsibility of maintaining regular dialogue with the pastors, coordinating with audio/visual technicians, and overseeing other musicians. Finally, worship leaders—like other church leaders—need to be accountable to the church body in regards to their interactions with others, along with how their personal walks with the Lord impact the life of the church.

Numerous leaders among the modern worship movement from the United States and the United Kingdom have spoken out about their concerns and values concerning the demands that press upon today’s worship leaders. After an examination of many of their interviews and articles from the last several years, some recurring themes emerge regarding their suggestions to fellow worship leaders. In future posts, I will attempt to discuss five such principles, principles that deal less with the technical nature of music and more in terms of leadership style, spiritual formation and wisdom in decision-making.

1. THE WORSHIP LEADER’S ROLE AS A PASTORAL ROLE
2. THE WORSHIP LEADER’S RESPONSIBILITY TO POINT TO GOD (not “ME”)
3. THE WORSHIP LEADER’S NEED FOR A SOLID BIBLICAL FOUNDATION
4. THE WORSHIP LEADER’S POSITION AS MENTOR
5. THE WORSHIP LEADER’S WITNESS AS A LIVING EXAMPLE

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Thanks for reading! More to come...

All By Myself

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to lead worship on a Sunday morning on my own. Just me, myself and I. No other vocalists, no guitars or drums, not even the comfort of a steady set of bongos. Just me and the piano for the entire service.

Initially, I knew that the Sunday in question was a week where many members of the worship team were going to be unavailable (out of town or otherwise committed to something else) that day. If I wanted to, I could have conjured up a person or two to help me out. But as I began planning the order of service for that Sunday, I decided that I would keep the schedule as it was and try it out by myself for a change. I've had the opportunity to stretch myself as a worship leader in the last year by experimenting with different formats (like that quasi-liturgy we did for Palm Sunday, which went very well, by the way) and different set-ups than the same ol' thing every week. Here was another chance to try something new.

Now, having said that, I have to admit that I don't really like leading all by myself. Of course, I did it for several years when I led chapel services at a Christian elementary school, but that was a very different audience with a different set of songs (mostly upbeat, "happy-clappy" stuff). But despite having grown up in the midst of my congregation and knowing them fairly well, it was still nervewracking. One of the beautiful things about being a piano player--and leading from the piano--is that there's a level of comfort and protection that you feel, sitting behind a large, black, blocky instrument several hundred pounds in weight. Feeling more confident as a pianist than a vocalist, it's easy to "hide" behind the keyboard while playing. Even though I'm the lead vocalist in leading worship, other vocalists singing helps me not feel so... well, exposed.

Fears aside, I went ahead and led by myself on the Sunday in question. And it went well, by most accounts. And the nerves disappeared, for the most part. (Of course, being the one who also picks the songs, it was easy to compensate by choosing songs that I felt strongest as singer and pianist.) I'm fine if the opportunity doesn't come around again for a loooong time, but I'm grateful for the chance I had to step up.

Life, Death, New Life

Easter is the celebration of new life. Plenty of poignant reminders of the cycle of life, death, and new life seem to surround me this year as I reflect on the past few weeks.

Obviously, we look first to the example of what we celebrate on Easter morning, not to mention every Sunday morning that we gather together as church communities around the world. Christ experienced the reality of human death, and He demonstrated the victory over that same death on the third day.

In the midst of celebrating that very victory at church this past Easter Sunday, our congregation rejoiced in seeing and hearing our brother Scott during prayer time. He's the one I mentioned in a previous prayer request. Just under two weeks ago, we were considering the very real possibility that Scott would be going home to be with God. Evidently, God had other things in mind, as Scott was released from the hospital last Thursday. He even surprised us by stopping by at a party held at our house Saturday night. Talk about a great Easter illustration.

This past week also allowed me to reflect on resurrection from a second, contrasting perspective. April 1 was the birthday of my father, who passed away in 2003. Holidays and anniversaries (such as birthdays) are among the times when you miss a loved one the most after they've passed away. Easter also reminds us that we have not only a hope, but a firm conviction that death is not the end of the story for us. Jesus' promise of eternal life reminds me that I will be reunited with my father again someday, as we will both rejoice together in the presence of our Heavenly Father.

And in the midst of all of the talk of mortality, my best friend from childhood is pregnant with her second child while preparing to celebrate the third birthday of her first child (better remember to go shopping this week). Though we are not related by blood, I can't help but feel immense happiness whenever I hear little Jacob call me "Uncle Glenn." The joy of new life abounds.

When I reflect back on Easter 2007, I might have trouble remembering what songs we sang, or what we had for Easter dinner (which was quite delicious, thank you). I will remember that God chose to bless me with amazing lessons that helped bring out the true joy and Grace of the resurrection.

Christ is risen. He is risen indeed.

Remember Where You're From...

(Taken from this week's church newsletter)

I’ve been at Altadena Baptist for almost 30 years now, but I haven’t been a card-carrying Baptist for my entire life. When my parents immigrated to the States from the Philippines in the late 1960’s, their only church experience was that of the Catholic Church (like all good Filipinos). I was never confirmed in the Church, but I still have strong memories of attending Mass and experiencing the care and compassion of various priests and nuns at some of the Catholic schools I attended in primary school.

It was in 1979 when my father and I were first introduced to Altadena Baptist Church. I remember my dad talking about how it was a major adjustment getting used to an entirely different way of worshiping on a Sunday morning. All he had learned about corporate worship had been shaped by over 40 years of being a Catholic, and it took him quite a while to adjust to what he considered “acceptable” church behavior. The hymns, prayers, and sermon styles at ABC were a far cry from the liturgies and homilies he was used to. (I even have a faint memory of one of our first communion experiences at ABC, with my dad awkwardly holding the cup of juice and having no idea what to do.) However, in the final years of his life, though he wasn’t able to attend our church regularly due to issues of health and transportation, he considered ABC his church home—the place where he felt most comfortable spending time with God on a Sunday morning, and the place where he felt truly accepted by a body of believers, regardless of past mistakes or personal shortcomings.

We talk often about the ethnic and cultural diversity that makes up our congregation at ABC, but we should also remember that the members of our congregation come from a wide range of denominational experiences. We have had Presbyterians and Pentecostals, Anglicans and Foursquares (Foursquarians?), Quakers and non-denominationals among our midst. People representing the three main branches of Christianity—Catholicism, Protestantism, and Orthodoxy—have descended upon our little church and made it their spiritual home of the years. Many of those individuals have selflessly set aside their former practices or ideas about church, the things that have made them feel “comfortable” in the past, in order to become an active part of our diverse community here at ABC. Even those who have been members of this church for several years have experienced a similar journey as our understanding of worship has grown and evolved over the past few decades.

Our rich denominational background continues to guide us in the Worship Department in our examination of how we best express ourselves corporately in worship. Of course, it’s impossible to acknowledge over one hundred different experiences of church life from Sunday to Sunday. But we continually try to be aware of the rich heritage of worship experiences among our church family, as well as listening to how God desires us to demonstrate His love and Gospel to future generations. It continues to be a work in process; something that mirrors the process that God’s Spirit works in each of our lives, always in continual transformation as we seek to live according to His will and His ways.

For our Palm Sunday service this coming Sunday, we will experience worship through a template unfamiliar to some of us—worship through a liturgy. A liturgy is a pre-determined set of readings and prayers found in denominations such as the Episcopal or Catholic church. This liturgy will be accented with other congregational activities that will express the sentiments of Holy Week, and will climax with the Celebration of the Lord’s Supper (done in the traditional “ABC” style). It is an amalgamation of age-old church tradition and contemporary expression. It will be a bit of a stretch for most of us, but will hopefully also be a good exercise of recognizing some of Christianity’s history (with a slightly post-modern spin). Most of all, it will allow us to focus on the solemn reality of the events leading up to Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. We invite you to visit with us this Sunday at Altadena Baptist, and we hope you would do so with open minds and open hearts as we thank God for His mercy and the repentance we receive from Him through his Son, Jesus Christ.

To Tell the Truth (a lesson in Grace, humility, and/or the lack thereof)

I hope seminary doesn't make me into a jerk.

My last post talked about my chance to attend a few different worship services last weekend. Well, the first one I went to was a place where several good friends attend. Before the service started, I was looking through the bulletin/handout, and read a statement that just didn't sound theologically sound--especially after having taken a course regarding the same topic last quarter. When two good friends came up to my wife and me to ask my opinion about the quotes in the flyer, I clearly barked out my disapproval regarding the aforementioned statement. After an awkward silence, one of my friends told me that the person who prepared the bulletin was well meaning, but didn't have the same theological training I was currently getting. I just shrugged my shoulders, and as the band started into the first song, both friends walked back to their seats.

It took my amazingly wise and perceptive wife to call me out later that evening, telling me that what I said wasn't really appropriate.

"But I'm right, aren't I?" I said in defense.

"Probably, but that certainly wasn't the right time or the right way to say what you said," she calmly answered.

I shrugged my shoulders again and tried to focus on the song being played by the band. But it sunk in during the next few minutes... even if I was correct about my observation about the bulletin,I had absolutely no tact or grace in how I spoke to my friends, my sisters in Christ.

Perhaps as God's way of putting an exclamation point on this whole lesson in humility, the person who likely was hurt the most by my words came up to me and actually tried to apologize for reacting badly to my comments. I told her that the only one who needed to apologize was me, and I did so. We even ended up having a great discussion about the topic in question, and any fractures caused by my actions were quickly repaired.

Being at Fuller has been a fantastic experience; my time in this program has exceeded all of my expectations. I often feel that my brain cannot possibly absorb all that I've learned about myself, my God, and the world I hope to minister to in the futre. But instances like last Friday night haven't been unique lately. I feel led to be able to utilize what I'm learning in seminary, but I haven't quite found the balance of how to communicate truth tactfully or lovingly. At least, not all the time. I pray for more and more Grace each day, comforted by the fact that God is willing to give it. The last thing I want to do is become one of the very things that frustrates me about much of modern Western Christianity--one who thinks that dispensing truth means railroading over a person's place in their own journey. Who wants to receive a Message from a self-righteous Messenger?

God, grant us all wisdom and Grace as we share the truth of Your Word and of Your Love. May people see You when they witness our actions and words.

PS... Lord, had I mentioned lately how AWESOME my wife is? Thank You for such a wise and caring partner who isn't afraid to speak honestly (yet compassionately). :-)

In the Same Boat

I had the opportunity to attend two other worship services besides my own this weekend. I spoke to the worship leader at the first church, and the director of media at the second. In both cases, there was dialog about the challenges and graces involved with watching volunteers coming and going over the course of time. Though both churches were extremely different than my own (the first being a small niche service geared towards those in substance recovery, and the second being essentially a megachurch), it was a comfort to hear that all of us in leadership positions deal with many of the same issues regarding getting team members to commit, to be consistent, etc. It was a good feeling to know that someone leading a church of thousands had something common with little ol' me and my itty bitty church on a corner in the foothills.

About five or six years ago, I toyed with the idea of trying to set up a network where local worship leaders could get together to allow time to unpack and process, to be themselves among others who understand the joys and pressures of leading a congregation. I never really got anything going with that (getting married does change your prioritites!), but recent events, along with my time at Fuller these past two years, is bringing the idea to the surface again. Lead pastors often have these kinds of networks, it seems that worship leaders should, too! Hmm, I'll have to let this simmer some more... any ideas out there?