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...
04 September 2007
16 May 2007
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.
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!
******
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
**************
Thanks for reading! More to come...
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!
******
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
**************
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.
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.
09 April 2007
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.
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.
27 March 2007
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.
12 March 2007
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). :-)
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). :-)
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