WORSHIP @ home & on the road

Be A Good Worship Donkey

2011-03-03T14:57:00.005-05:00

Have you ever had a conversation about familiar things with someone who approaches the subject from a completely different frame of reference than you do? It can be frustrating. Other times it can be enlightening!

It can be tricky for me to explain to people outside of my Christian sub-culture exactly what it is I do as a worship leader. Hard to balance the clinical description with the mystical because there's practical and spiritual intertwined.

One experience I had trying to make the explanation, though, blew me away. I was meeting a newly-acquired relative for one of the first times and getting acquainted. He came from a very different frame of reference than the Canadian suburban Evangelical church I grew up in. His experience with religion came from growing up in South-America in a Catholic environment.

My wife and I tried to explain a little bit of what I do in leading worship at church and his paraphrased summary reply caught us seriously off guard with it's depth. He said "So you're kinduv like the donkey that carried Jesus on it's back to the people."

My wife and I nodded tentatively, not sure where this was going…

He continued, "But when a donkey get's proud, it rears up and Jesus would've fallen off the back - So don't get too proud!"

Wow. My wife and I stood there amazed as he walked away. How deep was that? Where did this come from out of the blue? Who knew? But what a great thought and fresh perspective. James 4:6 says that God gives grace to the humble, but he opposes the proud. Isaiah 48:11 tells us God will not share His glory with anyone. To vie for personal attention in that position is to forfeit your usefulness and render yourself detrimental to the cause, possibly even harming your guest of honor.

Now its kinduv an inside joke with my wife and I. Often, when I'm about to go up on stage and lead worship somewhere, she'll say to me "Don't let Jesus fall off your back!" ~ Good reminder.

Worship Without a Song to Sing?

2010-10-22T13:20:00.003-04:00

I recently came across an very creative article by Tom Kraeuter called "Worship Songs On Strike". Written as a fictitious press release / news story, it's one of the most interesting approaches I've seen to writing about worship ever; personifying worship songs and having them walk out of churches because people aren't singing them with sincerity - if at all. Perhaps worth checking out.

Kinduv a side-thought in a similar vein; what would I do, what would you do to express your love and worship for God if we didn't have songs to sing to Him? Singing is often the easy way to worship and therefore abused and taken for granted. I lead the singing of worship for a living. I love it, and I'm so glad God has given all of us that natural human expression to respond to Him.

But what would we do to show our appreciation for our God if we didn't have that outlet? - If all the songs "walked off the job" and left us without that option? Perhaps things we should all be doing anyways?

Pressure to Perform in Worship Leading

2010-09-07T19:20:00.005-04:00

Whether you're leading at home or out on the road there can be a real pressure to 'perform'. If the last time you lead worship was an amazing time - how do you live up to the expectations to repeat those results? There can be very real pressure to attain or re-create the scenario again and again. Or if you're on the road and you're leading people only once, maybe you have a reputation to uphold or CDs to sell… Unfortunately there's a consumer culture we've built around what we know as worship music these days - and it's so not what our worship is intended to be.

Perhaps we've mistakenly associated God with the feelings of elation we feel during high points in music? If we don't feel those did we not meet with God? How can we 'conjure' up the right feelings each time? Is there a formula of things we can say or sing to make the manifest presence of God 'show up'? God is not manipulated by magic words and He's not subject to systems; yet sometimes as worship leaders we're only perceived to be as good as the last set of feelings we served up. It's this pressure to perform in our consumer churches that leads to worship leaders and pastors using tactics of manipulation to achieve the good results we all want to see and be a part of. Its cyclical.

As a worship leader, even with this understanding of what worship is and isn't, you're still living and ministering in a context that may not quite get that - or even serving a pastor who's distracted or pressured themself into forgetting. So your worship leading abilities are being judged and compared. There are worship CDs and DVDs to live up to and all the Randys, Paulas and Simons out there are filling out their score cards. Do you measure up?

How do YOU deal with the pressure to perform in your ministry?

How can you (as a worship leader) improve your relationship with your Pastor?

2010-09-03T23:12:00.003-04:00

Great little article by Rory Noland and the National Worship Leader Conference: "How can you (as a worship leader) improve your relationship with your Pastor?" worth the short read!

ARTICLE

A Day With Michael W Smith

2010-08-27T14:21:00.027-04:00

They say you should never meet your heros because you'll be let down.

I've been a big Michael W Smith fan for 22 years now since "Secret Ambition" on the i 2 (eye) album. (wow, writing that makes me sound old) I could list here a myriad of superfan things I've done over the years - but that would only highlight how lame I can be. I am not 'like that' though with anyone else. He's just always been my favorite.

Most often when someone comes to my merch table after a performance and starts their sentence with "He really sounds a lot like..." My wife can complete the thought for them: "Michael W Smith" In some ways I s'pose its intentional on my part and in other ways it's not, its just me. But suffice to say he has been a big influence in my life and music - consciously or not. Personally I think he's a musical genius with incredible longevity. He's coming up on a 3 decade career and his newest CD "Wonder" (Sept 28 2010) which I was blessed with an advance copy of, is as good as any he's done! (you need to get it! - EP available now) So even a fleeting comparison to him - I'll take it, with thanks.

I recently had the honor of working on a track for my upcoming album with Smitty and producer/engineer extrordinaire, Bryan Lenox, who Michael teamed up with on 'Wonder' as well as 'Go West Young Man", "Freedom" and "This Is Your Time". Wow. What a day. Living Ps 37:4 "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." This had always been one of mine. I chose to cover a favorite Smitty songs that I've always wanted to cover. Michael played/programmed/produced/arranged it and I sang. Now, the first time I ever met Smitty years ago I could hardly string words into a sentence. But this time I actually managed to sing - even with him filming me! Growth! :) We're thrilled with the result and can't wait for you to hear it.

All in all it was an amazing experience. Michael and his team were gracious hosts, exceeding expectations on all levels and treating us like gold well outside the bounds of our arrangement. Not saying he's perfect based on that. He's a man - none of us are. But we only ever hear great things about Michael - can't say that about everyone. After 20+ years in a business based on relationships you have a reputation. Good bad or ugly. "A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold." (Pr 22:1 ) Props to Michael for managing to do it all. So let me just add our experience to his credit and give honor where honor is due. Fabulously talented and quality person simultaneously. Rare.

We broke 'the rules', met a 'hero' and were far from disappointed.

Probly bigger fans than ever now in a new way! :)

For more pics from the studio (video coming too) and to be in the loop for the release of the song come visit me on facebook!

KINGDOM KOMPETITION

2010-08-21T10:23:00.003-04:00

It's a crazy thought that competition would ever be a factor in the Kingdom of God. Aren't we all after the same thing? Aren't we different parts of the same body? Yet even the early church in 1 Corinthians 1:10-12 had already started competing with each other - and we still do today. How easy it is for us to lose the plot and forget that it's not about us, our egos, our pride, our legacy, our name - or even our dreams.

If I am very honest (difficult in an open blog format) I would have to tell you I have struggled with a competitive spirit before and must continually fight to keep it in check. I have spoken to other worship leaders who feel the same too. It's a continual battle to keep perspective on what really matters and trust in God to use you in His way and timing rather than vie for position. We must remember that "position" as we look at it on earth means nothing to God. In fact he sees things in reverse.

Our world - even our Christian subculture - wants to reward outward performance. There are stats and charts on radio, sales, attendance and popularity even in ministry. Don't get me wrong, not all charts and awards are bad. I refer to them too. In my view its unavoidable. The pressure to participate in the game or feel sidelined or unimportant is huge. People around us will always keep score. It's our human nature. The trick is not to get caught up in it, or care too much - or think that God does AT ALL.

If you struggle with competitive thoughts creeping into your ministry from time to time, as I do, pause and focus again. It's not about us. It's all about Him and the only thing we can take with us into eternity are our souls and the souls of those around us. Everything else gets burned up and never sees the light of heaven.

We are to seek first HIS kingdom and HIS righteousness and trust HIM to add to our lives what we need. (Mat 6:33) Let God promote you in His timing and His way. Even better, work to give up the desire for promotion in the first place and just rest in His unconditional love for you regardless of performance. (Easier said than done, I know)

THERE IS ROOM ENOUGH IN THE KINGDOM FOR ALL OF US.

Even those of us with overlapping talents. It's a big world, ripe for harvest, and the workers, in proportion, are few. Are you doing what God has called you to do in the place and manner in which He has called you to do it? If so, awesome. Take a deep breath and relax because that's called obedience and that's all He really wants for your life. His purposes for us don't focus on earthly attention. He's simply focused on making us look more like Jesus. The only scorecards for that are kept in heaven. Let's do our best to race each other towards THAT goal and let the rest fade away.

Worship Defibrillator Part 4 of 4 - Just Do It

2010-08-12T19:45:00.005-04:00

Fourth and final post on the subject: What do we do when we don't FEEL like worshipping? We all have our days! - This post will be short and sweet.

SUGGESTION #4

Just Do It Anyways

Our worship is faith-based and based on the truth of who God is and what He's done for us. Not our feelings. "Without Faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him" (Heb 11:6) We choose to believe God is who He says He is even when our human eyes or emotions might lead us to doubt. We don't see the big picture yet, but He is a good God even on our bad days!

RIGHT FEELINGS FOLLOW RIGHT ACTIONS

To love a person or love God (worship) are both decisions we make. A couple getting married might feel warm and tingly about it that day but they will not forever - even in the greatest marriage. Instead, there are days when they stand not on goosebumps and spine-tingles but on commitment that goes deeper than the feelings of the moment. A choice. A decision to act in a loving way towards the other.

Surprisingly, when you act out even 'cold' decision-based love the feelings often actually follow even if they did not proceed. Your investment helps pull you back in as well as bless the recipient.

We act on what's right first and then we begin to FEEL like it. (Psalms 103:1-2 “Praise the Lord” I TELL MYSELF with my whole heart, I will praise His holy name. “Praise the Lord” I TELL MYSELF and never forget the good things He does for me!)

Not feeling it? That's okay. Kick your own butt into gear though. A sacrifice of praise to the God who we know, in faith, is worthy of our lavish love. Do it anyways - You'll get there!

Worship Defibrillator Part 3 - Come As You Are

2010-08-03T21:05:00.011-04:00

I've been in the middle of a blog-series lately about "What do we do when we don't feel like worshipping?" I've been there - you've been there.

Here's my 3rd suggestion when you find yourself there:

SUGGESTION #3

Come As You Are Anyways - Approach Him in Your Weakness

All of us are sinners. All of us have issues – many of them lifelong battles. God, more than anyone, knows this. He knows the inmost details of each of our lives and there is no need for masks with him. We pretend with each other sometimes but we don’t need to pretend with Him. He knows what’s really going on anyways. Here’s what you need to do at any time you’re faltering or flat or lost:

RUN TO HIM NOT FROM HIM!

Don’t let your guilt or even unbelief drive you away like Adam and Eve in the garden. God is so big He can transcend any mistake you have ever made and be glorified if you'll just come to Him as you are in humility and repentance. He knows what you’ve DONE, but more than that, He knows what you can BECOME! He’s not coming after you with a stick to beat you for your sin. He’s coming after you with a CROSS to heal you of your sin and help you get back in relationship with Him! That’s what HE CREATED YOU FOR and what HE WANTS more than anything!

Psalms 51:17 says "You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God." Brokenness on earth creates openness in heaven. Isaiah 30:19 says "He will be gracious if you ask for help! He will respond instantly to the sound of your cries!" It’s God's kindness leads us toward repentance (Romans 2:4)

GIVE HIM THE REAL YOU AND LET HIM HEAL YOU!

When you let go and let God, when you come to Him in your weakness and you let Him wash you, and forgive you, you’ll find a release you can get no other way! Remember Luke 7:47 Where Jesus says that he who has been forgiven much loves much? You’ll start to actually even FEEL some of that love right away (even standing in a worship service) once you re-experience some of that grace that made you love Him back in the first place!

"There will always be a voice from the darkness saying you’re not worthy to approach His throne but you are invited to come boldly! You don’t have to be perfect to approach God but your worship may just lift you out of the pit that you’re in right now!" (Tommy Tenney)

Be honest. Take the mask off and lay it all out on the table right where you are. Even if it's standing in a worship service feeling cold and flat, doubting He's even there. Be like the man who said to Jesus, "Lord, I believe, HELP ME OVERCOME MY UNBELIEF" (Mark 9:24)

We don't clean up on on our own and then approach God. We come dirty and broken, wretched and blind - even as doubting Thomas' - and He takes us in, draws us close and changes us with His perfect, patient love. Try him.

Worship Defibrillator Part 2b - How to Get a Bigger Revelation

2010-07-29T19:45:00.005-04:00

So we've covered if you've got small worship you probly have small revelation of who God is. So the next logical thought is: "well, how do I get a bigger revelation of God then?"

Here are a couple suggestions. These are not exhaustive. In fact, I'd love to hear your ideas that I might have missed too!

1. READ THE BIBLE

This is kinduv a no-brainer right? The Bible is God's revelation to us. It tells us who He is, what He's like, what He wants, and what He thinks (including what He thinks of us). The Bible is God's single greatest source of revelation for us. Apart from being on the earth when Jesus walked here with us you're not going to find a better source of revelation of who God is. Period. As we read His Word, which is living and active, it changes us and renews our mind so we can think like God does and see things closer to the lens with which He sees them. (Heb 4:12) (Rom 12:2) His Word stirs faith in our hearts when we read it or hear it. (Rom 10:17) It is God's tool to change us, focus us, and awaken us.

If you don't feel like worshipping and you need a bigger revelation of God, read about who He is and what He's done; or get somewhere where it's being read or taught well and let an understanding of His greatness awaken worship in you again.

2. GET OUT IN NATURE

Romans 1:20 tells us that since the beginning of time God has made who He is plain to mankind through this world He created. Psalms 19:1 tells us, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands" There is an element of being out in God's creation that stirs wonder in us. The vastness of the ocean, the unending sea of stars on a clear night, it all screams to us that there's someone bigger than us at work. Yet the reality is for most of us we hardly see much nature these days. We spend the bulk of our time in man-made enclosures with light pollution and paved roadways. Everything around us points to man with God's creation sidelined. For most of us that's just a fact of life now but it's good to get out and restore wonder and remember God's awesome creation that points to a creator.

3. GET WITH HIS PEOPLE

While people are imperfect and can wound as easily as help sometimes, it's good to be with God's people who know who He is and love Him and can help us re-focus when we're off track, encouraging one another (Heb 10:25) It's also good to hear the testimonies of what God has done in other believers' lives. That can expand our understanding of Him and stir faith in our hearts to trust Him ourselves. There is great power in testimony. (Rev 12:11) What He's done for others He can do for You! Also, it is within the context of a group of worshipers that Jesus has promised to dwell; (Mat 18:20) and in the midst of those believers' praises that God comes and visits, and we can often most readily experience his manifest presence. (Ps 22:3)

4. PRAY

Praying is a two-way street. We talk to God and He talks to us. Often in still small voice. (1 Kng 19:12) If we learn to get to a quiet place regularly and hear from Him he will reveal himself to us.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Suggestions # 2,3 & 4 here all hinge on #1. God will not directly contradict His own word as revealed in the Bible. So any thoughts about God we derive from our time in nature or His people or in our quiet times are all subject to the rock-steady revelation we have from Him in His Word! When in doubt go with the Bible every time!

So - did I miss something?

Another way to expand our revelation of God, and in doing so, expand our worship? I'd love to hear YOUR thoughts below!

Coming next post - Part 3 of what to do when you don't feel like worshipping!

Worship Defibrillator Part 2a - Think Big

2010-07-14T13:49:00.011-04:00

So - more on what to do when we don't feel like worshipping.

(we've all been there!)

SUGGESTION #2

Get A Bigger Revelation

We all worship God according to our revelation of who we think He is. If you think God is small, distant, uninterested and uninvolved, or doesn't like you, then your worship will be small if not non-existent. If your understanding of God is huge, that He loves you, sacrificed for you and cares about the details of your life, is all powerful and ready and willing to interact with you; then your worship will be big accordingly.

Worship is our response to God. It is, then, a telltale sign of what we really think about Him. Let me encourage you, when you're thinking about who God is. THINK BIG! You cannot possibly think big enough!

The Bible tells us that right now we don't see the whole picture. It's like we're looking through a very dirty window or mirror. (1 Cor 13:12-13) Our minds can't possibly grasp the totality of God. We're not capable. Psalms 145:3 says "His greatness is beyond discovery"; and Job 37:23 tells us “We cannot imagine the power of the Almighty. Yet He is so just and merciful that He does not oppress us.” Donald Miller in his book Blue Like Jazz said this and I like it: “We can no more understand the totality of God than the pancake I made for breakfast understands the complexity of me” Go ahead, fire away, think up the biggest scenario you can of who God is and I guarantee it is not big enough!

We get glimpses of revelation into who He is. But there will come day when ALL the world will see Him AS HE ACTUALLY IS (Is 40:5) and when we have that realization we ALL will worship Him. (Phil 2:9-11) And it won't be tame! (Rev 4:1-11) But right now we worship God in FAITH, according to who we understand Him to be, based on what we know about Him and whether we believe it. (Heb 11:6) If we don't have any revelation we cast of restraint because - who cares... why waste our time? (Pr 29:18)

So what does your worship say about the revelation you have - or don't have - of our God?

Hey, vision leaks. We all need to constantly remind ourselves who God is. It keeps us on track and inspires worship. (Ps 119:11) So - where do we get this revelation? HOW do we get a bigger revelation of God so our worship and lives lay-out accordingly?

That'll be my next post - coming soon!

A Worship Defibrillator PART 1

2010-07-05T15:42:00.005-04:00

Anyone out there ever NOT felt like worshipping before?

Anyone?

My hand is up. Yup, even as a worship leader there are many times I do NOT feel like worshipping when I come to church and am getting ready to lead. ~gasps~

If we're honest we've all been there and probly will again. So - do we take a 'pass' and wait till some other day when we're more in the mood? Or what do we do? - I'll take a couple posts here and lay out a couple suggestions that might help us some day.

SUGGESTION #1

Count Your Blessings (name them one by one)

Being thankful and giving thanks is entry-level worship. When we're not really feeling into worship this'll help get the juices flowing a bit. We enter His gates with thanksgiving. (Ps 100:4) This gets us on the premises.

Think about all that you have. I mean ALL that you have. If you're reading a blog on a computer you're probably rich like me. Meaning you most likely ate more than one meal in the last 24 hours, you might have a roof over your head and even a car. If you have those things you are among the wealthiest on the planet. We forget how good we have it. But counting your blessings fights against a "woe is me" attitude and fosters thankfulness. We are blessed - and we have Him to thank.

Think about all that He has done for you; brought you to; and from. When we take a second and remember our chains (without dwelling there) we become like the person who Jesus said He who has been forgiven much loves much. Remember His mercy to you. Where would you be without Him? It's His kindness that leads us to repentance. We love Him because He loved us first. (Lk 7:47) (Rom 2:4) (Rom 5:8)

Wow, isn't He good? I feel a bit like worshipping myself now! :)

COMING NEXT POST: GET A BIGGER REVELATION

Back in the Saddle!

2010-07-01T13:55:00.005-04:00

Hi all!

My apologies for dropping-the-blogging-ball-for so long.

It's time for me to get back in the saddle here!

Let me start things rolling again with posting a link to some preaching / teaching on worship I did this past Sunday in my home church! This is probly 3 messages rolled into one, but I don't preach that often so - lot's to squeeze in!

It's called "The Father Is Searching For Worshippers" and you can stream or download it here

More to come soon. Blessings!

The Inspired Response - R U Drawing or Lifting?

2009-07-15T21:00:00.006-04:00

When you lead worship do you find yourself needing to give a lot of instruction or commands to get people to do certain outward actions or 'acts of worship'. Is there a lot of prodding involved? Lord knows some days with some groups it can be more like 'plowing' then others. But I'm not personally one for giving a lot of commands in worship or requesting specific actions... and here's why:

My thinking is: I'd rather INSPIRE a response than request it.

As worship leaders of course we all want people to be engaged. And of course there is a whole debate possible about whether we can really judge "true worship" by outward actions in worship. (Many evangelicals are programmed to display these now regardless - so outward actions don't always signify true inward worship) But, lets take a 'standard' Biblical act of worship like raising your hands... Would you rather have someone raise their hands because you said "come on everybody, let's raise our hands in worship now" or because you were simply directing people's attention to God and someone caught a glimpse of who He is that made them want to respond to God that way? Obvious answer really. - So since the hand-raising isn't my endgame but rather the heart-response is, I'm going to focus my time and attention when I'm leading there.

People worship in response to revelation. Our worship is a response to the light in which we understand or fail to understand who He is. Big revelation will result in big worship. Revelations 4 gives us a picture of this and it's what we have in store for us before long. For most of us though here and now, God is often drowned out by the world around us and too small and therefore so is our worship. Our job as worship leaders is to help with the revelation part - not skip to coercing the response.

In John 12:32 Jesus said "But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself" Of course here Jesus was referring to his death on the cross. But I believe He was also referring to another kind of lifting up as well. As we lift up, remind, display, proclaim, simply who He is - HE will draw people to himself. Who He is is SO AMAZING people can not help but be drawn to Him! We love because He loved us first. There is nothing else in existence that holds a candle to Him and there is a deep call built into each of our DNA for exactly this. We just need a true picture of Him to start the sparks flying.

If we focus on drawing men, or jumping straight to the desired response we miss the point altogether. If you seek to be a better worship leader, seek to be a better REVEALER of God rather than a motivational singer. Inspire people again with God's greatness and love and grace for them. When people catch again who He really is you'll get your response - and it will be real! Choose songs and exhortation and scriptures that reveal Christ. Leave room for the Holy Spirit to reveal Christ. Sing testimony and truth that paint who He is. Lift him up - and let Him do the drawing!

Baby Steps

2009-06-23T21:29:00.015-04:00

In order to effectively lead the people we seek to lead in worship - whether at home or ministering elsewhere we have to adequately know a couple things: 1. Where are we now? 2. Where are we headed? 3. How far in that direction can we get today?

If I set out to lead my 10 month old son on stroll across the park to the swing-set I would need to pace the way I led him or we would never make the journey with me. He can already walk a bit but still needs some hand-holding for balance. If I took off across the grass at the pace I could personally make it to the swings he would get left in the dust. He'd either lose his balance and land on his derrière or he'd get distracted along the way and start wandering towards the sandbox. So out of my love for him and my desire for him to get to those swings -and all the promise of good things they hold- I will consider his needs and lead him at a pace he can handle.

It is one thing to get to the top of a mountain, but it is another thing altogether to lead a group to the top of a mountain. It's a much slower process as care and concern is given to the needs of those you're leading. Have you ever been in a worship service where the worship leader is having a grande-old-time up on cloud number nine but no one is with them? Everyone is just watching, waiting for them to be finished. It's a tricky thing to balance leading by example with getting too far out in front that your followers lose heart or become frustrated or lost. Instead you need to assess where the group is at right now, and take them one or two steps in the direction of your final destination.

If you're new leading worship in a given situation for any reason you already have that working against you. Try as best you can to not throw another natural obstacle into the mix by doing too many unfamiliar songs. Why try and 'fight' on multiple fronts at the same time? Do what's familiar and win them over to you first. Then maybe they'll be willing to follow you into the unfamiliar territory of a new song.

If you're making changes in your worship repertoire, style or form, do in in bite-size pieces or "baby steps". I believe it was Lincoln Brewster's Pastor, Glen Berteau, that told him once "I think you could paint the sanctuary bright pink if you did it one square foot per week."

It takes time to lead people well and if you're passing through you might not get to see the fruit. But that's okay. "The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work." 1 Corinthians 3:8. Trust God to turn the purposeful baby steps you lead people towards Him with into a fruitful journey over the long haul.

I thought I'd leave you with a clip you might remember from a good 'old' movie. :)

Caught in Between

2009-05-21T10:45:00.024-04:00

"This is your life. Are you who you wanna be?"

~ Switchfoot

When I listen to that song (and I love that song) if I'm truthful I have to answer, "no".

On so many levels, no I'm not.

I want to be so much more across the board.

In the "independent artist" circles I move in, as well as the other worship leaders I meet at churches and events and even "signed" artists I'm friends with I find commonality. We're all aspiring to reach bigger things, the next level, the bigger stage, the higher heights, the wider audience.

When I was a teenager I really thought that if one day I could just lead worship at a youth convention that would be the pinnacle and I'd be so happy. Well, guess what, I've led worship at many youth conventions now, and it's been great and I still love it, but as soon as I was done I wanted bigger things. The bar just automatically gets reset higher at a new goal. Its human nature I guess and it doesn't change no matter what "level" you're functioning at right now - unless we change US.

R.T. Kendall, in his great book The Anointing - Yesterday Today and Tomorrow, says, "We should never have the thought that our dreams of success are God's purpose for us. In fact, His purpose may be entirely the opposite." He goes on to say, "What we see as only the process of reaching a particular end, God sees as the goal itself." and "His purpose for me is to depend on Him and His power NOW. If I can stay calm, faithful, and unconfused while in the middle of the turmoil of life, the goal of the purpose of God is being accomplished in me."

There are so many Biblical examples of people who had dreams that they had to wait for years and years to see come true. There were about 20 hard years between David being anointed King and when he finally actually became King. Joseph had about 13 years between his dreams of greatness and when they finally came true. In these examples their dreams actually came true in God's time because they really were from God. With us, though, there is always the question: "Is my dream really from God - Or is it my pride and ambition fooling me." (Although I'm sure David and Joseph had those exact thoughts too!)

Maybe the only good answer here is to take our hands off of the dreams we think God is leading us to and stop focusing on the end-game. I find myself constantly having to give my dreams back over to God and trust Him in the process rather than how long I think it's taking me to get to my endgame. If God is taking me there He'll take me there. I just need to be who He wants me to be TODAY. For Him my endgame is not His ultimate goal. His real goal is who He's making me along the way.

His real goal is who He's making you along the way.

Now to do something I NEVER thought I'd do. I have to quote a new song my Miley Cyrus: "The Climb" written by Jessi Alexander and Jon Mabe.

There's always gonna be another mountain

I'm always gonna wanna make it move

Always gonna be an uphill battle

Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there

Ain't about what's waiting on the other side

It's the climb

It's All In The Eyes

2009-05-08T23:51:00.003-04:00

It is such a unique thing to walk into a church or any worship-leading opportunity as a guest and complete stranger trying to assess where the group is at spiritually and what God is doing right in that moment. If you've been praying about it ahead of time - and hopefully you have - you may be fortunate enough that God has given you an advance sense of how to lead in that particular setting. Or maybe it'll come on the fly. Or maybe both. :)

Leading in a familiar setting with familiar people, like at your home church, can take some of the guess-work out of where the body is at in that season. But then, it also carries it's own share of pitfalls. Being overly familiar can dull people's sense of expectancy (Mark 6:3-5) and it can lull a leader into complacency or to assume too much.

In both cases the 'trick' comes down to the same thing: Leading as we follow the leader - The Spirit of God. In John 5:19 Jesus says "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does." We are simply to be like Jesus. The Father sets the agenda and we follow. It's supposed to be that simple. Our job is to learn how to discern what the Father is doing and then just jump on board with THAT game-plan.

I love Psalms 32 verses 8 and 9 where God says He wants to guide us with His eye rather than have to jerk us around like a horse or a mule with a bit in it's mouth. (KJV) The idea here is that we would stare into the face of God and know Him intimately enough that we could see in His eyes what He wants next. We'll "just know" because we know Him so well. This is echoed again in Psalms 123:2 "...just as servants keep their eyes on their master, as a slave girl watches her mistress for the slightest signal."

That is our job. Not to rush around like a busy servant trying to accomplish what seems like the good next thing to do for our master; but to simply stare in His face, let Him set the agenda and then move according to what He is doing in the room. When we're in synch with His purposes we'll have the full backing of Heaven to accomplish them and -wow- that's a good place to be! Thanks be to God He actually lets us participate with Him! What a privilege.

The End of 'Me'

2009-05-06T19:33:00.013-04:00

Do you ever feel like you're the last person that should be leading worship today? Ever feel like a failure with nothing to offer of value? Have you ever been just about to walk on stage to lead and had to pray something like "God you've GOT to help me here because I feel like I have absolutely nothing to give anyone."?

I have.

I've actually been having sort of an "I suck" type of week this past week... Dunno if you've ever had that. Thinking back, I'm not sure I can trace its start to any one thing even. No specific failure in this instance; maybe more of a "hope deferred" thing. (Pr 13:12) But the end-result-feeling is similar to other times when my failures and inadequacies have brought me to a low place that seemed like an unfavorable starting point to lead others in worship from. But I know enough now to know that that is not always the case. Sometimes it's when we've come to "the end of ourselves" that we're the most ready to truly lead God-centered worship in His way and in His strength.

See, on a 'good day' it can be so easy for us to waltz up on stage and confidently lean on our own strengths, talents, and know-how. We do what we know well, what's worked in the past and what gets the response we want. There is always this danger before us of leading purely out of reservoir, talent, and flesh. Danger is the operative word here if we're looking for more than the motions and show - for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. (Jm 4:6) We should not put too much stock in our abilities. (Ps 20:7) What has always worked will not always work. There is no formula to experiencing God's presence except humbly seeking Him with sincerity. So we do well not to assume too much when we seek to lead others to His throne room.

Sometimes I believe God allows us to unravel a bit for our own good and the good of those we lead. A set-back can be a set-up; and when we come to the end of ourselves and realize our own smallness we're ready to truly see His bigness. In our weakness we finally get a glimpse of how badly we've always needed Him; finally allow Him to be strong as we lean on Him; finally let Him truly call the shots and lead us; finally GET BACK TO BASICS. In that humble, honest place we find our King smiling and waiting for us - and so do those we bring along.

God will do what He has to to get us all there.

When you're having one of those days, come to God in absolute humility, honesty and repentance and He simply takes you the way you are first and works on you after. If it's sin that has tripped you up bring it to the cross and expose it to the light. No human is perfect this side of heaven - we are ALL in process. God has invited us then to boldly approach His throne of grace that we might find mercy in our time of need. (Heb 4:16) We love Him because He loved us first and the one who has been forgiven much loves much! (Lk 7:47) Harness that gratefulness and express your love to God in your leading. It will be contagious! When you're feeling low -for whatever reason- run to Him not from Him; and bring the ones He's entrusted you with leading along!

Who's The Boss?

2009-04-29T09:38:00.013-04:00

Whether you are a worship leader who travels and ministers itinerantly or one who leads primarily in one place there is one all-important concept you absolutely need to understand:

Authority.

Failing to understand the biblical concept of authority, especially as a worship leader, I believe, is a death-wish for your ministry; and poison in the place(s) you minister. How many church splits and conflicts have been rooted in worship leaders failing to submit to the vision of their pastors? Some would argue theologically that Lucifer himself is the precedent for this: Article: Is Lucifer Leading Worship In Your Church?

Here are the basics: The entire basis & root of sin is rebellion to God's authority. And as John Bevere writes so well in his book Under Cover (Highly recommended reading): "We cannot separate our submission to God's inherent authority from our submission to His delegated authority. All Authority originates from Him!" (U.C. pg.11) "For there is no authority except from God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgement on themselves." (Romans 13:1-2)

So here's what this means for you and me: The authority of the pastor you serve under, whether you're visiting or resident, traces back to Jesus himself.

Take that in for a second. It's pretty big.

That means what they want goes - whether we like it or not and no matter what we're "feeling led to" at that moment. "We cannot bypass delegated authority and declare ourselves subject only to God's" (U.C. pg.158) If we submit only when it lines up with what we think at the time then that's not submitting at all.

So here comes the obvious question: "But what if they're WRONG???"

Are you ready for this?...

Not our problem! :)

Here's the thing: We don't have to assume the pressure on ourselves of discerning if the Pastor is right. The Pastor's authority comes directly from Jesus and if they're wrong it's on them and not us. All WE are responsible for is to submit to THEM. If we do that, under God's appointed plan, we're covered and we did the right thing. That earns us a "Well done my good and faithful servant" on that assignment. - Freeing isn't it? :)

"There is freedom in submission and bondage in rebellion" (U.C. pg.11) Knowing this really helps make our way a little easier as worship leaders. Our job is not to steer (or rock) the boat. Rather, it's to paddle on command. "We must keep before us the fact that a person can be more gifted than his pastor, yet the pastor who stands in the office of authority is over the gifted person." (U.C. pg. 184)

Maybe your pastor "just doesn't get it" on worship. That's okay - they're still your pastor and they're the boss! If they're open to a private discussion later about the vision for worship at your church then that's awesome. Humbly share your heart. If at the end of that talk there are still conflicting visions go home and pray. But if you can't wholeheartedly submit to the authority of your pastor:

A. You should not breathe a word of dissension - ever. Remember: their authority traces back to Jesus!

B. If you can't submit you shouldn't be the one leading worship there

If you're traveling and ministering as a visitor somewhere find out the leadership's vision and do your best to serve that. In doing so you're aligning yourself with God's vision. If and when God want's something different there he'll change the leadership or he'll change-out the leadership. If you're leading worship at your church do the same. Our path as worship leaders becomes clearer when we trace appointed authority backwards and realize it all comes from Jesus!

Masks off - It's TRUTH time!

2009-04-21T19:24:00.013-04:00

You walk into church and greet acquaintance after acquaintance. "How are you doing?" is the question repeated. "Good! Good! Doing great!" is the response back and forth over and over. We shake hands, smile, polish the mask, wear it well. It's our culture. It's 'how we do'.

Hopefully we all have someone at church that we're close enough with to let them see the real us so we can unload what's really going on and get help and support if we need it. Someone to laugh or cry with whatever the season may be. That's part of being a family and The Body. (1 Cor 12:26)

Being a part of a body like that is one of the big reasons my wife and I decided to forgo traveling full-time with lose roots in favor of plugging-in to a great church and only traveling to minister part-time. We felt for us it was a healthier model. We were all created to be a part of community - not lone rangers. I digress...

Sure in our western culture we wear the "everything's great" mask a lot of the time. When it comes to ourselves, it's a defense mechanism and it's pride. Then, when it comes to others we're often uncomfortable with people spilling their emotions all over the place. Who wants to see that?

Well... God does.

Read the psalms. The psalm-writers spill their guts all over the place continually. Good, bad, happy sad - they don't hold back, they let it all hang out. There are no masks. No niceties. Just raw emotion. They petition God to violently wipe their enemies of the face of the earth in retribution; they gush tears about how close they are to dying of grief; they dance on mountaintops in unbridled exhilaration. There doesn't seem to be a filter. The walls are down. It's just how they truly feel and they're not afraid to tell God about it plainly.

Could this be part of what it means to worship God in TRUTH?

Could it be that God isn't interested in our social rules and would prefer we openly take off the masks He sees through anyways and confess to Him how we really feel? Do we maybe forget sometimes that He is not one of us and we can let down our guard with Him?

It's safe.

He knows we need Him.

He wants us to know it and admit it.

He is attracted to our need.

Not our fronting.

He opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. (James 4:6)

If you're a worship leader, approach God in honesty yourself. He knows anyways. Model it. Then lead people into worship that encourages truth between them and Almighty God. Make room for people to be real before Him. Nudge them towards it because you love them.

There is freedom there. There is healing there.

There is grace and forgiveness after confession.

And the TRUTH will set us free.

Who Are Our Meetings For?

2009-03-21T12:10:00.006-04:00

One of my favorite Authors is Tommy Tenney. If you've never read Tenney's The God Chasers or God's Favorite House or Finding Favor With The King I would highly recommend them. (probly in that order) I have to agree with Tommy when he says, Our favorite services and God's favorite services are probly most often completely different. (paraphrased)

How often do we come out of a Sunday church service and say "wow, that was an awesome worship time today" or "man, that was a great service today" and God is saying "Really? I didn't think it was all that great." Our worship team may have hit all the shots we rehearsed and our key changes worked without a train-wreck and the singers really nailed their parts... We may have sung people's favorite songs and executed them perfectly (or close enough that the general public didn't notice anything wrong) We got the goosebumps and walked away feeling good - but did GOD actually receive any glory? Did GOD walk away feeling good? Did He really get the chance to be made to feel welcome in our midst so He could move in and start MOVING-IN us? Did we press in to His presence or mingle around in the outer courts? ...Maybe close enough to feel warm and fuzzy but not any closer where the warmth turns to fire that burns away our flesh. 'Cause to be truly close to God requires death - and who among us likes that?

Not me.

But God does.

So what did we really accomplish except maybe fooling ourselves?

When we plan our worship services we must always keep reminding ourselves WHO this is really about. It's not about us. It's not even really about the people in the congregation ultimately; though we are given charge to lead them and help them worship God. But if we lead them into anything other than worship that is ABSOLUTELY GOD CENTERED and focused on truly pleasing Him - than we really haven't helped them anyways. Our job is to know the difference and set the standard; to lead with backbone and clear purpose that may even have to buck the popular norm for the sake of God actually being glorified.

Hard stuff.

But who said it was easy to LEAD?

Love God. Love People.

2009-03-15T19:34:00.004-04:00

I recently attended "The Worship Summit" satellite simulcast led by Integrity Artists like Paul Baloche, Lincoln Brewster, Brian Doerksen & Ross Parsley. In short it was fabulous and I took lots of notes. So if you were there and you see some thoughts here in this blog that sound familiar from time to time you know why! One thing several of them talked about is exactly our theme in church right now:

What's the greatest commandment? In Matthew 22:34-40 Jesus lays it out as simply as possible. Love God. Then love people. That sums it up. This is the basis for all of our worship leading too. Life complicates. But we have to keep coming back to the simple basics as worship leaders. Love God and love His people.

LOVE GOD

To LEAD worship we have to, ourselves, worship and love God. A leader leads from out-front, modeling the way and calling others to follow. We wade into deep waters and beckon others to join us. We don't stand on the shore and prod others to go swimming while we cheerlead. And all of this service comes because He loved us first in a way we could never repay but spend our lives as if to try.

LOVE PEOPLE

We have the privilege of SERVING God's people by leading them in worship. This is not a power-position but a chance to bless God by blessing those created in His image. We get the opportunity to take people to Jesus - who loves them even more than we ever could. So we make our decisions based not on what strokes our egos and will feel good; but what is best for the people of God. What do they need? What does God want for them? How can we facilitate the meeting of heaven and earth today for sake of God, for the sake of His people, because we love them both?

What are we focused on?

Musical excellence?

A perfectly programmed production?

Or blessing God and His people?

One this is for sure: In our churches, we will eventually get what we focus on.

Who Is the most successful Worship Leader?

2009-02-13T07:53:00.014-05:00

When I'm on the road, so often I hear the same type of sentiment from the worship leaders at the churches I visit: "I want to do what you do. How do you get out and get noticed?" Harmless perhaps in and of itself. But after so many such questions it has made me wonder... Why do so many people feel the need to travel and "be noticed"? What drives this compulsion for 'bigger' and 'better'?

I think it may be derived from our human misguided notions of what it takes to be great. We live in a world that measures greatness with human accolades. Who's name is on everyone's tongue? Who won at the Dove Awards? Who's songs are getting sung in churches, topping the CCLI charts, and selling records? We forget that our earthly benchmarks of what SUCCESS is are man-made and have ZERO heavenly or eternal value. We make the mistake of buying into the hierarchy and measuring ourselves and each other by those standards, when really God is simply measuring us by one standard; Obedience. He asks, "Are you doing what I told you to do?" "Are you being faithful with what I gave you where I placed you?"

Simple and plain: The truth is Chris Tomlin will receive no more heavenly reward for having the most songs in the top 100 on CCLI and leading thousands than "Joe hometown worship leader" who no one knows exists. Chris Tomlin will be rewarded in heaven based on whether or not he was obedient to what God told him to do. So will "Joe". We often forget that man looks at the outward appearance but God looks at the heart. Chris's obedience and "Joe's" obedience are equally applauded by our God.

If you are "Joe" leading worship in your church you need to understand God does not value you the way the world might. God's hierarchy is most often upside down from ours. He uses the weak and foolish things to shame the strong and wise. He values the humble and the least and He says one day they will be first. You need to understand that the role you play in your obedience is VITAL and NOT LESS than the one who leads from the glow of 12 focused beams of intelligent lighting. HE knows your name, and HE is so proud of you. Take a breath and take that in.

If you are intended by God for a few beams of intelligent lighting too then He'll bring you there without your help. Keep surrendering your dreams and gifts to Him and if that's where He's leading you He'll keep bringing it back to you. Just stay surrendered along the way and you'll be in good shape. Jesus said The Father is searching for worshippers. If you're being obedient to Him where He placed you, you are already a worship superstar in His eyes. If we can learn to get our validation directly from Him and not through the human hierarchy we can be content and fulfilled to serve in the space God places us - big or small.

Who is the Greatest Worship Leader?

2009-02-11T16:24:00.008-05:00

As I type this it is in between the Tuesday and Wednesday airings of American Idol. Admittedly, I watched last night and my DVR will ensure I can watch tonight's too. But I am struck every season of this show that I actually watch by how OBSESSED our culture has become with stardom. The intensity of the desire to be in the spotlight by the 100,000+ that audition somehow always surprises me. Along with so many of them that are SO misguided about what their 'true calling' in life is (cause it aint singing) and the wild breakdowns and flat our denial that comes with being told the truth. I think its fair to say that North america loves the stage and idolizes those that stand on it like no other time in history.

I worry sometimes as I travel and get a feel for what's going on in the church at large that this "spotlight idolatry" has infected us a bit. Far too often I discover young people (and old) who seem to use "worship leading" as an outlet for their closet desire to be rockstars. I say "seem to use" because only God knows the intentions of our hearts. But sometimes "Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks" and certainly our actions, too, reveal our hearts. Now, I do not intend to let this blog become a place to 'rant' and complain that the world it going to hell in a hand-basket. So I won't dwell here. I want to speak life instead.

As Christians we need to remember that Christ's ways are more often than not counter-culture. God's thoughts and ways are higher than ours. They are often opposite! Jesus said in Luke 22:26 "Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant." Servanthood is not intended here to be a ploy or method to get to the top either. (How often are we guilty of using Biblical methods for selfish gain!?) But a mark of true humility. We should not seek to be admired like rockstars. Instead, we are on stage to serve those we lead by truly leading them to the King. And to do so with fear and trembling at such a weighty calling!

All I am suggesting here is that as worship leaders we have to CONSTANTLY re-evaluate our own hearts to make sure we aren't USING worship of The King of Kings for personal self-gratification in any form. The anointing is on US but it is FOR HIM and Him alone.

There's a little joke that says "How many worship leaders does it take to change a light bulb?" "One. They stand there and hold the bulb and the world revolves around them" God do not let me be like that. Do not let any of us be like that. Help us remind ourselves everyday who this is about and who it's NOT about. Lest YOU have to show us more forcefully.

You Can't Keep a Good Song Down!

2009-02-07T22:32:00.006-05:00

If I had a nickel for every time someone asked me "How do you get your songs 'out there'" I could buy a grande skinny vanilla late. (my fav) Having had moderate, but not wild, success with some of my songwriting in the past getting 'out there' maybe they thought I had the magic bullet to make it happen?

Here's what I almost always say "You can't keep a good song down!" Now I cannot claim to have coined that phrase, (forgive me whoever did) I picked it up somewhere along the way. But it's so true.

Something special happens when people hear a song that really hits them between the eyes or touches them. A song that has that special something that elicits deep spiritual or carnal response when it's being heard for the first time and then lingers and resonates afterwards. THOSE are the songs that stand out in the crowded soundscape. THOSE songs sprout legs like a Darwinian fish and take off with a life of their own. You don't have to promote them. You don't have to mail them to anyone wrapped in twentys or twist any arms. People WANT to hear them again. They WANT to tell others to listen to them and they want to get out their guitars and play them themselves. If no one can play and sing them quite like you can then they want to hire YOU to come and present them. They want to feel that feeling again and they want their friends to as well.

Does that mean we don't do ANYTHING to let our songs he heard? No, no, let's not be crazy. I tell artists to go get out there. Go play and sing anywhere and everywhere someone will let you. Give people a CHANCE to hear and like what you've got goin on. That's how the chain reaction gets started! But even before that, maybe the question isn't how do you get your songs out there as much as how do we write GREAT songs? - Not that I have the answer to that one. Though I might have some suggestions a little later on here... But when we take the time and effort to craft that really truly GREAT song. It'll just take off. Write it and give it a fair send-off so people know it exists. Then go on your way writing some more and eventually you'll bump into someone singing that song you wrote way back and they'll say "hey have you heard this great song?" To which you'll smile and say. "Yes! Have you heard of CCLI?" :)

Chosen by Worship Leader Magazine!

2009-02-07T20:52:00.003-05:00

Exciting news! My new song "Win With Love" from "The Listening EP" (releasing March 3rd)has been chosen by Worship Leader Magazine's Song DISCovery® program to be featured in their Volume 75 CD and March/April issue!

Worship Leader Magazine provides resources to a subscription base of around 40,000 churches and worship leaders in North America. Song DISCovery® ties into that, sifting through around 2000 songs, 6 times a year, to select 12 new worship songs to highlight to their subscribers on CDRom as a resource. We are honored!

*Also* Look for our full page ads in the March/April issues of Worship Leader Magazine & Worship Musician Magazine!