I just read a worship confessional from a worship leader at a mega church. In the blog, he complained that the week leading up to Sunday his prayer life and time with God had not been what it should have been. So in the middle of the service he decided that when it was time to go back up and have the corporate musical worship time again, he would get up and sing a brand new song that was not even out yet. So, basically the congregation nor the band knew the song, but for him it was a time of worship, to be one on one with God and get all of his frustrations out.
So what did the congregation do? Sit and watch him worship? Take a nap? Step out for coffee? Since when has worship become a spectator sport?
It appears to me that it was mighty selfish for the worship leader to say, "Hey, my spiritual week has basically been the pits so I am going to go up and have MY time with God NOW when I am supposed to leading others into His presence". Now I am certain there are people who were able to worship to the song and were touched by the words and his performance, but what was he teaching? That it is ok to just to sit there and have worship spoonfed to you? It is ok that you did not exert any effort at all but you walk away feeling like your worship schooner is full of worshippy goodness?
(Ummm... I would like the David Crowder special with fries and a large orange drink. Hold the cheese.)
We are pummelled by a consumer culture here in America and as worship leaders we have to fight against the tide of people wanting to sit back and have a relationship with God spoonfed to them.
Hungry? Drive up the road to Mikey D's, order a pizza, or stuff something in the microwave and plop your fat butt back down on the couch to watch American Idol.
Bored? Go to Fry's, Best Buy, Guitar Center, Hobby Lobby or whatever and buy your new toy... bingo, bored no more.
And what is really sad is I hear the same worship leaders who love to sing solos grousing about the lack of participation by their congregation. "Oh, they don't sing, they don't raise their hands, they don't shout, they don't dance, they don't worship, they just sit there like a bump on a log."
Of course they just sit there like the bumps on the logs, because that is what you have conditioned them to do!
If you get up every Sunday with your Chris Tomlin tribute band and jump, jive, and wail without giving a thought to the congregation except whether or not you beat last week's attendance or if your new shirt and pants outfit is really cool from a distance, then of course they are just going to sit there and watch the show! Because you have transformed the worship team into a bar band playing on Sunday morning where the wine and cocktails are now just grape juice.
So what are you conditioning your congregation to do? To sit and be consumers (wow... what a great show) or enter in to the presence of God through physical expressions of worship, singing, tithing, listening to the word, ministering to those around them, standing, kneeling, raising hands, shouting, praying...
When I raced triathlons, I always chose to ride with the bikers, run with the runners and swim with the swimmers because as I looked around at my competition, I could see that the specialists (runners, bikers and swimmers) could always smoke the generalists (triathletes) in their specialty. And I was dedicated to being around what I knew would be successful, even if it meant swimming 5000 meters with a mean masters swimming group and immediately hopping on my bike for the local bike club puke ride. I knew what I wanted (to win) and I knew how to get there (train like a mad man with other mad men)
So what are we conditioning our congregations to do?
I think that if we want our congregations to worship, then we need to leave the gut wrenching solos to the Journey tribute bands and the Monday Night Karaoke singers and bring songs to our worship celebrations that our congregations can sing and with which they resonate. And we must be freakishly dedicated to corporate congregational worship. It must be the hill that we will die on otherwise, we are just spending Sunday morning reinforcing the culture of consumerism. People will come to church to fill in the square and never leave transformed or brought into a relationship with God.
We have to be different, we are called to be different, and we are set apart to be different.
Rant over.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Sunday July 27 debrief
Nehemiah, the hero of Endurance...
Well, we had planned to have the background to the sermon be a marathon race, a view of the leaders running the race, but that did not happen. Oh well... it is a good idea and should be saved for a later date.
We did reprise the kids up on stage singing Marvelous Light, which they did, really loud. I don't know if the mics picked up their singing but I tell it it was loud.
For communion we set out a pile of pebbles and asked people to pick up a pebble and pray for someone who does not know the Lord and then put it in a basket. After the sermon we passed the baskets back out and asked people to carry the pebble around with them this week to remind them that someone has prayed for a friend that is not saved and they should pray for that person.
I have received some good feedback about the musical part of the worship time. After the sermon during the offering we started Everlasting God (Brewsters version) very softly on the chorus. When offering was finished, we began the verse, again fairly softly, and once we hit the chorus the volume jumped up to a fortissimo (very loud). It was great to see people jump to their feet and sing "You are the Everlasting God."
Ali also did a fantastic job singing the lead on How Deep the Father's Love for Us. She absolutely slayed that song singing from a deep place in her spirit that understands the amazing sacrifice that was made for us and the wonder of the forgiveness that was given. I can't wait to hear Dawn's alto along with Ali's lead and my tenor on that song. Good job, Ali!
This week we are having the kids do a praise dance from the Power Lab VBS series that starts next week. We will also commission the VBS workers during the service.
The following week will be time for VBS photos, videos, and testimonies.
Grace and peace,
Lod
Well, we had planned to have the background to the sermon be a marathon race, a view of the leaders running the race, but that did not happen. Oh well... it is a good idea and should be saved for a later date.
We did reprise the kids up on stage singing Marvelous Light, which they did, really loud. I don't know if the mics picked up their singing but I tell it it was loud.
For communion we set out a pile of pebbles and asked people to pick up a pebble and pray for someone who does not know the Lord and then put it in a basket. After the sermon we passed the baskets back out and asked people to carry the pebble around with them this week to remind them that someone has prayed for a friend that is not saved and they should pray for that person.
I have received some good feedback about the musical part of the worship time. After the sermon during the offering we started Everlasting God (Brewsters version) very softly on the chorus. When offering was finished, we began the verse, again fairly softly, and once we hit the chorus the volume jumped up to a fortissimo (very loud). It was great to see people jump to their feet and sing "You are the Everlasting God."
Ali also did a fantastic job singing the lead on How Deep the Father's Love for Us. She absolutely slayed that song singing from a deep place in her spirit that understands the amazing sacrifice that was made for us and the wonder of the forgiveness that was given. I can't wait to hear Dawn's alto along with Ali's lead and my tenor on that song. Good job, Ali!
This week we are having the kids do a praise dance from the Power Lab VBS series that starts next week. We will also commission the VBS workers during the service.
The following week will be time for VBS photos, videos, and testimonies.
Grace and peace,
Lod
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Sunday 7/20/08 debrief
David the hero of worship...
Dion did a great job filling in for Devon. I am glad we are on a slab foundation and not pier and beam, a 230# man jumping up and down could have caused some real issues, but we should call a foundation company just to be safe.
The video interviews did not happen this week but we did have the kids come up after service and join the worship team in Marvelous Light and Better is One Day. I think the kids singing, pogo-ing and generally having a good time worshipping may have been a more productive illustrated teaching point anyway.
This week we will try again to have the VBS advertising skit (John?). Also, let's, in our conversations, remember to schill for the soccer balls, they are just $10.00 and payable to Heather, Christine, or Bill.
Also, remember to pray for Heather. It looks like she is going to be put on bed rest for a couple of weeks. She has spent the last two nights in the hospital with contractions. I understand that she had a good night last night and got some sleep and they may release her today to go home. If my info is right, the docs would like her to make it just a couple more weeks and Da-boo will be ready for his big Debut.
And pray for D. that Heather does not kill him over the next two weeks out of sheer boredom. (smile)
Grace and Peace Everyone.
Lod
Dion did a great job filling in for Devon. I am glad we are on a slab foundation and not pier and beam, a 230# man jumping up and down could have caused some real issues, but we should call a foundation company just to be safe.
The video interviews did not happen this week but we did have the kids come up after service and join the worship team in Marvelous Light and Better is One Day. I think the kids singing, pogo-ing and generally having a good time worshipping may have been a more productive illustrated teaching point anyway.
This week we will try again to have the VBS advertising skit (John?). Also, let's, in our conversations, remember to schill for the soccer balls, they are just $10.00 and payable to Heather, Christine, or Bill.
Also, remember to pray for Heather. It looks like she is going to be put on bed rest for a couple of weeks. She has spent the last two nights in the hospital with contractions. I understand that she had a good night last night and got some sleep and they may release her today to go home. If my info is right, the docs would like her to make it just a couple more weeks and Da-boo will be ready for his big Debut.
And pray for D. that Heather does not kill him over the next two weeks out of sheer boredom. (smile)
Grace and Peace Everyone.
Lod
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Sunday 7/13/08 Debrief
Well all-righty then...
This week was Samuel and the hero of obedience. Ron did a great job in teaching about obedience and repentance. For example, he told the story of Saul going ahead and offering up sacrifices to God before a major battle when Samuel was running just a bit late and Samuel basically told him that God is going to continue on the course he has set but he is going to shake up the players (sorry dude, you're fired). And in contrast, when David slept with Bathsheba and had her husband whacked, David was contrite, remorseful, and full of repentance as he got down on his face before God and pleaded for mercy.
There is a difference between willful disobedience and living in grace and sanctification. Willful disobedience is my way or the high way. Grace and sanctification shows our one desire is to serve God and follow closely to Him but yes, sometimes we mess up because we are small and through His strength we run from making our mistakes again and desperately seek His forgiveness and mercy. And it is there that we find grace, peace and love from our Father because true worship is a sincere and contrite heart and a bruised reed He will not break and a smoldering candle He will not snuff out. Praise God.
There were numerous positive comments about the musical worship time. I am humbled at how our congregation loves to sing their praises to God and especially humbled at the songs that they really latch on to as songs of their heart. For example, we did Awesome God by Mullins this weekend and what is kind of a mid-tempo ballad kind of thing as it was originally recorded is a fiery war cry for the saints at NCC.
Mistah D did a great job on the sound board and in the production of a video that highlighted those from the Word that majored in obedience. It was really cool to see the video scroll through names such as Abraham, Elijah, David and have the word "Obeyed" stay static on the screen and then see the words "Jesus Obeyed" and hear the congregation begin to applaud. Now that is worship and understanding of what the Lord has done.
We had another technical issue this week.
The A/C was great, it was a little warm with all of the bodies in the sanctuary but hey it is Texas in July.
But once the service started, our computer crumped and we did not have the lyrics to Lord I lift Your Name on High projected. Fortunately, the song is very familiar to most people and they sang along anyway. But it was touch and go with getting the videos for VBS up there and the video that Dion did up during offering.
A comment to me from by bride about our computer/presentation software troubles is that we need more ram (at least 5 gig) to do all of the things we are trying to do each Sunday. We need to investigate our options for our current platform, do we have the room for more ram, or do we need another hard drive (both inexpensive fixes for the most part).
Well this week is David and the hero of Worship taught by Dion. This should be a lot of fun. We have planned for a video of a couple of our new college students cruising around the community asking what is worship. That should be enlightening.
Well, grace and peace all.
Lod
This week was Samuel and the hero of obedience. Ron did a great job in teaching about obedience and repentance. For example, he told the story of Saul going ahead and offering up sacrifices to God before a major battle when Samuel was running just a bit late and Samuel basically told him that God is going to continue on the course he has set but he is going to shake up the players (sorry dude, you're fired). And in contrast, when David slept with Bathsheba and had her husband whacked, David was contrite, remorseful, and full of repentance as he got down on his face before God and pleaded for mercy.
There is a difference between willful disobedience and living in grace and sanctification. Willful disobedience is my way or the high way. Grace and sanctification shows our one desire is to serve God and follow closely to Him but yes, sometimes we mess up because we are small and through His strength we run from making our mistakes again and desperately seek His forgiveness and mercy. And it is there that we find grace, peace and love from our Father because true worship is a sincere and contrite heart and a bruised reed He will not break and a smoldering candle He will not snuff out. Praise God.
There were numerous positive comments about the musical worship time. I am humbled at how our congregation loves to sing their praises to God and especially humbled at the songs that they really latch on to as songs of their heart. For example, we did Awesome God by Mullins this weekend and what is kind of a mid-tempo ballad kind of thing as it was originally recorded is a fiery war cry for the saints at NCC.
Mistah D did a great job on the sound board and in the production of a video that highlighted those from the Word that majored in obedience. It was really cool to see the video scroll through names such as Abraham, Elijah, David and have the word "Obeyed" stay static on the screen and then see the words "Jesus Obeyed" and hear the congregation begin to applaud. Now that is worship and understanding of what the Lord has done.
We had another technical issue this week.
The A/C was great, it was a little warm with all of the bodies in the sanctuary but hey it is Texas in July.
But once the service started, our computer crumped and we did not have the lyrics to Lord I lift Your Name on High projected. Fortunately, the song is very familiar to most people and they sang along anyway. But it was touch and go with getting the videos for VBS up there and the video that Dion did up during offering.
A comment to me from by bride about our computer/presentation software troubles is that we need more ram (at least 5 gig) to do all of the things we are trying to do each Sunday. We need to investigate our options for our current platform, do we have the room for more ram, or do we need another hard drive (both inexpensive fixes for the most part).
Well this week is David and the hero of Worship taught by Dion. This should be a lot of fun. We have planned for a video of a couple of our new college students cruising around the community asking what is worship. That should be enlightening.
Well, grace and peace all.
Lod
Monday, July 14, 2008
Hmmmm... (ouch)
The death of congregational singing....http://matthiasmedia.com.au/briefing/library/5175/
My heart is congregational singing. Nothing thrills my soul more than to hear the voices of my brothers and sisters as they worship God in song, it is the purpose for which God has made me and I love leading worship at Northcrest because the Saints that gather there love to worship God in song. It is a true blessing and honor to be a part of the voices that praise God there.
So, read the post by Michael Raiter and tell me what you think we do well at NCC and what can we do better.
Grace and peace,
lod
My heart is congregational singing. Nothing thrills my soul more than to hear the voices of my brothers and sisters as they worship God in song, it is the purpose for which God has made me and I love leading worship at Northcrest because the Saints that gather there love to worship God in song. It is a true blessing and honor to be a part of the voices that praise God there.
So, read the post by Michael Raiter and tell me what you think we do well at NCC and what can we do better.
Grace and peace,
lod
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Sunday July 6th debrief
Our hero this Sunday was Joseph as the hero of persistence.
To illustrate our point, we had the air conditioner in the sanctuary crump. What a creative and out of the box way to get people thinking about persistence or was it perspiration (smile).
But really just as a sermon jumping off spot, Christine and Kristen found some interesting things on Ebay (sister Siamese carrots and dirt) and then created a faux Ebay page featuring the coat of many colors. There were so many subtle things that were funny on the coat page that I could not take them all in but what I did pick up made me smile. (something for everyone, "Yes sir, that's my baby!")
Kristen does a great job each week writing very poignant blog-like reviews of the previous sermons. She reviews the main points of the sermon while providing a really great novel illustration to the topic, a great tool to remind people of what was said the previous week.
We had planned to show a video highlighting Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, and others (missionaries who died in the Amazon) and the persistence of Nate Saint's sister and her attempts to reach the native people for Christ. If you have not seen the End of the Spear and Beyond the Gates of Splendor, then I strongly encourage you to watch these films. It will drive you to tears and to self examination.
The musical worship was good. Gary has taken over the drums for the month of July and did a good job on the kit. We did a very intimate version of You Never Let Go by Matt Redman and the team did a good job singing the song at a much slower tempo and handling the rubato section of the chorus.
This week, Dion has been tasked with developing a drama for Ron's time in the pulpit. So be on the lookout for the call for stage hands.
July 20th, we have a drama featuring John and Dawn that is advertising VBS. If you can think of other ways to advertise or help with VBS, let me or Annette know.
Remember, pray practice and prepare.
Grace and Peace everyone.
Lod
To illustrate our point, we had the air conditioner in the sanctuary crump. What a creative and out of the box way to get people thinking about persistence or was it perspiration (smile).
But really just as a sermon jumping off spot, Christine and Kristen found some interesting things on Ebay (sister Siamese carrots and dirt) and then created a faux Ebay page featuring the coat of many colors. There were so many subtle things that were funny on the coat page that I could not take them all in but what I did pick up made me smile. (something for everyone, "Yes sir, that's my baby!")
Kristen does a great job each week writing very poignant blog-like reviews of the previous sermons. She reviews the main points of the sermon while providing a really great novel illustration to the topic, a great tool to remind people of what was said the previous week.
We had planned to show a video highlighting Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, and others (missionaries who died in the Amazon) and the persistence of Nate Saint's sister and her attempts to reach the native people for Christ. If you have not seen the End of the Spear and Beyond the Gates of Splendor, then I strongly encourage you to watch these films. It will drive you to tears and to self examination.
The musical worship was good. Gary has taken over the drums for the month of July and did a good job on the kit. We did a very intimate version of You Never Let Go by Matt Redman and the team did a good job singing the song at a much slower tempo and handling the rubato section of the chorus.
This week, Dion has been tasked with developing a drama for Ron's time in the pulpit. So be on the lookout for the call for stage hands.
July 20th, we have a drama featuring John and Dawn that is advertising VBS. If you can think of other ways to advertise or help with VBS, let me or Annette know.
Remember, pray practice and prepare.
Grace and Peace everyone.
Lod
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Sunday June 27th de-brief
The what is it? Game went well. John did a great job being our host with the most. And our contestants, Jeff, Michelle, and Derrick, did a fabulous job hamming it up. The off the cuff comments from John were a riot (Pastor Devon said not to choose you, Lod, because you can't handle the truth and flames licking the outside of the building were priceless). I believe the point was well taken that relativism has permeated through our culture and we must stand for truth in every season.
One thing that should be on our list for the future is get our paticipants out of North Texas time and in the building ready to go with rehearsals at 10:00 rather than 10:15. We had barely 10 minutes with the entire group before it was time to start church. While the set was set up such that each person had their script and much of what was said was prompted by John, in the future that may not be the case, so lets set a high bar so we are not winging everything.
I think the caramels during the sermon were great (Elijah on Mount Caramel was the topic and knowing truth) and the point of sometimes truth is not sweet was very well taken by the congregation. But what I did see is that many people need to work on their hand/eye coordination. Perhaps Wii sports should be a sermon illustration activity one of these days. Oh well, I don't think anyone was too gravely injured by a flying caramel, and it certainly got everyone's attention.
Sunday's worship celebration was good. The format of uninterrupted (except by meet and greet) flow of musical worship and then announcements/offering and ITP seemed to progress better than the orders of the past couple of weeks. As far as this coming week I do not have my handy-dandy notebook with me so I do not know what the ITP is, so at this point I am not certain what this weeks worship order will look like, but stay tuned because I am going to try to get to it this evening.
So good job everyone. Let's build on what we as individuals learned from this week and make our next ITP even better.
Grace and Peace,
Lod
One thing that should be on our list for the future is get our paticipants out of North Texas time and in the building ready to go with rehearsals at 10:00 rather than 10:15. We had barely 10 minutes with the entire group before it was time to start church. While the set was set up such that each person had their script and much of what was said was prompted by John, in the future that may not be the case, so lets set a high bar so we are not winging everything.
I think the caramels during the sermon were great (Elijah on Mount Caramel was the topic and knowing truth) and the point of sometimes truth is not sweet was very well taken by the congregation. But what I did see is that many people need to work on their hand/eye coordination. Perhaps Wii sports should be a sermon illustration activity one of these days. Oh well, I don't think anyone was too gravely injured by a flying caramel, and it certainly got everyone's attention.
Sunday's worship celebration was good. The format of uninterrupted (except by meet and greet) flow of musical worship and then announcements/offering and ITP seemed to progress better than the orders of the past couple of weeks. As far as this coming week I do not have my handy-dandy notebook with me so I do not know what the ITP is, so at this point I am not certain what this weeks worship order will look like, but stay tuned because I am going to try to get to it this evening.
So good job everyone. Let's build on what we as individuals learned from this week and make our next ITP even better.
Grace and Peace,
Lod
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