Beyond Sunday Worship

Worship Podcast

Archives for August 2015

Dear Worship Leader, Stop Trying to Prove Yourself

Spirit and sacrament (1)

Dear Worship Leader,

There’s only one opinion in the universe that really matters.

But if you’re like me, you live and work as if it’s not enough. It’s not enough that God has chosen to love you, called you, equipped you, and has your back.

You would never say that God’s love isn’t enough but your actions prove it. You’re not satisfied with who you are, where you are, what you’re doing.

You just want somebody to notice you, to admire you, to give you the approval your heart seeks. But if I know anything about approval, I know that when it comes it doesn’t satisfy. It’s never enough.

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#100: Gungor On Beauty & Art, Overcoming Depression, Bizarre Music, & This One Wild Life [Podcast]

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It’s always a treat to talk with a true artist – one who pours their heart and soul into what they do. They look at the world and tell you what they see with honesty, passion, and hard work. And for that, I’ve always appreciated the work of Michael and Lisa Gungor.

In this conversation they both are disarming in their honesty. They’ve walked through hell and back and are so generous in the lessons they’ve learned.

It’s rare to go from hilarious laughter to tears of pain to controversial issues to an education on creativity all in the same conversation. This one is a little longer, folks, but you won’t want to miss one minute. So worth it.

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Are We Becoming Too Professional?

Are we becoming

I don’t have a problem with professionalism. Really, I don’t.

When someone is professional, it’s not typically a negative connotation.

  • When I need to have surgery, I pray to God the surgeon is a professional.
  • When I get my hair cut, it’s typically a plus if they have been to beauty school and know how to cut hair.
  • When I go to college, I want to learn from professionals – those who have gone before and know the ropes.
  • When I worship with my church family, I want to be led by someone who is a professional – someone who knows music, flow, liturgy, and songs.

At the same time, it’s possible to become too professional. Professional in the sense that you stop learning, stop seeing the wonder, stop pulling the beauty out of life. You know how to clock in and do your job. You know the ropes. You know how to dial it in.

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#99: Prophetic Singing, 24/7 Prayer, and the Eternal Call to Worship [Podcast]

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One of the ministries that had a profound impact on me as a worship leader was IHOP – the International House of Prayer. I remember visiting the 24/7 prayer room as a young kid and being so challenged to pursue Jesus with my whole heart.

That’s why this interview was so fun. Jaye Thomas is a worship leader/teacher at IHOP and we dive deep into the culture of IHOP, prophetic singing, stepping out in faith, and so much more.

Jaye is the real deal!

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Why Going Through the Motions Isn’t Such A Bad Thing

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What if going through the motions wasn’t such a bad thing?

I know, we trash the idea. We preach against it. We listen to the song on K-Love. We pride ourselves on the fact that we’re all about relationship, not religion.

But what if…what if we could use a little bit more religion in our lives? When did that word become so negative?

Of course, we understand the negative side:

  • Going to church because you have to.
  • Singing worship songs with a disconnected heart.
  • Playing it safe.
  • Living a different life Sunday than you do Monday-Saturday.

But what if the motions are there to serve us?

Of course, not all religious practices and habits are helpful. I’m talking about the Biblical ones. The ones that remind us who we are as the people of God.

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