Beyond Sunday Worship

Worship Podcast

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

why

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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#98: Tim Hughes on Church Planting, Stepping Out in Faith, & The Dangers Of Professional Worship [Podcast]

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Tim Hughes is no stranger to the worship community. For years he has provided the worshiping church with great songs like Here I Am to Worship, Happy Day, At Your Name, Consuming Fire, and many more.

It was an honor to welcome Tim back to the podcast. In this conversation we go much deeper than just songwriting and the creative process. We talk about Tim’s recent leap of faith to plant a church, following the call of God, as well as his new album Pocketful of Faith.

Plus, we’re giving away a few copies of the album.

How to Win an Album

Integrity Music has graciously agreed to give away 5 copies of Tim’s new album.

All you must do is leave a comment on this post OR share the post via social media. Say anything you like, although the best comments typically do stand out.

Thanks for participating!

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The Blessing Of Being Unknown, Small, & Hidden [And How to Handle Fame]

The blessing of being small

Everybody wants to make it.

Everybody wants to be known. Everybody wants their life’s work to matter.

I’m sure you didn’t wake up today saying, “I hope nobody ever hears about the work I do. I pray that the projects I invest my life in make zero difference and I fade into oblivion. That’s the good life!”

Sure, we criticize those in fame’s spotlight, but if you were handed millions of adoring fans you wouldn’t complain. The problem with fame isn’t fame itself but what we choose focus on. It’s a much better servant than it is a master.

We need to stop focusing on fame and seek faithfulness instead. We should seek to be faithful to something greater than our own fame.

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