Worship Podcast
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Christ is in your corner, on your side. That’s what makes every ‘what if’ possible.” – Mark Batterson
Mark Batterson is an inspiring leader – the author of 12 books and the pastor of a great church, he’s always pushing himself to live and lead at a higher level.
In this podcast we talk about Mark’s new book, the discipline of writing, leading in the local church, and plenty of books to read.
Enjoy!
Corporate worship. Some call it a concert. Some say it’s unnecessary. It’s the brunt of endless complaints and the melting pot for more preferences than one can imagine.
But what really is this activity that we do every single week? What good does it really do?
I’ve been in church services my whole life. Some have been amazing. Some have been awkward. Some have been educational. Some have been embarrassing.
The problem with our gatherings isn’t too little or too much excellence. It’s that we place too much stock in the “professionals.” We need a standout, “anointed” worship leader. We need a charismatic speaker. But this creates ministry platforms for the gifted few and entertainment for the rest.
What happened to the idea that corporate worship is an individual responsibility? You are the church. Your heart needs to be felt. Your voice needs to be heard. It’s not just about being entertained or getting “filled up.”
We come because we’re a part of the family and we have a voice.
Do you think worship leading as more than what happens in church? I see it as more a way of life than a vocation or leading people in song.
Worship leaders lead with their lives.
The song we sing everyday makes the gathering more meaningful. Private fuel gives rise to corporate fires. And that is everyone’s responsibility. The gathered church can’t rely on the worship leader and the worship leader can’t rely on the church. We have a responsibility to:
“Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name. Bring an offering and come into his courts” (Psalm 96:8).
It never says to ascribe glory when you feel like it. Or to ascribe glory when it’s convenient. We’re not called to worship when the band is good. We all have a responsibility.
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I love talking with people who savor life and have a huge imagination. And that’s why I love this conversation with singer/songwriter Andrew Peterson.
Andrew is a singer, songwriter, author, and storyteller with a passion for art and the Gospel. This is one of my top 10 favorite podcast interviews thus far.
There’s so much to take away from this conversation: creative tips, parenting advice, songwriting lessons, and finding inspiration. Also a ton of great recommended reads.
Enjoy!
What is one item that has been on your todo list for a long time?
You probably don’t have to think too long. That project likes to nag you. It mocks your procrastination. It’s the project you’ve been putting off but you know will make a huge difference. If I’m honest, the things I focus on most of the time are a waste. They aren’t the tasks that make the biggest impact.
I recently launched a massive project – an online course called Learn Worship Keys. To see the project finished and finally launched feels so great.
But can I be honest? The work it took to get an important project like this “done” is anything but glamorous, exciting, or fun. It was a massive grind. Painful work. Deep thought. It’s what Seth Godin calls “emotional labor”.