Beyond Sunday Worship

Worship Podcast

10 "What-if's" For Worship Leaders To Ask

What if I spent an undistracted hour in God’s presence before I went to lead worship?

What if I spent an entire rehearsal simply worshiping with my team?

What if I spent more time memorizing Scripture than listening to new music?

What if I spent a little time everyday practicing and sharpening my musical craft?

What if I prayed daily for the congregation that I lead?

What if I admitted I’m not the best at everything and allowed other musicians/singers to rise up?

What if we had band prayer after worship in order to cement the truth that our acceptance before God isn’t based on our performance but because we’re his children?

What if we intentionally applied the truth of every song that we sing?

What if we experimented with worship services without music?

What if I tuned into the Holy Spirit’s voice as I led worship?

Small Group Circles

I’m currently enjoying the book, “Making Ideas Happen:Overcoming the Obstacles Between Vision and Reality” by Scott Belsky. I really love the practicality of Scott’s insights and what he has done to help organize creative teams and individuals. One of the points that he makes is how it’s easy for creative leaders to isolate themselves from others. We want our ideas to be original and we like to work alone so as not to encounter conflict. The problem with this is that there is zero accountability and many of our ideas never see the light of day because of it. Herein lies his idea of “Circles”. A circle is a team of creative individuals that have chosen to meet and work together on projects.


There are a lot of similarities between Scott’s idea of “circles” and local church small groups. Small groups are the center of our ministry model at Allison Park Church and I couldn’t agree more with it. I think we could glean some insight from Scott’s “Rules of Circles”. If this applies in the business world, how much more should our small groups function in such a way?
  • Limit circles to fifteen members or less
  • Establish a clear and consistent schedule for meeting
  • Meet frequently and stay accountable
  • Assign a leader
  • Extend your circle online

What I love about this idea is the goal is always action. I think our small groups can easily lack this essential component. I mean, if we’re not actively making a difference than what are we doing?

What else would you say makes an effective small group?

 

6 Books I Am Reading (and hopefully finishing)

Sun Stand Still by Steven Furtick – just got this. Powerful book on audacious faith.

The Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer – sort of a devotional for me. I tend to pick this up a lot.

Exponential by Dave & Jon Ferguson – great book on starting a movement of churches. Gleaning a ton of insights and ideas for the ministries I lead.

Making Ideas Happen by Scott Belksy – CEO of Behance, creators of The Action Method (online project manager I use, which is brilliant, btw). Love these insights!

Talent is Overrated by Geoff Colvin – One of the most fascinating books I’ve read in a while. It’s about what truly separates world class performers from the rest. The answer is not talent, in case you were wondering.

A Whack on the Side of the Head by Roger von Oech – a different read for me. A book on how to be more creative. Entertaining and eye opening for sure.

Your turn. What should I be reading?

Avatar and Sunday Morning

Remember the day? The day you went to see James Cameron’s blockbuster hit, Avatar? Since you had heard so many good things about it, you were prepared to ‘go the distance’ with this one. Armed with a $15 popcorn & drink, you were prepared for an amazing three hours of pure escapism from the ordinary. And amazing it was, right?

Why is it that we humans LOVE movies, amusement parks, sports events, and a gazillion other entertainments? Why is it that our culture is consumed by the pursuit of them? Why are we enamored with entertainment?

I believe it’s because we were created to worship. We were made to be fascinated, awed, lost in wonder, starstruck – by the greatness of God. The time and money America spends on entertainment is a reflection of this deep need. We long to escape the ‘ordinary’ and engage with the ‘extra-ordinary’.

How would our congregational worship times change if we approached God in this way? Much the same way that we approach seeing Avatar in 3D IMAX with buttery popcorn and a ‘way-too-big-for-any-human-bucket-‘o-drink’?

What would it look like if our anticipation for gathering in God’s house, together with God’s people, to encounter the glory of God was that much stronger?

What do you say?