Beyond Sunday Worship

Worship Podcast

The Atmosphere of Coffee

Call me a little artsy. Maybe too introspective. Definitely a nerd, but I love the atmosphere of coffee. On my Twitter yesterday I made this statement that I’d like to expound on for all your sanctification and growth.

I THINK I LIKE COFFEE MORE FOR THE ATMOSPHERE IT CREATES THAN THE ACTUAL DRINK.

I’m not just talking about sweet locations like Starbucks, Crazy Mocha, or your favorite local coffee shop. I’m talking about everywhere you hold in your hands a good cup of joe. It’s transformative to me on a number of levels:

  • Coffee assists me in ‘enjoying the moment’. Slow down and take it all in.
  • True, meaningful conversation does not happen without coffee.
  • Very helpful for the morning devo’s.
  • Visiting a Starbucks makes any routine outing worth it.
  • The smell of freshly ground coffee is like being on vacation.

Weekend Worship Songs 8.8-9.09

This was a great week of listening to a couple new musicians who are interested in playing at APC. I love bringing new, gifted musicians on board with us. The cool dynamic of church worship ministry is that it’s not about the musicians but about serving the church and glorifying God. Yet in that whole process, worship team members grow musically, spiritually, and learn from working on a great team with a great vision.

By the way, if you’re interested in joining one of our worship teams at APC, please let me know! I’d love to explore the possibility of ministering together!

On to our songs for this weekend:

  • The Lord Reigns (Klaus Keuhn)
  • I Have Found (Kim Walker)
  • Son of God (Starfield)
  • All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name

Hillsong – "Yahweh"

This is the best song off the new Hillsong album, “Faith+Hope+Love”. Written by one of my favs, Reuben Morgan. Take some time to watch this.

Essential Questions for Leadership

Raising up leaders is very exciting work. The easy part is asking people. The hard part is following through. It’s fairly easy to build a team of people. It’s another thing to maintain a strong momentum in your leadership team. But that is where you must focus your energies.

Getting a bunch of bodies on board is essential, given they are the right kind of people. But how are you actually leading your team? Questions to ask:

  • Am I modeling the work ethic I am requiring?
  • Am I modeling a disciplined lifestyle of consistent prayer/Bible reading?
  • Am I praying for each of my leaders?
  • Am I breathing consistent, faith-filled vision?
  • Am I smiling and laughing a lot? (more important than you may think).
  • Am I constantly seeking to improve my leadership through reading & observing other great leaders?
  • Am I following through with team assignments?
  • Am I having one-on-one, face-to-face conversations and not just sending random emails all the time?
  • Do I know where we are going?
  • Am I improving my communication skills?
  • Am I challenging/coaching/encouraging in real time?
  • Do I honor/value/spend QT with my wife above my leaders?
  • Am I happy?

Any others you would add?

APEX Spiritual Breakthrough Retreat

I’m looking forward to August 21-23. Every few months at APC we host the Spiritual Breakthrough Retreat. Pastor Jeff gives a great description over at his blog. This upcoming retreat, we as young adults are concentrating together on breakthrough. To do this we’ll take part in the retreat, spend a couple nights at the church, and rise up in our walk with God.

The SBR is powerful because it’s an opportunity to set aside time to focus; to sit under powerful teaching by Pastor Jeff; to hang out with a big group of people all hungry for more of God. You don’t want to miss it.

If you’re interested in joining APEX Young Adults in this retreat, leave a comment and let me know. The cost for us will be $30, which includes all retreat materials and food for the weekend. It will change your life.

DS