Beyond Sunday Worship

Worship Podcast

What are your tribes?

I recently began reading Seth Godin’s new book, Tribes. So far it is a compelling read. Here is Seth’s definition of a tribe:

“A tribe is a group of people connected to one another, connected to a leader, and connected to an idea” (1).

This past Sunday I had the privilege of attending the Steeler game at Heinz Field with some great friends. If I’ve ever seen a tribe, it was on Sunday. I felt like I was in a foreign country as we waded through the thousands of tailgaters drinking beer, playing bean-bag-toss, wearing steeler jerseys, and grilling their bratwurst.

Though I have not finished Seth’s book, I realized something about tribes that day:

NOTHING IS A SACRIFICE FOR A TRIBE.

Forking out hundreds of dollars for tickets. Paying nearly the same amount for beer and food. Sitting in freezing weather while the snow melts and soaks your jeans. Some even going shirtless. Walking miles from where you parked. This is a dedicated tribe. In the end, this is not even considered a sacrifice for the team they love.

How much more should our sacrifice for Christ be as nothing for the privilege that it is?

What are your tribes?



Wide Awake Study Guide: Final Chapter!

IMAGINE: The Human

•    What is the most memorable insight you gleaned from reading this book?

•    On page 235, what does Erwin say humanity ultimately needs? Do you agree? Why or why not? Record the answer below.

•    Do you need to rethink who you are and who you will become? After reading this book, what steps are you going to take?

“The imagination is the soil from which we grow our lives.”

•    Read Jeremiah 33:3 and 4:48. Stuck in a prison cell, do you think it was easy for Jeremiah to believe what God said?

•    Read Ephesians 3:20. As we finish this study, let’s make this a life verse and never stop believing that God will blow our minds as we dream and act according to His will.

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…”

When a Worship Leader is Tired

Does week to week ministry ever wear on you? Do you ever wish Sunday didn’t come so fast? What is the answer when you are tired and feel you just need a break? In all honesty, there are a couple observations we must make:

  • Ministry cannot be maintained simply on our energy level. It is the Holy Spirit’s work and we are His instruments. We cannot stop what God has called us to do because we are tired.
  • There is more to God’s mission strategy than just you…or me. Humbly accept the truth that God is moving across the world, working great wonders for His glory.

So what do we do to stay fresh?

  • Develop a disciplined habit of daily time in the presence of God. Worship Him for who he is and not simply for programming direction. Grow in your love for Jesus. I cannot stress the importance of this.
  • Listen to other worship leaders and glean from their experience.
  • Study the Word of God. When I am worn out, the Word of God gives me strength like nothing else.
  • Spend time with people. Ministry can keep us at our computers (like now!) and in the office for long periods of time. Quality time investing in people gives vision to worship ministry. Worship leading is more about people than tight music and good songs – it is about serving the body of Christ with what leads them to Jesus.

Any other thoughts?

On Listening to Music

I like music. I like to listen to a lot of music. And I think you need to give an album 3 listens before you judge it.

Here’s why:

  • We tend to dislike music the first time we hear it
  • Music will grow on you
  • We tend to like and listen to the same kinds of music…we need to be stretched
  • Partake of all an artist has offered (lyrics, music, artwork)…don’t just listen to hits
  • A great album is an album full of great songs, not just one or two
  • Take time to digest the message and spirit of an artist…it will teach you

If after this process you still don’t like it, your opinion is valid.

What do you think? Do you agree with my process?

The Pitfalls of "Professional" Ministry

What do you do when your profession is something spiritual? Are you a preacher? Do you lead worship? Are you a missionary? While it is important to lead and do ministry with excellence, the ‘professionalism’ of the ministry has the potential to destroy its power. Think about it:

  • What characterizes the best preachers? Not just the best speaker but the speaker most consumed by the Gospel.
  • What characterizes the best worship leaders? Not the most skilled musician/singer but a person passionately in love with Jesus.

While we do need the elements of talent and professionalism, don’t lose your heart. The world needs lives set on fire by the Gospel of Jesus.

Worship leader, in the hustle and bustle of weekly church life, don’t lose your quiet place of worship, tears, and intimacy with Jesus. Preacher, don’t allow the Gospel to become a secondary priority. Allow your heart to be constantly ravished by its glory.