We’ve all experienced it. It never set us up for success. We loved it in the moment, but were disillusioned when it left us empty. What am I talking about?

Hype.

It’s crazy how much our services can resemble an atmosphere of sentimentality over spirituality. But how do we know we’re participating in the real thing? How do we really know when the Holy Spirit is moving or if we’re just being moved by the talent on stage? How do we know we’re engaging in spirit & truth worship or if we’re simply emotionally responding to melodies that move us?

• Are we chasing worship celebrities or Jesus?
• Are we singing to God or singing because it makes us feel good?
• Are we Spirit-led or sentimental-led?

Important questions, right?

Because hype never helped anyone. It’s fleeting. It’s a memory. But it won’t change your life. I’m more interested in a faith that weathers the storms. I want to give my life to a ministry that anchors hearts to the Savior. Because I remember close friends I stood with at the altar of youth events who are no longer following Jesus.

Is hyped up worship to blame? I’m not sure, but it’s worth exploring.

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This is an urgent call for worship leaders to drop their idea of fame and glory and get on their face and seek God. He’ll use that more than a pretty voice.” – Harvest Bashta

A record that I have been playing a lot of is Harvest Bashta’s Preachers. There’s something about the simply, rich vibe that draws me in and calls me to attention. It’s delicate, yet bold. Easy, yet intense.

I wanted to get Harvest on the show to talk about her experience as a worship leader and songwriter. The answers were surprising. Don’t miss this one!

Click to Listen

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As worship pastors, we should never stop improving engagement. If our churches aren’t engaging in worship, we’re missing the point.

It’s no so much about finding our voice and our sound as much as it is helping the Church find her voice and her sound.

We are catalysts, leaders, influencers, coaches, pastors, servants of the Bride of Jesus.

It’s easy to lose our way in worship. But here’s what we need more of:

• More sensitive and skillful use of Scripture.
• An invitational style of leading where the congregation feels welcome.
• Musicians who love Jesus and people more than music.
• Visibly expressive worship teams.
• More Church Staff & Lead Pastor engagement.
• Coaching & teaching the church how to worship.
• Sermon series about the glory of God and our response in worship.
• Leaders willing to lay down the show and be vulnerable.
• A culture where young people are equipped.
• Less superstars and more teams.
• A multi generational approach.
• Skillful pastoring between songs.
• More space for God to speak.

Because encounter with God is at stake over good music.

We need more atmospheres of encounter.

God is willing. We just need to get out of the way.

What would you add to the list?

[ois skin=”Beyond Sunday 2″]

Developing a vision for your team can be a daunting task. Where to start? Too many of us don’t even think about it. We pick out songs. We schedule teams. We hold rehearsal. We pull off services on Sunday. Rinse and repeat.

But is that all we’re called to do?

What does the Bible have to say about this rhythm? Of course the Bible doesn’t say much about being a Worship Leader. But there is enough talk about worship to know that what we’re doing is important. And there’s enough of an emphasis placed on leadership to know that what we’re doing is extremely valuable. And there’s this little verse in 4 that says we are to:

“Equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.”

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More than ever, I believe in the power of songs.

Music narrates our lives. As we’re walking through fire, songs are there to lift us. As we’re celebrating at an altar, music is there to commemorate the moment. As we walk through the pain of loss, songs give us context.

And well it’s quite possible to worship songs themselves and get caught up in the emotional lift of a melody, a great song is a great service to our journeys.

So I’ve really been working hard to improve as a songwriter. Like all skills in life, mastery is never something you arrive at or finish. Everybody can improve.

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