For anyone who creates, inspiration is gold.

When we feel inspired, we make things. It’s like a jolt of energy, a spark in the darkness. What once felt so difficult seems to flow with ease.

The problem with inspiration, though, is that it hardly ever comes. When we look at world class works of art, we imagine that it just happened upon brilliant people because they were born, well, brilliant. Songs coming out of thin air in a massive LA studio. Book writing over a balcony off the coast of Italy.

That’s the story we want to hear. But the truth is, it’s plain old work. Hard work. What actually makes art world class is the tenacity and scary commitment an artist has to creating. They can’t be stopped. Their vision won’t be interrupted.

When I asked Brian Johnson about his songwriting process, he said, “I work my butt off.” While you don’t necessarily need to lose your gluteus maximus in the process, you do need to expect work. Time. Sweat. Wrestling.

Aren’t you glad you read this today?

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I’m not defined by a role. Roles are seasonal. Who I am is a worshiper.” – Henry Seeley

It’s amazing what happens when a willing soul steps out and takes God at His Word. I love the story of Henry & Alex Seeley. Rooted in Melbourne, Australia, Henry was a worship leader, songwriter, producer, and mixer with Planetshakers.

But a few years ago, they moved across the world to Nashville, TN. And as you’ll hear in the interview, accidentally planted a church – The Belonging. In this chat we go behind the scenes of what God is doing at The Belonging. But we also talk about music, mixing, gear, leading worship, and balancing family & ministry.

Enjoy!

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Sunday is more than songs – it’s planning, administration, prayer, practice, and ministry.

There’s so many details to consider every week.

But there’s something else to consider. And it’s more important than all the others. We’ll get to that in just a bit.

I read an article this past week called, “Why the church doesn’t need anymore coffee bars.” It’s a gut wrenching story. And much of it I agree with. We don’t just need great music, broadway lighting, impressive talent, and fresh brewed coffee. Sure. We need Jesus more than anything. My heart goes out to the family who lost their precious father. I can’t even imagine the pain.

So that’s why I want to tread lightly on this topic. In no way do I want to disrespect this amazing family and the tragedy they are experiencing. I honestly have no idea. But I do know this – music, lights, coffee, and graphics aren’t the problem. The reason we make these aesthetic choices is to serve people.

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I hear a lot of people talk about relevance. But I would prefer to be timeless. Jesus is timeless. The cross is timeless. The Gospel is timeless. You don’t have to worry about being relevant when you hold the cross up.” – Kristian Stanfill

I’m so excited to share this chat with Kristian Stanfill – Kristian is a worship leader at Passion City Church and leads the Passion Band alongside Melodie Malone & Brett Youngker. I’ve been such a fan of Passion over the years. I remember the early CDs – Better is One Day, The Road to One Day – wearing those out like it was my job.

Passion music has helped me live for the glory of God. And that’s what Kristian and I discuss. We talk highlights of Passion 2017 – the songs, the students, the movement. Seriously – this will get you fired up.

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Sometimes I feel the pressure to prove myself.

It’s like I need to be impressive or to stand out in some way in order to be a success. Worship Pastor, do you ever feel this? Like you’re just run of the mill? You’re not talented enough, popular enough, or trendy enough?

Well let me tell you something. You don’t need to write songs, be insanely talented, or stand in front of large crowds to be a world class worship pastor. You don’t.

Because success is defined in a different way.

[bctt tweet=”Great worship pastors don’t need to have world class talent. They need to love and lead people.” username=”@dsantistevan”]

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