I crave the real thing.

I don’t know about you, but I want the manifest presence of God in my home, life, and church – not just manufactured, emotional experiences with great songs.

Of course, I am not opposed to production. I love it. I love a creative, well-rehearsed band. I love the pursuit of ever-expanding creativity.

In the context of worship, I believe it’s important for creatives to explore how their art can help to inspire and serve and help people see more of God’s glory. I’m all about that.

But I’m also all about dialing back. I’ve had a few conversations with some leaders in the worship community who agree.

Sometimes we need to simplify to see where our heart is.

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When I woke up this morning, I was anxious.

I didn’t know who I was. No, not in a scary, schizophrenic kind of way. I wasn’t at peace with who I was, my identity, and what I was called to do.

Every morning is marked by this stress, but especially Monday morning – the morning after I lead worship.

When worship goes well, Monday morning feels empty. I miss the compliments of the crowd. I miss the feeling of a job well done. I feel alone.

When worship is a train wreck (yep, it still happens sometimes), I feel like a failure. I feel like I shouldn’t be doing the things that I do. I’m a fake…a phony…I don’t have what it takes. It’s probably time for a new career.

Monday mornings. It’s quiet. And the silence is deafening to my ears.

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There’s a popular article floating around about the current state of modern worship.

Many of the points I would agree with. I’m thankful that Jamie is addressing these hard questions and fostering some great conversations.

But at the same time, I also want to present a perspective that I feel is missing.

None of this is new. None of these problems are new.

I don’t believe we are headed for a worship crash because these conversations and wars have been going on since the church has worshiped together in corporate fashion.

No, we are not headed for a crash. We are going to be OK.

But there is still a major problem.

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Worship Leader, when you hear “team devos”, what comes to mind?

If I’m honest, I cringe a little. It’s not that I don’t love Jesus or don’t love learning or discussing.

It’s just that devos can be just plain awkward.

Oftentimes it’s a leader launching off into a monologue that no one understands while the rest of the team daydreams of when it’s over.

But I’m not content to leave it at that. I crave to know God deeper. I long for my team to grow. I look forward to discussions around what God is showing us.

So I’m going to share with you a 3 part devo strategy I’ve been using recently in hopes that if your team devos are stale, it can fuse some life into them.

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When you hear the word “memorize”, you probably have one of two reactions.

1. I can’t do that.
2. Not a chance.

There’s something about memorizing that is scary to us, but I don’t think it has to be.

We all know there is something good about it, right?

• It helps us be more present in the moment.
• It serves congregational worship by having a more prepared team.
• It helps your rehearsals go smoother (if people practice).
• It helps move the music from a math equation to art.
• It’s a powerful tool for maturing your musicians.
• As worship musicians, it helps us engage in worship more.
• It also means we don’t have to kill as many trees or purchase a handful of expensive iPads.

Win win, right?

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