Beyond Sunday Worship

Worship Podcast & Blog

The Zero Criticism Challenge

THE ZERO CRITICISM

On a scale of 1 to 10, how critical are you?

Sure, some of our personalities are more prone to it. And being critical isn’t always a negative trait. Critical people don’t settle – they possess high standards of excellence.

But that’s not today’s topic. I’m talking about the kind of criticism that can keep us from the presence of God. The kind of criticism that is always looking in from the outside, looking down on others, and keeping us from being the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.

Nervous? Here we go.

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What My Kids Are Teaching Me About Worship

I’ve learned that peoplewill forget what you said,people will forget what you did,but people will never forgethow you made them feel.

It’s fascinating to watch my kids grow up – to be on the other side, watching them experience life for the first time.

Just the other day Tyler was talking to Siri on my iPhone. This is a common occurrence. Both of my kids consider Siri a friend and it’s evidenced by the long conversations. At this particular moment, Tyler asked Siri for “Paw Patrol,” his favorite show. In an instant, Siri replies, “Looking up all the results for vagina.”

In that moment I realized the journey that awaited me as a parent. And I also realized it was time for Tyler and Siri to hang out a bit less.

Kids are constantly learning and so, so vulnerable. It’s really insane.

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Why Corporate Worship Is Good For The Soul

Hibernate

Corporate worship. Some call it a concert. Some say it’s unnecessary. It’s the brunt of endless complaints and the melting pot for more preferences than one can imagine.

But what really is this activity that we do every single week? What good does it really do?

I’ve been in church services my whole life. Some have been amazing. Some have been awkward. Some have been educational. Some have been embarrassing.

The problem with our gatherings isn’t too little or too much excellence. It’s that we place too much stock in the “professionals.” We need a standout, “anointed” worship leader. We need a charismatic speaker. But this creates ministry platforms for the gifted few and entertainment for the rest.

What happened to the idea that corporate worship is an individual responsibility? You are the church. Your heart needs to be felt. Your voice needs to be heard. It’s not just about being entertained or getting “filled up.”

We come because we’re a part of the family and we have a voice.

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Why Going Through the Motions Isn’t Such A Bad Thing

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What if going through the motions wasn’t such a bad thing?

I know, we trash the idea. We preach against it. We listen to the song on K-Love. We pride ourselves on the fact that we’re all about relationship, not religion.

But what if…what if we could use a little bit more religion in our lives? When did that word become so negative?

Of course, we understand the negative side:

  • Going to church because you have to.
  • Singing worship songs with a disconnected heart.
  • Playing it safe.
  • Living a different life Sunday than you do Monday-Saturday.

But what if the motions are there to serve us?

Of course, not all religious practices and habits are helpful. I’m talking about the Biblical ones. The ones that remind us who we are as the people of God.

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