I want to start some dialogue on services that resemble a caterpillar dragging itself through rubber cement.
I have been praying and believe I have a word from the Lord as to the main reason...
As we enter this discussion, it is important to recognize and remember our ways are not the Lord's ways and at times, He will direct the service in a way we don't particularly feel comfortable with. But, that doesn't mean it is not God! As well, there is no formula or definition of the "perfect service." And, the huge ministry moment typically happens with the word/alter. If it happens during worship, "WOW" but then know it most likely won't happen during the word. We are discussing perspectives.
That said, I have a few thoughts on a dragging service the first of which is most important AND the most prevalent...
1. All HELL IS AGAINST GOD MOVING!!! Even though we know that "greater is He that is in us than He who is in this world," we are all human and at times feel it is our fault and entirely miss the spiritual battle we must fight.
2. We are not prepared and are not practiced in a song or our parts. When this happens, we play with hesitation, therefore missing any opportunity to worship or allow the Lord to direct us.
3. The audio mix is not right in the worship center. We, as a team have no idea when this happens (except for the faces) because what is in our mix or heard on stage is NOTHING like the house mix.
4. The words are not correct or present on the screen. This is why they must practice with us.
5. We are not leading from a place of faith. We cannot lead the people from the same position as the people. We must live where we want to be.
6. The team on stage is not BIG with showing thanksgiving and adoration to God.
7. Any of the evaluation points are avoided.
8. The people are oppressed, stressed, preoccupied.
9. Did I say the people? (-:
This leads me to the final (although the reasons are limitless)and crucial potential reason for a blahze service...
10. Pride on the stage. I have been convicted of this point and believe our team has been a victim of this. When I say pride, I don't mean an obvious arrogance but I mean a lack of dependence on God. With all I have been preparing, moving, traveling, healing, training for the internship starting, home studies and moving again, I have found myself in a mode of "I can (HAVE TO) get this all done." I have, at times, found myself drained before practice and easily frustrated or unprepared. Well, I know I CANNOT get it done successfully without the grace of God wisdom. This comes from an infilling of DAILY word AND prayer. I have been walking in P-R-I-D-E. For this, I am truly sorry. While in pride, it is difficult to lead others to not fall into the same place. Sure, I have been getting daily prayer in but not prayer and word to the extent I need to be for us to go to another level.
When I show up for practice and service, I need to show up with six days of prayer and word under my belt. I need to show up with an attitude of thanksgiving, praise and being mindful of all Christ has done for me. When I do this, I will not even blink at being full of passion on stage. I won't be moved by peoples' faces or a blahze atmosphere. I will KNOW that my God will move in the service and that no matter what I feel...HE IS MOVING! My will has to be aligned with the will of God.
Every one of you MUST get your daily dose, too! I am going to start a Thanksgiving journal. One in which I give thanks every day for what the Lord has done. In doing this, a true heart of worship and humility is cultivated. Will you join me in humbly worshiping God and meeting Him...every day?
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6 comments:
Pastor Mel - thank you so much for your servant's heart and willingness to lead by example! I can easily relate to what you are talking about when it comes to pride! I have a struggle with forgetting how BIG He really is and truly letting those tough weeks (months...) :) overshadow the GOOD THINGS He is working out through me!
I often pray that I would be an empty vessel He can use, that it wouldn't be me singing, or leading, but Him ministering through me. But distraction, complacency, exhaustion can quickly push me to a point of self-dependency. I have been reading "Me and My Big Mouth" by Joyce Meyer, and it's really leading me to change how I think/speak, and I have been really moved to focus more on His blessings and trusting His ways. I will absolutely join you in a thanksgiving journal, and commit to you personally that I will hold myself accountable (you are all free to speak to me if I need it!) to make prayer, fasting and daily getting into the Word a priority!!
I don't want to minister religously I want to be in the flow of God. Let's all pursue God no matter where he takes us.
On point 2 I want to thank you for getting the new material to us well in advance so we have time to really soak it in and enjoy it privatly before we have to actually play it in a service,(it makes a huge difference} knowing it by heart makes it so much funner to play too. And thanks to Teryll for all that work too.
WoW. I needn't to hear that. I think i'm going to have to read it again. Thanks for your honesty, because I can seriously relate. My God, that is so something I needed. Thank you.
Thank you for your humility P Mel. I would love to join you...I love the idea of a Thanksgiving journal. Very cool!
Worship is a lifestyle. An intentional and successful life is the result of God's grace at full operation in our life. Without grace, worship is unachievable.
Sure, there might be an external demonstration, but it will lack conviction.
I need it...a lot more of it. Thanks P. Mel
I know that when I am full, I rarely notice the difficult or lulling points in the service. They just get overcome with the Life that is abundantly flowing. Thank you for the reminder and for being real. When we "remain in Him" bearing fruit is automatic. Prov. 21: 31 says that, "The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance is of the LORD." We can be as practiced as we possibly can be, but the Lord brings the victory! If we forget that we miss the whole purpose of what we do.
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