I was thinking about my philosophy of worship during camp.
There were quite a few things that made me think about this.
But this is my philosophy of worship, not just at camp, but everywhere.
So here we go:
During camp, I tried my very best not to let any of the campers on stage during the worship, to serve on the team, for multiple reasons.
1. Serving on the worship team is a ministry. And it takes concentration. Sometimes this concentration blocks your worship. Trust me...I know all about it. This may impact your worship time and may create frustrations, rather than relaxation during worship.
2. If you are on stage, you may be missing a total God moment that you experience with your friends and family off stage.
3. Worship is definitely a privilege. If I can lead worship, just by myself, and the campers are experiencing that worship moment, then I have done what God desires of me to do, but if I'm desperately in need of "other band members" then who am I putting my trust in concerning worship...if that makes sense. I believe if you have one person, with or without an instrument, with the gift of worship, you don't even need a band. Just you, God, and worship.
Okay, moving on....
My philosophy on repeating songs. I was asked by my Dad during Camp Wakefield why I didn't try out some new slow songs instead of doing the same three or four slow songs each night, different order, based on what God pushed me to do. Well, the answer is simple:
-If we repeat things in our heads, like "I will have a good day today", then guess what? Your heart follows that and you end up having a good day. Same goes with worship. If we repeat the lyrics of worship songs in our heads, and with our mouths, our hearts will soon follow.
-I've noticed since camp that the repeated songs that we have used are now facebook status' and I've gotten text messages asking about the songs we've done. If I can introduce songs and repeat them, and people enjoy worshiping to them, then my job as a worship leader is progressing. "More I Seek You" & "You Are For Me" are the ones we definitely repeated a lot, as well as "Jesus at the Center of It All".
-The more songs we repeat, the more these kids can enjoy worship, instead of having to look at a screen for words. If the lyrics of a worship song are simple, the better and more profound the worship is, in my opinion. If a song is too wordy, it becomes a distraction.
Next philosophy:
Worshiping before hand as an individual and as a band.
This does not mean practice. This means worship.
Yes, you can worship during practice....but something I believe in is fasting, praying, etc. before I lead worship. This means taking the ten minutes or so before you lead worship to put worship music on that touches your core piece, praying over pews, alters, musical instruments, sound equipment, etc. and enjoying your own God time before enjoying everyone's God time together. I'm a FIRM believer in praying with your band over the people's hearts, your hearts, music stuff, etc. beforehand. This is the best way to start your service as a worship team.
Worship is anywhere: I think praying is a form of worship. Writing. Drawing. Painting. Taking photographs. It can be anywhere: your car, your room, a restaurant, church (obviously haha), bathroom, in the shower, etc. Practice worship any and everywhere. It pleases God and enhances your relationship/intimacy with Him.
This one is going to offend:
If you're heart is on stage to sing or play an instrument because you're good at it, don't be on the worship team.
If you're heart is not into that worship that day, don't fake it. Don't be on the worship team.
If you are burnt out but are being asked to serve, be honest. Don't be on the worship team.
Being on the worship team, or leading worship, is a true privilege, but don't make it a chore. Allow God to sing/play through you and use that time to worship God....not the leaders of your church, your church members, or pastors. Worship is about you and God.
If you are exhausted and don't feel Spiritually prepared, don't lead worship.
I know this all sounds harsh, but worship is not about performing at all. In fact my favorite quote is:
"The best worship leader is forgotten by the end of the set." ....that's my goal. To step out of the way, and allow God to shine through worship. To set up an incredible "God-moment-filled" worship for people. But if my heart is not into it, it will show.
I thought about all this stuff last night, but had to share it.
Worship is a privilege and it's amazing.
So let's worship today, like no other. God is good. (:
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
An Update, on life, love, and laughter.
WOW.
It's been since February that I've blogged.
I saw a friend of mine starting a blog, and came back to mine....read through a few posts
and legit started crying. I've been so blessed and even MORE blessed since February.
So, I'm going to try and update as much as possible without this being a million words...
Camp Wakefield: Started and ended just as quick. BUT, it was a transforming week for the teens and for us counselors. I led worship there and ended up doing 2 hours of worship every night for 7 days. Needless to say, my fingers blistered/calloused, my voice went away, and I'm exhausted beyond words, but it was worth it. To close my eyes for two seconds while singing "More I Seek You" and "You Are For Me" and then opening them to see EVERY single camper up front, standing or praying at the alter, with raised hands...yeah....that's a successful God-week. I made new friends, made current friendships stronger, stomped on the devil and his schemes, and on top of that, I was able to strengthen my relationship with God while strengthening my relationship with Stephen. A week before camp, God laid it on Stephen's heart to be a counselor at camp. I stepped out of the way for that one, knowing he was being selfless about it, instead of just wanting to be with me that week. God was right. Stephen followed what God desired of him and that week changed him, those kids who hung out with, and us. God is good. So good. The following verse is now our (Stephen & I) life verse as a couple, individuals, etc.
"Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:14-16 (Message)
Family: Family is good. My relationship with my family, parents and brother/sis in law, has been great. We all hang out more than we used to and I enjoy knowing that I have their support.
Friends: I've really struggled with this one. I've noticed that I'll randomly get text messages from friends saying they miss me, etc. And I think it's sweet, but I'm a guilt-ridden person. I've really been focusing on my relationship and all of my other friendships that coincide with church that I barely have time for any other friends. I know, I'm awful for that, but I'm still content with who is in my life, whether or not I see them daily or monthly. The most encouraging friends that I can honestly say have lifted me up recently include Sarah, Stephen, and Wendy. They've been SO encouraging always and I love them to death. God's blessed me with people who lift me up constantly. :)
Church: My goodness. I love my church. The pastors, messages, people, etc. It's been SO fulfilling to be a congregation member at times and yet still serve on the worship team, rather than on the worship team every single service. I've battled that for a while too, and still do, but I know what's best for me spiritually, and that is to receive and then serve. I know quite a few people who already support me with this, and some that do not. However, I serve God, not people....and I know what His desires are for me. My church has blessed me, that's for sure. I love everything about it. The most recent message I heard was about "God's calling" and phhhewwww it reached out to me hardcore. Thanks for being obedient, pastors, and preaching a message directly to me.
Relationship: Words couldn't even begin to explain how blessed I am with Stephen and how God fulfilled His promises through this man. Running towards God is one awesome privilege....but running towards God with Stephen by my side is the most abso-freaking-lutely amazing thing ever. He's blessed me more than he knows and He's challenged me to become closer to God, which is exactly what I need. I'm so excited to spend my life with him and glorify God through it all. "City on a Hill" as one.... I just love that thought of being two strong Christ-followers shining God's love to any and every one who comes our way.
School: Don't get me started here. I"m a bit worried about this. I'm supposed to "walk" the stage in the Spring but couldn't afford my three summer classes so this may put me behind. But I'm just SO ready to be done. Praying for this aspect of my life.
Everything else: I'm loved by the King. He's amazing and legit never lets me down.....Blessed. SO blessed.
Until next time,
J. King
It's been since February that I've blogged.
I saw a friend of mine starting a blog, and came back to mine....read through a few posts
and legit started crying. I've been so blessed and even MORE blessed since February.
So, I'm going to try and update as much as possible without this being a million words...
Camp Wakefield: Started and ended just as quick. BUT, it was a transforming week for the teens and for us counselors. I led worship there and ended up doing 2 hours of worship every night for 7 days. Needless to say, my fingers blistered/calloused, my voice went away, and I'm exhausted beyond words, but it was worth it. To close my eyes for two seconds while singing "More I Seek You" and "You Are For Me" and then opening them to see EVERY single camper up front, standing or praying at the alter, with raised hands...yeah....that's a successful God-week. I made new friends, made current friendships stronger, stomped on the devil and his schemes, and on top of that, I was able to strengthen my relationship with God while strengthening my relationship with Stephen. A week before camp, God laid it on Stephen's heart to be a counselor at camp. I stepped out of the way for that one, knowing he was being selfless about it, instead of just wanting to be with me that week. God was right. Stephen followed what God desired of him and that week changed him, those kids who hung out with, and us. God is good. So good. The following verse is now our (Stephen & I) life verse as a couple, individuals, etc.
"Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:14-16 (Message)
Family: Family is good. My relationship with my family, parents and brother/sis in law, has been great. We all hang out more than we used to and I enjoy knowing that I have their support.
Friends: I've really struggled with this one. I've noticed that I'll randomly get text messages from friends saying they miss me, etc. And I think it's sweet, but I'm a guilt-ridden person. I've really been focusing on my relationship and all of my other friendships that coincide with church that I barely have time for any other friends. I know, I'm awful for that, but I'm still content with who is in my life, whether or not I see them daily or monthly. The most encouraging friends that I can honestly say have lifted me up recently include Sarah, Stephen, and Wendy. They've been SO encouraging always and I love them to death. God's blessed me with people who lift me up constantly. :)
Church: My goodness. I love my church. The pastors, messages, people, etc. It's been SO fulfilling to be a congregation member at times and yet still serve on the worship team, rather than on the worship team every single service. I've battled that for a while too, and still do, but I know what's best for me spiritually, and that is to receive and then serve. I know quite a few people who already support me with this, and some that do not. However, I serve God, not people....and I know what His desires are for me. My church has blessed me, that's for sure. I love everything about it. The most recent message I heard was about "God's calling" and phhhewwww it reached out to me hardcore. Thanks for being obedient, pastors, and preaching a message directly to me.
Relationship: Words couldn't even begin to explain how blessed I am with Stephen and how God fulfilled His promises through this man. Running towards God is one awesome privilege....but running towards God with Stephen by my side is the most abso-freaking-lutely amazing thing ever. He's blessed me more than he knows and He's challenged me to become closer to God, which is exactly what I need. I'm so excited to spend my life with him and glorify God through it all. "City on a Hill" as one.... I just love that thought of being two strong Christ-followers shining God's love to any and every one who comes our way.
School: Don't get me started here. I"m a bit worried about this. I'm supposed to "walk" the stage in the Spring but couldn't afford my three summer classes so this may put me behind. But I'm just SO ready to be done. Praying for this aspect of my life.
Everything else: I'm loved by the King. He's amazing and legit never lets me down.....Blessed. SO blessed.
Until next time,
J. King
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)