Beyond Sunday Worship

Worship Podcast

Next Week = Leadership Week

leadershipweek_front

Hey folks. Just wanted to let you know about something awesome coming your way next week. My good friend, Ben Davis (aka @iambendavis), is hosting a leadership blog gold mine (not sure what that means). All week, gifted leaders from around the country will share on different topics pertaining to life and leadership. I had the privilege of writing, though I am probably the least awesome.

I would share my post with you now on The Invisible Leader, but I think I’ll just whet your appetite for next week. Stay close to Ben’s blog, my friends. It’s gonna be good.

DS

 

When Was the Last Time I…

Do you struggle with pride? I already know the answer to that question. But your response to that question will determine how prideful you are.

As ministers, we are in the public eye. When you’re in the public eye, it’s easy to think highly of yourself, especially when compliments are flowing.

Consider this verse:

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you” (James 4:10).

As God increases our public platforms, I believe we need to be continually humbling ourselves before Him. The greater the platform, the greater humility is needed to handle the praise of man.

How do you humble yourself? Ask (what I like the call) the WWLT questions (bracelet, anyone?):

  • When was the last time I had a conversation about someone else, with no reference to my own accomplishments?
  • When was the last time I spent an hour in private worship?
  • When was the last time I thanked God for His indescribable grace and for saving ‘a wretch like me’?
  • When was the last time I confessed my sins to a trusted friend?
  • When was the last time I personally responded to an altar call?
  • When was the last time I visited a sick person in the hospital just to be with them?
  • When was the last time I blessed someone financially?
  • When was the last time I prayed for someone else, instead of being consumed by my own needs?
  • When was the last time I was moved to tears while reading Scripture?
  • When was the last time I listened to my spouse with undivided attention?
  • When was the last time I personally served someone else’s ministry?
  • When was the last time I shared the Gospel with a non-Christian?
  • When was the last time I talked about Jesus with my Christian friends?

O God, make me a humble servant of your glory, honor, and fame.

DS

What Type of Congregation Are You?

There are many factors that contribute to great ‘times’ of congregational worship. A worship leader who loves Jesus, can sing well, and can engage people. A sensitive, skilled band, Excellent sound quality, singable songs, songs that are Biblical, Scripture readings, spontaneous praise, and…anything else? Something you may not consider is the congregation.

The type of congregation that is present also determines how powerful a worship service is.

Let me give you an example. Last night Emily and I stepped into the middle of a worship conference at CCOP to hear Israel Houghton lead worship. To begin with, Israel is a high energy worship leader. He has a voice like no other, loves God, and is a skilled musician. But in that room, it really wouldn’t matter WHO was up there. The congregation was bouncing around, shouting and praising before he even sang a lick. A bird could have led worship that night.

Maybe you experience this on Sunday mornings at your church. Maybe you’re like most of us and there is a mixed congregation of seniors, baby boomers, young adults, youth, non-christians and everything in between.

These types of settings can be very challenging to lead worship. A third of the congregation wants to shout in tongues for 2 hours, a third wants to sit down and stop singing these stupid songs, and a third are scared to death of the banners, dancing, raised hands, and off-key singing in the congregation (or from the stage!).

I’m not slamming certain congregations. I actually love the diversity of it all. I love having non-Christians in the room when I lead worship. And I love a large group of spirit-filled, Jesus lovers. Both are fun in a different way.

What do you do? How can one effectively ‘lead’ different congregations? What is most important in your worship leading preparation? Do different congregations require different preparation?

I’ll save that for my next post.

Until then, what type of congregation do you lead for?

Let the discussion flow…

DS

The Atmosphere of Coffee

Call me a little artsy. Maybe too introspective. Definitely a nerd, but I love the atmosphere of coffee. On my Twitter yesterday I made this statement that I’d like to expound on for all your sanctification and growth.

I THINK I LIKE COFFEE MORE FOR THE ATMOSPHERE IT CREATES THAN THE ACTUAL DRINK.

I’m not just talking about sweet locations like Starbucks, Crazy Mocha, or your favorite local coffee shop. I’m talking about everywhere you hold in your hands a good cup of joe. It’s transformative to me on a number of levels:

  • Coffee assists me in ‘enjoying the moment’. Slow down and take it all in.
  • True, meaningful conversation does not happen without coffee.
  • Very helpful for the morning devo’s.
  • Visiting a Starbucks makes any routine outing worth it.
  • The smell of freshly ground coffee is like being on vacation.

Essential Questions for Leadership

Raising up leaders is very exciting work. The easy part is asking people. The hard part is following through. It’s fairly easy to build a team of people. It’s another thing to maintain a strong momentum in your leadership team. But that is where you must focus your energies.

Getting a bunch of bodies on board is essential, given they are the right kind of people. But how are you actually leading your team? Questions to ask:

  • Am I modeling the work ethic I am requiring?
  • Am I modeling a disciplined lifestyle of consistent prayer/Bible reading?
  • Am I praying for each of my leaders?
  • Am I breathing consistent, faith-filled vision?
  • Am I smiling and laughing a lot? (more important than you may think).
  • Am I constantly seeking to improve my leadership through reading & observing other great leaders?
  • Am I following through with team assignments?
  • Am I having one-on-one, face-to-face conversations and not just sending random emails all the time?
  • Do I know where we are going?
  • Am I improving my communication skills?
  • Am I challenging/coaching/encouraging in real time?
  • Do I honor/value/spend QT with my wife above my leaders?
  • Am I happy?

Any others you would add?