Beyond Sunday Worship

Worship Podcast

The Form Is Forming Us: What Are We Encountering In Corporate Worship?

the form is forming us

I don’t think any of us would disagree that corporate worship is a place of encounter.

Sure, we gather for community. But we don’t just gather for community. Sure, we gather to hear God’s Word. But we don’t just gather to hear God’s Word. We gather because the Spirit has promised to come where His people are gathered.

Heaven and earth collide. In corporate worship we meet with the living, real presence of God.

But how do we know if we’re encountering the real thing?

  • Are we encountering the risen Jesus?
  • Are we encountering heightened emotion?
  • Are we encountering a peaceful atmosphere?
  • Are we encountering “great worship”?

I believe the answer lies in what we begin to crave Monday-Friday. Over time, the habit of worshiping in church every week should produce a new desire. We crave more that which we spend time doing.

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Next. More. Better: Putting Excellence In Its Proper Place

Next, More, & Better

At what point does excellence and production value become too much?

When does it cease to serve the local church and instead, distract us from our goal – equipping the saints for the work of ministry?

We’re always waiting for what’s next. Doing more. Making everything better.

I’ve heard the argument on both sides.

If your production is over-the-top excellent, you are a seeker sensitive, sellout church with no Bible, no depth, and a congregation that shows up to be entertained.

If you’re a small church with little to zero production value…well, that’s also looked upon with a certain degree of chagrin. You at least have to be using a click, right?

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5 Mistakes Your Worship Team Is Making [That You May Not Be Noticing]

5

Let’s face it.

None of us sets out to screw up. Mistakes are inevitable.

And the longer you lead, the more your church grows, the more you’ll need to pivot and change. What worked 10 years ago may not work today. Matter of fact, what worked last year may not be the best idea today.

That’s actually the sign of great leadership. You don’t need to have all the answers, all the time. But you do need to keep a pulse on what is working and what is not…and have the courage to change when necessary.

So consider this post less of a brash, unfriendly rebuke and more of a reminder – a reminder to be proactive about avoiding ruts.

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What Kind Of Worship Leaders Do Our Churches Need?

WHAT KIND OF

Worship ministry isn’t what it seems.

The lights, the stage, the celebrity status, the fanfare. It’s just not that…at all. And if we’re making it that, it’s not worth doing.

I guess we’ll cut right to the chase.

Worship ministry is more a pastoral role than a creative one. It’s more about people skills than musical proficiency. It’s less about your voice and more about the voice you unleash in others.

Let me explain.

Sunday morning isn’t about how good you sound or how “anointed” you are. It’s about how well you can give voice to the saints gathered with you.

It could be said that your effectiveness depends on your customer service. Are you great at creating a welcoming environment where people can be disarmed and feast upon the goodness of God?

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The Insecure Worship Leader

Suit & Tie (1)

Let’s be honest.

Or, maybe I’ll just be honest. Sometimes I don’t feel very good at what I do. Insecurities come knocking and not only do I open the door, I prepare a feast for them to come and dine.

Are you the same way? Don’t worry this will get more encouraging.

It’s a strange habit. It’s as if I’m completely unhappy with who I am, how I’m wired, and what God has gifted me with. It’s as if I wish God had made me another person.

  • I’m getting old. I’ve lost my edge.
  • I have a growing family. I can’t do what I used to do.
  • My songs aren’t as good as his songs.
  • I don’t have the connections I wish I had.
  • I’ll never fully reach my potential.
  • I don’t know how to lead worship anymore.
  • I wish I was more popular.

Do you entertain many of the same insecurities? Do you have others?

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