Crosswinds Worship Arts

2008-04-25T16:00:00.009-04:00

!
“Worship is the story we tell with our lives. Essentially we tell a sentence of that story every single week. The sentence that we tell with our lives is predominantly what happens outside of the sanctuary. If we are telling a God-honoring sentence during the week, our corporate worship will be a powerful exclamation point at the end of that sentence. At times, perhaps our corporate worship is not an exclamation point, because the sentence we told this week was not a very good sentence.”

When I read this quote from Matt Lundgren of Willow Creek I felt a wave of relief and at the same time, humiliation. This graphic definition of worship is comforting to those of us who are forever trying to lead/cajole/herd/encourage/cheerlead/shepherd/drag a congregation full of non-expressive, unengaged individuals into unbridaled personal and corporate worship.

HEY, if they aren't singing at the top of their lungs with their hands raised, eyes closed and tears running down their cheeks... it's NOT OUR FAULT! They've probably just lived a less than "worshipful" life this week. Sure, we still need to give our best gifts to God by preparing and rehearsing well and readying ourselves spiritually. But in the event that a worship song tanks or people spend the first half hour texting their friends - we've got a nice escape clause. (that's the relief part...)

The wave of humilation came when I thought of all the times I personally have failed to enter fully into worship (for crying out loud, I get three solid chances every weekend, plus rehearsals). If I'm not engaged, it's not because the guitar player missed an important lead line or the worship leader messed up a lyric or two, it's because the life I led the past week may not have been so very... worshipful. And I'm supposed to be the worship pastor. Like, I went to SCHOOL for this. (shaking my head)

This thing we do on weekends - it's not a formula, it doesn't rise or fall on a plan, it's not self contained, it's doesn't start and end inside of 60 or 70 minutes. This act we call worship - is actually "life." And I'd rather do it more fully and passionately in the 167 hours I have each week OUTSIDE the doors of the ministry center than in the one hour i spend inside. (OK, for those people scanning for typos - it's actually 3 hours because I attend three services - but you get the point.)

Here's to a life of worship this coming week. See you at the exclamation point.

2008-04-11T12:42:00.007-04:00

"pruh-VAH-ka-tiv"

I ran across a couple of really provocative worship blogs lately and thought you'd enjoy reading them too. Don Chapman wrote both and they appear on the Worship Ideas web site.

The first entry is called "Does Great Music = Growth?" It's a great article, and if you like the sample that follows, check out the rest at http://www.worshipideas.com/Does-Music-Equal-Growth.shtml

Don writes: "So just what does music accomplish? It simply sets the tone and flavor of your church. Your music style will attract a certain style of crowd. It's no different from a radio station. Think of the different crowds associated with these music styles: Country. Heavy Metal. Classical. Can you picture what someone looks like who would listen to each style? How about: Cowboy hats. Long hair and tattoos. Suit & tie."

"Different styles attract different looking people, but there's another element to put into the mix - personality types. One personality type revels in the mediocre, the other loves quality. Ministries with a low standard of quality, no matter what the style, will attract people who have a low standard of quality. If the church allows off-pitch people to sing on the praise team, they'll attract people who like to hear off-pitch singing. Believe it or not, there are actually people in this world who thrill to hear off pitch singing on mic. These same people also enjoy karaoke."

"This mindset would prefer to see a bunch of people who wanted to sing in a constant rotation so they can use their "gifts," no matter how bad things sound, rather than see the talented few leading week after week. Call me spiritual or something, but I really don't care who's up there as I go into my own personal world of worship. What gets me out of that world is the jarring effect of hearing someone yelping the wrong notes."

And another entry called "Contemporary is the New Traditional"... here are a few lines. Check out the rest at http://www.worshipideas.com/Does-Music-Equal-Growth.shtml

"....the band of the contemporary church was very good but sounded like they were stuck in 1987. One of the quickest ways to date your sound is to have a guitarist who uses chorusy, reverby effects from 20 years ago. Because of the instrumentation, even the cutting edge songs they were doing sounded dated. Another factor is the worship leader - a rather hip guy in his early 50's. I also got a feeling of that old Willow Creek performance vibe so popular in the 90's. All together, this added up to a service that attracts... people in their forties and fifties.So here's the predicament: take the music up a notch and risk losing people, or stay the same and not attract younger people and families."

there you go... enjoy!

2007-10-19T14:16:00.000-04:00

"let the praises ring..."

"When worship songs can only be sung by the talented, it becomes closer to entertainment than corporate worship. And only those who 'make the cut' are allowed to participate in the ministry of leading songs. A ministry that belongs in the hands of all God's people."

So how does that quote strike you? It’s from a book that doesn’t necessarily qualify as “the gospel” on the subject of church… but it sure does provoke some thought. One of our design team members offered it up as a catalyst, and went on to share from his personal experience:

“I have wrestled for over 20 years with my own perfectionism in music and life. I freely admit I have often concentrated so much on the execution of the music that I have forgotten the mission of music in worship. So here's what I want to say:

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE PEOPLE SINGING not us being heard. With our sound systems, mics, drums, blazing guitars, lights, camera and action...that mission can be obscured at times. Let us be reminded that the PEOPLE must be heard and IT'S NOT ABOUT us. I think you all know this quite well; however, I just got reminded AGAIN.”

Kind of cool when the design team member offering up that kind of clear insight happens to be at the helm of this particular ship. Thanks for the good word, John.

2007-10-19T01:56:00.000-04:00

www.puresexneeded.com

Last week one of our weekend design team members sent us this link to (believe it or not) one of the churches in Rochester. They were promoting a new message series, and their purpose was to draw people in by offering teaching on a very relevant topic. (relevant is an understatement) Needless to say – it sparked an energetic exchange among our design team members. :-)

Here are a few of their comments:
"I wonder about this type of "marketing"?? Is it necessary or truly does it actually win people to Christ? Is the Sunday morning environment the place for a straight forward discussion on the topic? Are you ready for a church that actually presents relevant everyday topics about life? Is this type "posturing" the best tact to take? Does the gospel need gimmicks?"

One of our worship leaders had some particularly insightful thoughts. Here's what Marli wrote:

"I am not sure how I feel about any of the "church" approaches to bringing people into God's house, but I have lots of questions. I know that we have to either get them to church or meet them where they live or they may never know Him. I know that once we are given the opportunity to share with them it must be real, blessed and coming straight from God's word. Therefore, the Gospel absolutely, does not need gimmicks. It is real, true and stands on its own. The Bible contains all of the answers to today's questions but people need to know this.

How do we bring people to a place where they want to hear it? What of the people out there that don't believe in God or don't feel "God" is relevant in their lives? Those that don't have a need for Him, or think Jesus is only for the weak? Why would they go to church if they are not looking for anything?

Then if people come to church, where will they have the opportunity to hear the "everyday" things that they can relate to if they are not done in a service? The Bible covers all that we need to live a life that strives to be more like Jesus. It seems that biblical ways to live in today's society could help people start that journey the minute they walk out the door. I feel pretty sure in saying that there are many people that have never gone to the Sunday school class, which is where you might typically get deeper into the "straight forward" stuff. I am also comfortable saying that the typical "off the street, don't know God, first time church go'er" probably won't be going to the Sunday school class either.

Main Entry: mar·ket·ingFunction: noun1 a : the act or process of selling or purchasing in a market b : the process or technique of promoting, selling, and distributing a product or service 2 : an aggregate of functions involved in moving goods from producer to consumer

By definition, I don't think "marketing" will bring anyone to God. I believe marketing is used as a tool to make people curious, bring attention to or even shock or make uncomfortable. A lot like the Gospel can do when or if read or spoken. Key words being "when or if." And effective marketing that speaks the truth is a way to bring people in the doors. As is the "word of mouth." After they are there is what, in my opinion, either justifies the marketing or can potentially push people away even further. The church needs to "walk the walk" and back up the marketing with real substance and God's truth in order to even consider marketing of this type.

Relevancy... After hundreds and hundreds of hours of conversation regarding sex with young people, etc… I am looked at as if I have two heads and they see my convictions based on the bible as "too conservative," "unrealistic," "not in the real world"... I have to admit, I would love to be able to have them "get it" somehow. I know we are not to live "in" the world but we do live here. And there are lots of people who aren't going to get it unless we speak of the struggles we have today, how there were similar situations in the bible, how they were handled and explain through these illustrations how our God was, is, and will always be for us and with us.

I think it all comes down to this:
1. A church needs to teach and live the truth from God's word. Keep It Real.
2. Once that is real, there are so many out there that need to be witnessed to and will all be drawn to Him in different ways. So there is a place for many types of style churches.
3. To me, the next step is determining what type of church has God lead each church to be. What is the Win?

And finally, one more comment from someone who actually attended the service advertized above:

"I thought it was a totally cool way to get people to come to church. I think if the church is going to be relevant and risky – COOL. It’s a bonus. It’s not… “the way.” But it adds to it. The thing is with that…. I drove an hour in the car there and back to hear what was advertised as a really cool relevant thing. But. …Ya gotta be able to live up to your advertising."

Regardless of where you land on the "marketing of religion" debate - it was a great catalyst for thought and discussion. Got an opinion? I'll bet you do.

2007-10-19T00:53:00.000-04:00

"the word according to angie"

Our worship leaders pour their whole heart and soul into creating arrangements, confirming players, rehearsing their teams and finally leading us all in worship each weekend. But that’s not the whole story, because they also try to get their own minds on track, along with those on their team – to have a clear picture of what it means to “lead worship.” Some weeks ago Angie did this by “translating” a couple of passages of scripture as a devotional for the team. I thought it was a wonderfully fresh way to read these stories and interact with Scripture. See what you think:

Writes Angie…

“Here's something to think about..what does the line (in one of their worship songs) "Oh, God of Jacob" mean anyway? I've been looking it up...on Hebrew sights mostly. It made me think about what we're doing...leading people in worship. As I read, I kinda' felt like Moses... (Italicized stuff -Angie's thoughts)

Exodus 3:13-15

(v 13) "Moses said to God, 'Suppose I go to the Israelites
(people at Crosswinds)
and say to them
(in effect just by standing on the stage),
'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?'
(what's God really like? Does another religion know Him too?)
Then what shall I say?'

(Who am I to get up in front and say anything about YOU?)

(v 14) God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM.
(I AM is all that they need and more!)
This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you.'
(could it be that this isn't just a bunch of good musicians/speakers sharing our talents--but that we've been called, that it's God's plan pre-ordained for this coming weekend that WE share what He's like to people who have hearts ready to listen...and to the ones who are skeptical?)

(v15) God also said to Moses, 'Say to the Israelites, 'The LORD, the God of your fathers-the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob

(same God, experienced differently and worshiped differently, personally by these guys)

has sent me to you.' This is my name forever, the name by which I am to be remembered from generation to generation."
(It's our job to cause people to remember who God is, and why they've come to look for Him)

Isaiah 2:3
"And many peoples will come and say, 'Come, let us go up to the mountain
(a higher place than my daily thoughts allow me to go)
of the LORD, To the house
(welcome, warm place, family)
of the God
(I AM!)
of Jacob
(that stealer, liar, fearful, fighting, stubborn guy)
That He
(God)
may teach us
(no matter what OUR faults are-I'm focusing on my big mouth today...)
concerning His ways And that we may
(have the chance to be enlightened, empowered, enabled to)
walk in His paths.' For the law

(God's way to do life)
will go forth from Zion
(God's safe place, peace)
And the word of the LORD
(awesome, reverenced, almighty God)
from Jerusalem."

--------------------------------------------------------

Bottom line - you can do one of two things:

1. let this passage inspire you about what it means to lead worship, and reflect on the character of the One who is worthy of our worship

2. try out this method of interacting with scripture by taking a passage, phrase by phrase, and and responding or rewording it in terms that help you understand it's meaning more clearly.

have fun!

2007-10-19T00:42:00.000-04:00

living stones

This fall we have been taking some exciting steps as a church family—growing, building and becoming who God has called us to be. The set design in the ministry center is a visual depiction of 1 Peter 2:5, which says, “You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house…” We are those “living stones” carefully chosen, prepared and placed alongside each other at Crosswinds. The three flowing, translucent panels remind us of our triune God— Father, Son and Holy Spirit— constantly at work in us and through us. Take time in the next few weeks to give thanks to our God for building THIS “spiritual house” with “living stones” right before our eyes.

2007-07-27T12:36:00.000-04:00

surprised by humility

Isn’t it great how nice surprises often come at a time when you most need them? Yesterday I received an unexpected gift in the middle of a very unlikely conversation. It was a bright, encouraging light in an otherwise fairly dark day.

You may have noticed - there’s been much conversation and debate among worship arts volunteers over the question of what clothing or behavior is “appropriate, modest, non-distracting, functional, and God-honoring.” Good for us that we are expressing our individual thoughts, perceptions and passions in a logical, articulate way. Diversity is usually good.

Yesterday the cry for “my rights, my preferences, my needs” clamored just a little too long and loudly for me. It had beaten me down to the point of wanting to wave the white flag, disregard the requests, comments, and pleas I hear from the congregation on a regular basis and just say, “You know what? I give up. Wear what you want, do what you want, do what’s best for YOU and let the congregation learn to deal with it. After all, they don’t really matter. It’s US we need to think about.” (Relax. I came to my senses after a good night’s sleep.)

Ironically some of the people who’ve been the most vocal against dress code as it relates to them have also been the ones who have asked me as a leader to confront OTHERS about a particular habit, clothing or mannerism that is distracting to THEM. And they’re right. They deserve to worship without wincing or stumbling into an obstacle, just like everyone else. None of us WANTS to create a problem for others if we can avoid it.

So I gathered up my courage and did what we are all called to do at one point or another. With gentleness, humilty, and a whole lot of fear and trembling, I confronted the person who was providing the recurring distraction. I took a deep breath, apologized for my awkwardness and clumsiness, and spoke the truth in love on behalf of the people who want to focus on God, but were struggling over this one particular area.

Silence. Very long silence. (And then, the incredibly wonderful surprise… ) Humility. Appreciation. Genuine desire to serve Invisibly. Selflessly. More Humility. More Appreciation. Laughter. Friendship. Joy. Encouragement. Support. Team mates connected and united. Family members committed to serving our church family well. Hope…

Sure got to see the character of God reflected in the face sitting across my desk. It was a really nice surprise.

2007-07-18T10:42:00.000-04:00

"what not to wear..." part deux

It all started with a simple email to our tech team urging them to wear their spiffy looking crosswinds tech shirts and a pair of pants (as opposed to shorts) on weekends when they were serving. It was followed by a series of well-thought out emails from various team members detailing why this was a less than ideal request.

I smiled as I read their responses. See, when we did the “summer what-not-to-wear” talk with worship and drama team people in June, I was prepared for some energetic push back from a few of them. (Apparently several were feeling that bare feet, spaghetti straps, bare midriffs and skin tight clothing wouldn’t be a distraction as they led worship.) But who knew there’d be protest from BOTH sides of the stage? Still shaking my head.

At any rate – to me, how the clothing debate shakes out for tech people is of less importance than how we all handle the underlying “hot buttons” that brought about the debate in the first place. These are the questions I’m asking myself as I sort this through. Want to join me?

1. Is my objection really about the clothing itself?
2. Or is it more about the loss of having a choice?
3. Does making it a “rule” or “guideline” necessarily make it a bad idea?
4. Does my ministry impact extend beyond the walls of the tech and sound booths?
5. Does what I wear affect how I serve? (does it make me so uncomfortable that I can’t concentrate?)
6. Does what I wear support all team members – off the stage and on the stage? (Is it fair? Does fair matter?)
7. Finally (and probably most importantly) – do I actually have the legs to tastefully pull off the “shorts look?!” (come on… don’t act like you don’t know what I’m talking about…) :-)

As always, there is much more to the big picture than any one person can see from their perspective. And there’s also much more to our individual stories than others might know. We didn’t all stumble on our “hot buttons” by accident.

Oh by the way, this discussion didn’t start by accident either. We can all thank an unnamed sound man and a hot, eye catching pair of “little white shorts” that were unexpectedly featured on stage under bright lights a few weeks ago. That’s what got things rolling. :-)

Thoughts, anyone?

2007-07-12T18:49:00.000-04:00

of crosses and lights...

There’s been a lot of “energetic” conversation in recent months about the presence (or absence) of a cross in our ministry center. The debate is passionate, for sure – right down to what the correct size, location, and position ought (or ought not) to be.

The truth is, we’ve featured an assortment of crosses made in a variety of sizes from wood, metal, fabric, vines, light – all with one very intentional purpose in mind. That is to point our minds and hearts to the character, attributes and PERSON of Jesus Christ. The cross image does that beautifully, but it’s only one of MANY very powerful images or reminders that point us to God and all that He is and has done. For example, what could be richer, more meaningful symbols of Jesus’ sacrifice and forgiveness than the scent, touch and taste of the bread and cup at the communion table?

As we head into the summer season we’ve chosen another symbol to help us focus on who Jesus is and what he has promised to do in our lives. “…I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12

Our ministry center set has been created to represent this LIGHT that leads to LIFE. Jesus said, “I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.” (John 12:46) As you worship this summer, be reminded of the light, the truth, and the hope that a relationship with Jesus Christ shines into our lives.

On a side note – do you remember the set design from last summer? It was soft, flowing fabric draped from ceiling to floor, giving a fluid feeling of wind in the sails of Crosswinds. We were in the midst of transition, staying flexible to change, responsive to the breeze of the Holy Spirit. That was a intended as a reflection of our church, embracing transition and flowing with the impending changes. In contrast, our current environment suggests a movement into structure, stability, yet still responsive to the light of Christ and leading of the Spirit. The solid, confident lines suggest a structural building and strengthening of our church, ministries and families as the light of Christ shines through all.

The “cross debate” will no doubt continue on, but through it all, this truth remains: God has done miraculous things in and through Crosswinds in the last year, and we believe He will continue to lead us into an amazing future. He is the object of our worship, the only One who is truly worthy of our praise. So regardless of which symbols or images we happen to choose on any particular weekend…

...if they point to Him… isn't that really the point?

2007-07-04T21:57:00.000-04:00

“…let there be light”
It’s surprising how much you can see when the lights are on. One quick flip of the literal and figurative light switch this past weekend and I got to experience that first hand.

What I already knew was that every person who walks through the ministry center doors for worship has a pretty distinct idea of what real worship “should look like.” And I also knew that we can never give everyone what they prefer all at the same time. There simply is no such thing as a “one size fits all” worship experience. I’m guessing that even in heaven some people will still be filling out anonymous comment cards…

What I didn’t know was that differing preferences could actually be a good thing. We usually duck when the negative comments and complaints come our way (on those very rare occasions). This past weekend was no exception.

The face off was over lighting and the challenges that our lighting cues presented. Words were exchanged, passionate points of view were expressed, people who love God with all their hearts landed on two opposite sides of the argument with an unusual mix of honor and opposition. I was proud of us. We acted like the body of Christ, thinking with our minds and feeling with our hearts about what worship “should be” on this particular weekend. In the end, we did not agree, but we went home respecting and loving each other, and with a resolution.

For me (and hopefully for all of us) the light went on in more ways than one. Here’s what we learned:

It's never “all or nothing.” Really. Solutions are rarely found in the black and white. There is likely some truth and wisdom in both points of view when people love God. The sooner we figure that out, the sooner we let go of our need to be “right.” The answer might not be your preference or mine - it could be the best of both.

If I say I love God – I need to love His people too. When I’m leading worship, there are more people in the room than just God and me. And their needs, obstacles, challenges and preferences DO matter to God – and they should also matter to me. Paul's words in 1 Corinthians compel us as servant-leaders to "become all things to all men so that by all possible means we might save some."

It’s a race, and I want to be first to put others’ needs first. In fact, some of my most meaningful moments in worship have been when I've handed over my preferences of music, environment, style, lighting, sound, speaker… to God. In one unlikely gesture my me-centered worship can change to a profoundly rich, personal, intimate sacrifice of praise.

Iron sharpens iron. Opposing points of view can actually be GOOD. This weekend the face off was triggered by lighting but turned out to be about ministry philosophy. As a result, a blend of two very “right” ideas turned out to be (in my humble opinion) better than either on their own.

...And that’s the story of how we came to blend the soft light of candles, the rich color of lights, and the sweet sound of voices raised in worship last weekend. It was a great service – more so than any of us imagined.

2007-06-18T13:37:00.000-04:00

"Almost Like Being There..."

Check out the incredible resources and video clips from the Willow Creek Arts Conference. It's like being right there (without thruway fast food, four tanks of gas, Chicago rush hour or the endless state of Ohio). Enjoy!

http://2007artsconferenceblog.blogspot.com

2007-06-17T22:46:00.000-04:00

“What’s Right With Willow Creek…”

Tonight marks the finish line of an intense six day marathon, yet I feel more energized now than before the race began. Doesn’t sound quite right, does it? But it’s true -

…After driving 1470 miles for 25+ hours in a van packed with 6 people who now know each other WAYYY too well…
…After three days at the Willow Creek Arts Conference being drenched with wave after wave of provocative teaching, inspiring worship, practical, idea-packed seminars, and breathtakingly creative music, media and drama…
…After returning home just in time to gear up for an unforgettable weekend of Father’s Day worship services…

Here I am on the other side of the finish line – full, refreshed, re-invigorated. And I believe the same is true for each leader on our team who made the trip to the arts conference. Our spiritual, emotional, relational, and ministry cups are full. The long-term kind of “full” that will impact our lives and ministries for months to come.

“Hallelujah – What’s Right With the World” was the conference theme this year, and the best part about being there to fuel up, and coming home to get back to work, is the thought that kept running through my mind throughout this marathon. It was this: “Hallelujah – What’s Right With CROSSWINDS.” I got to be reminded one more time of who we are as a church and worship arts ministry, how far we have come, and how hopeful our future looks. I am enormously grateful to serve alongside our incredible volunteers and worship arts staff – each one a key member of my own personal Dream Team. It was great to get away. It is even better to be back home.

2007-06-10T10:14:00.000-04:00

"Our Stories"

Our fantastic volunteers work hard to plan, prepare and lead the Crosswinds family in worship each weekend - all of them with joy, laughter, energy and enthusiasm. But as much fun as it is seeing our teams hard at work together, it's even more inspiring (and humbling) to hear first hand about the work that God is up to in the lives of his people. Take a minute or two and you'll see what I mean. Here are some more "Our Stories" as told by the people living life in the thick of God's love...

"God has always been in my life in ways I didn’t even know he was working. He brought me to Crosswinds to be able to share his faith and mine with others."

"God has come into my life so very recently He has helped heal a empty heart and given me hope and a future with Him and me. This church has been an incredible journey bringing me to God."

"My story revolves around how blessed I am because of the great family God has given me. All 5 of us have warts and are damaged units, but God loves us right where we are! Thanks God for my beautiful wife and my wonderful sons."

"My story is God has blessed me with daughters who have just turned 13 years old and I can’t wait to watch what God has planned for them!"

"What God has done in my life is helping me get through tough times and helped me in getting through death in my family and letting me know they are ok. Life goes on. Family is a very important part of my life and coming to Crosswinds has helped me in loving life and respecting life as it is, and not overlooking the little things but living and not mourning anything – not taking things for granted and just living."

"Finding Crosswinds or Crosswinds finding us has brought our family closer to Him and each other."

"God answered my prayers for my husband, he was an alcoholic – he has been sober for 15 years – thankfully – God helped me to love him and our marriage survived… and now I pray that he will be saved – I know God is working toward that end. Praise Him."

"What God is doing in my life is strengthening my faith to depend only on Him and Him alone."

"I’m thankful for my wonderful family. My two sons have provided me much much happiness. I need to tell them more often how much they make me happy. I’ve been searching for a community to worship and have found this community – CROSSWINDS! I’m so thankful my life is so much more fulfilled now."

So... what's your story?

2007-06-03T21:21:00.000-04:00

"When I Grow Up..."

Fresh air is always such a welcome surprise. That first delicious gulp reminds you of how long it's been since you have really breathed. Being led by our students - our family - our kids in authentic, inspiring, life-changing worship was a breath of fresh air to me this weekend. I don't know whether i enjoyed being a worshiper, or a parent, or a pastor more - probably all three at the same time with equal joy.

We've loved having student led worships for years now... and every year HAS been truly wonderful, but there has been to some degree a sense of "herding cats" through the process. There was always a little bit of coaching, some encouraging and preparing, even some ring leading needed to guide everyone through the experience. But not so this year. Actually, I LEARNED more than i "helped." This group of students and each INDIVIDUAL student, without exception, embodied an amazing and refreshing blend of maturity, passion, excellence, godliness and FUN.

So this weekend i decided, when i grow up, i wanna be just like them...

2007-06-03T20:27:00.000-04:00

“Does Jesus Love Bare Feet?”

File this under the heading of “questions-I-never-dreamed-I’d-have-to-answer.” Here’s yet another one we didn’t cover in ordination classes.

It’s the happy outcome of working with passionate, diverse, multigenerational musicians and actors. The whole debate started innocently enough. When the warm weather came back, so did the baggy shorts, tiny tank tops, I-can-see-your-belly shirts, tube tops, bikinis, tankinis, and sandals… So we did what we do every year in Worship Arts – pull together the troops and review the official Crosswinds list of “What Not to Wear” while leading worship in the summer months. The POINT was to save worshipers the dicey distractions that come with flashing a whole lotta skin at eye level on a well lit stage…

What I wasn’t ready for was the pushback that came next. Who KNEW that the skin people most wanted to show was on their feet? “Why do I have to wear shoes when I’m on the stage? What do shoes have to do with worshiping God? Will Jesus love me more if I cover up my bare feet?”

Smile if you want to, but I’m still savoring the rush of freedom I felt when we figured out (not that long ago) that it was actually possible to worship God and wear JEANS at the same time. Forget the jeans – I remember when women who really loved Jesus only wore DRESSES to church. And real men of God wore suits and ties and short hair. (Wow. Flashback. I can actually smell the Aqua Velva and hairspray.)

So back to the bare feet question… where’s the line? What’s “appropriate?” How do we decide what honors God and what is not really all that important? As far as I can figure, yesterday’s jeans are today’s piercings, hats, tats, and flip flops… And I would imagine that grace, acceptance, and open-mindedness are as important to our up and coming leaders as there were to me the first day I wore jeans to church.

But here’s what I’m also sure of – I serve along side volunteers of all ages, and we love God and love His church more than we love jeans… or bare feet. And we will do whatever it takes to point people to Him with every word and gesture, and even every item of clothing… So next time we stand in front of the open closet door, scratching our heads and wondering, “What am I gonna wear to lead worship today?” … the answer will be obvious. “I’m going to wear… do… and be what will call the least attention to me, and give the most attention to God.”

Yeah – Jesus loves me when I have bare feet. And I get to love Him best when I love His people first.

2007-05-17T16:46:00.000-04:00

"I've Got to Confess..."

Worship at Crosswinds is measured in fairly precise terms - every minute, every second COUNTS. Our schedule is laid out with an insane degree of detail - every possible element is accounted for: 6 minutes for a drama, 4 minutes for a vocal solo, 2 minutes for a prayer or announcements, 2-4 minutes for a video, 14 minutes for a song set... The elements are designed to flow seamlessly from one to another, transitions are strategically planned, musical arrangements are crafted, and heaven FORBID the speaker should go off script and overflow their 30 minute time slot for the message... Our purpose is honorable - we want to respect our guests, volunteers and families by valuing their time.

So imagine the smile that broke over my face when I read Nehemiah 9:3 this morning: "The Book of the Law of the LORD their God was read aloud to them for about three hours. Then for three more hours they took turns confessing their sins and worshiping the LORD their God."

I pictured the worship schedule for that particular event...it could have been printed on a Post It note: 3 hours of standing while someone reads the Bible out loud, and then 3 more hours of confessing our "stuff" and worshiping God. (Cool. No rehearsals. :-)

Besides being stunned with the simplicity of the experience, and the unbelievably long ATTENTION SPAN of that congregation, I was pretty impressed with the connection between confession and worship. I could picture the invigorating, honest, back and forth conversation between God and his people as they confessed their sins, He lavished his forgiveness and grace on them, and they responded with full on, joyful worship and thanksgiving.

There's a whole lot of irony in "confession." It's dead last on our list of fun-things-to-do. Many of us spend ridiculous amounts of energy AVOIDING the simple act of naming our sin before God. But the moment, the SECOND we confess our sin, we ARE fully forgiven, completely transformed, and ready to worship. Crazy, isn't it? Why does it take us so long to step one foot across the line and into FREEDOM?

It seems to me that the first and most important "act of worship" isn't in the planning, or scheduling, or staffing, or rehearsing or timing of the worship experience (although those are all very important and good). It may be in the words we speak to God BEFORE we tune up our guitars, or program our lights, or put on our mics, or check our sound levels, or proof read our slides, or step out onto the stage... what do you think?