Remember when worship used to mean something? Remember when it was real? Inspired? Creative? God-breathed? Remember when worship continued long after the last notes of a chord were struck and traveled into the week? Remember when worship became lifestyle and witness? I do.

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“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.

"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!

"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.

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.

"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."

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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!

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.

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.

"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?

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?