Be Thankful

     We live in an age where it is so easy to complain about what is not taking place in our lives. To complain about what we don't have. To constantly desire things we don't have while never being appreciative or even aware of the abundant blessings in our lives.  This way of living yields a life of ungratefulness.....a dissatisfied life....a life controlled by self instead of a life being led by the Spirit of God.

     Developing a heart of thanksgiving is a significant key to living a fulfilling life directed by God, our Father. The Apostle Paul states in Colossians 3:15 to let the peace that comes from Christ rule in our hearts...and to always be thankful. In that passage he admonishes us to ALWAYS be thankful.  Being thankful removes the earthly scales off our eyes - scales that easily cause us to see things from a perspective of dissatisfaction and lack. Cultivating a spirit of thanksgiving in our heart opens our eyes to the AMAZING things God is doing in our lives daily.

     Perspective is everything. What you focus on grows. The more negativity and lack you focus on, the more of that you'll experience in your life. On the other hand, the more thankful you are, the more aware you become of the awesome miracles God is performing in your life. The more thankful you are, the more peace you'll experience. Why is peace important? Peace is an inner assurance and contentment within yourself, knowing everything will be fine particularly in opposing circumstances. Because peace is a byproduct of a thankful heart, continually cultivate a heart of thanksgiving, then brace yourself. You will begin seeing God's activity in your life like never before. Get ready! God is constantly active in our lives, the question is are we aware of it? Being thankful will bring that awareness. Be Thankful!

     

Tips For Effective Worship Leading

1. Let God Lead 

Jesus said, I am the vine and you are the branches. Apart from me, you can do nothing. (John 15:5)
In worship, God must be the focal point. Being effective musically does not guarantee an effective
corporate worship experience, but a corporate worship experience where God is the focus is an
is an essential ingredient in an effective corporate worship experience.

2. Engage the Senior Pastor’s Philosophy of Ministry 

It is important that the worship leader supports the senior pastor’s philosophy of ministry in their
worship leading. They should share the same biblical doctrine because if they don't, confusion and
disunity will breed within that local church community.

3. Align With The Other Purposes of the Church

The great commission and great commandment outline five purposes the church: 1. Magnification
(Worship), 2. Membership (Fellowship), 3. Maturity (Discipleship), 4. Ministry and 5. Missions
(Evangelism). Along with the five purposes of the church, there must be a defined
purpose for each event or service. A worship set that under girds/supports the purpose of each
service is very effective. For example, the lyrics of a worship set can emphasis a pastor's bible
study lesson on maturity.

4. Define Your Target 

In worship leading, it is very important to know the cultural background of the members in your congregation. Lyrics, musical style, and presentation must be congruent with the cultural background and spiritual maturity level of members within a congregation . For example, profound spiritual concepts can be explained in a way all people, such as the unchurched can understand.

5. Inspire By Example – Be The Lead Worshiper

The most important thing a worship leader can do is love the Lord with all their heart, mind, and soul. Excellent programming, artistry, and production cannot replace the power of God released through a genuine and contrite heart. During rehearsal and sound check, it is appropriate to be both pastor and producer/director, but when leading worship, simply worship. Refuse to produce while worshiping. People respond to sincerity, and will follow its example.

6. Never Stop Loving Those You Are Leading

Part of the great commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself. Worship leaders are often criticized. Church congregants often have opinions about the music, tempo, song choice, lyrics, or style of the worship set rendered to their congregation from week to week. Their opinions can be discouraging or overly critical, but be able to take some criticism, it refines your ministry. And while receiving the criticism, continue to love those giving you the criticism.

7. Give Your Best 

Below is a list of ways worship leaders can ensure they are rendering their best.
a. Worship leaders must be prepared.
b. Memorize your music.
c. Worship teams need to be prepared musically, emotionally and spiritually.
d. Be spiritually ready, physically fit, and emotionally rested yourself.
e. Have appropriate equipment in place and in working order.
f. Plan ahead as much as possible.
g. Delegate: Let others take on some tasks so you can serve out of your strengths.
h. Avoid comparing yourself and your team to the latest professional worship recording.
i. Learn by listening.
j. Evaluate for excellence. Get feedback from your team and congregation.
k. Keep growing musically
l. Keep the worship set fresh by introducing new songs.
m. Avoid the pitfalls of temptation (Eph 5:1-21)

The worship leading tips mentioned in this blog posting are taken from "The Worship Answer Book" by Rich Muchow, worship pastor at Saddleback Church.