Tuesday, October 28, 2008

The Best Encouragement A Worship Minister Can Have

In my opinion, of course.

It was announced this past Sunday that I'm leaving the church I'm at, for a few good reasons and I've had a lot of encouraging comments from people who are sad to see me leave but understand that the situation I and the church are in makes for tough decisions.

However, the most encouraging comment to me came from someone who just happened to be in that middle ground where they were applying for the worship team, and I wanted to let them know that I wasn't going to be around, yet I couldn't because it wasn't announced yet. That's always a tough issue, to know what to say, how to say it, and when.

Anyway, I received their application in the mail along with a letter. In the letter, this was written:

"You are so talented and I always appreciated that you led worship rather than turning Sunday morning into a performance or concert."

It's encouraging to me because that is exactly what I have strived to do in the now three worship ministries I have led. To me, worship isn't about who's up on stage. It isn't about polish or perfection (although we strive for excellence). It isn't about instrument solos or vocal solos or cool lights or nifty props or appealing stage decorations. It's about God. It's about our response to His workings in our lives. It's about our sacrifices to Him through song or time or money or talents. It's about giving up our lives to the One who gave up His life for us.

My hope is that the church I'm leaving will keep wanting to worship, not a performance.

2 comments:

Rochelle said...

I agree with the person who wrote the letter to you.
It will be a totally different experience for you when you aren't leading worship too.

russmon said...

Adam, I still have your audition video we shot at Southwest if you need to shoot it out anywhere. Get in touch when you're settled back in Springboro. C-ya, Rusty! :) russmon@mac.com
Cindi cindimb@mac.com
937-372-3390