There was a lot of great stuff packed into these two little chapters this week. Here are a couple of things that stood out to me as I read.
"Music in the church is important. But is it more important than solid Biblical teaching that helps me grow in knowledge of God and obedience to His Word? In a word, no." (p. 52) A lot of times it seems that people (myself included at times) place more value on the quality of music rather than the quality of teaching at a church. People will often pass up a church that has a great Pastor because the music is only so, so or choose a church with great music even though the church's theology and doctrine is shaky at best. This thinking is so backward! Music is a means of worshiping God, but in order to worship Him correctly we must have good theology and doctrine first. If we have a poor, inaccurate, or even false understanding of God, who He is, and what He wants, we can't possibly expect to please Him with music even if it is excellently performed and the mix is just right. A right relationship with God must be the first priority, only then can our music be a means of worshiping God.
I like what Kauflin says about who a worship leader can be on p. 53. "Anyone who encourages others to praise God can be referred to as a 'worship leader'. Worship can involve music, but it can happen without it as well." As a worship team and as worship leaders we should think of ourselves as encouragers of the congregation as we help them to see the greatness of God and give Him praise.
There are so many other great points in these chapters, but I'm just going to jump to the end of chapter 7 and leave the rest for discussion in the comments. The last lines of this chapter we're a great encouragement and reminder to me and I hope they will be for you as well. "Ultimately, the fruit of faithful leadership is knowing we've pleased the audience of One. Our joy doesn't come from leading the perfect worship time, winning awards, or having a song on the worship charts. Our goal isn't success, popularity, or personal fulfillment. It's anticipating--by God's grace and fore the glory of Jesus Christ--that we'll hear on that last day, 'Well done, good and faithful servant.' (Matthew 25:21, 23). And that's a greater reward than anything this world could ever offer."
What encouraged you or challenged you in these chapters?
These were my favorite chapters, so far. Really getting into the meat of things. There's so much to comment on but, for me, it comes down to a few basic truths: 1) What we do as worship leaders is a small but significant part of encouraging church to "engage deeply with God". It's incomplete without the other parts, i.e. fellowship, Bible study, prayer, service, etc. 2)I think that, often, I get too focused on being able to "see" people emotionally respond to the music part of worship and when I don't I think - What is with these people???? They're just STANDING there! Don't they FEEL this like I do? Hmmm...so who am I doing this for? Myself? Or the "audience of One"? 3) Jesus is the "most important worship leader". He is the One who "reveals God to us through His perfect sacrifice". And "we are called to faithfully proclaim what He has revealed".
ReplyDeleteFinally (about time Lori...), David. You ARE the "Music Guy" but so much more as well. for what a solid example of a faithful servant you are to us - "firmly adhering to the observance of a duty, keeping your word, fulfilling your obligations, loyal, constant, and reliable". Bless you! And thank you for encouraging us to read and meditate upon these things.
I agree these 2 chapters have so far been my favorite. I liked what he said in Chapter 7 that "we don't define our ministry God does". It is so amazing to me the timing of us reading this book, when God is stretching me in this area so much with the upcoming retreat. My prayer for this weekend is that I will remain faithful and draw the women's attention to the God we're there to worship. I too am very thankful to you David for inviting us to read this book. It truly is just what I needed.
ReplyDeleteKauflin talks about not always being appreciated and we are not to pursue human applause, as long as we feel we are doing
ReplyDeleteHis work for His Glory it just may rub some folks the wrong way - which they may need in their refining process. It's a tough row to hoe. This book is very encouraging and reminds us of the audience of One who we are called to exemplify and glorify.