it's 2.40am on a sunday morning and i really should be in bed. but being up at this hour, tired and vulnerable, thinking about my day, about my year, surfaces thoughts and reflections and make me unable to sleep, at least not till i've penned all these thoughts down.
i'm grateful for this life i have. grateful for every waking moment where i have the opportunity to worship God with everything i have. today i was reminded that i am still a work in progress. this lady preaching at youth service said so and yah, what am i saying...? this lady was me. haha. i do preach to myself sometimes, because i heard somewhere that some of the most powerful sermons are those you preach to yourself because it makes it real.
and so today i preached to myself. reminded myself again and again that i am to be transformed into Christ-likeness, and that transformation is not about making a more moral and improved version of jennifer, but to become like Jesus in His full beauty and glory.
so i realise that every moment of my day is filled with thoughts of whether i have pleased Him. not in a freaky condemning kind of way, but in a way described by the songwriter who wrote these beautiful lyrics - "may my life reflect the beauty of my Lord". i wonder if i had pointed people to the all-wonderful and all-loving God, who has since become the lover of my soul.
i reflected on the many moments in life when i had not reflected His beauty and i had said, God, you must have made a mistake choosing me. who am i to think God would make a mistake?
i'm grateful for this job that i have. well it's not really a job... i just get paid for doing what i love. that's nice. i remember my career philosophy when young, which is "to find a job i love so much that i never have to work a day in my life". well i don't wake up every morning jumping for joy, but there's a deep gratitude for the privilege of being able to impact and sow into people's lives through my brokenness, my successes, and my story.
many times i wish i knew more, could do more, was more gifted, more talented, more popular, had the answers and could be the solution to all of life's problems. but thankfully i'm not, because i couldn't possibly bear the weight of that responsibility. plus, i'm not God, so that's good. so i am content with not knowing, and enjoying the adventure of discovering every step of the way. of discovering how i worship God through my work, my friendships, my leadership, my family, my marriage, my teaching, my dreams, and everything else in between.
so it's at 3am that i share these thoughts, in between tiredness, worrying for Boo Boo and feeling compelled to write all these down... i sense His presence and closeness. the Spirit that knows it all and yet still loves and protects. the Spirit that taught me not to fear the darkness and that i am invincible till the day He calls me home. oh Holy Spirit. You are amazing.
this is my story
this is my song
praising my Saviour
all the day long
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Monday, November 24, 2008
Nothing without You
By Bebo Norman
Take these hands and lift them up
For I have not the strength to praise You near enough
For I have nothing, I have nothing without You
Take my voice and pour it out
Let it sing the songs of mercy I have found
For I have nothing, I have nothing without You
All my soul needs
Is all Your love to cover me
So all the world will see
That I have nothing without You
Take my body and build it up
May it be broken as an offering of love
For I have nothing, I have nothing without You
All my soul needs
Is all Your love to cover me
So all the world will see
That I have nothing
But I love You
With all my heart
With all my soul
With all my mind
With all the strength that I can find
Take my time here on this earth
And let it glorify all that You are worth
For I am nothing,
I am nothing without You
What does it take to bring a man to the point of acknowledging that he is nothing without the all-encompassing grace of God?
May I never think that I did it on my own. Yet God, rescue me from the trappings of self-deprecation and pity.
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5
In Him, I have everything.
Take these hands and lift them up
For I have not the strength to praise You near enough
For I have nothing, I have nothing without You
Take my voice and pour it out
Let it sing the songs of mercy I have found
For I have nothing, I have nothing without You
All my soul needs
Is all Your love to cover me
So all the world will see
That I have nothing without You
Take my body and build it up
May it be broken as an offering of love
For I have nothing, I have nothing without You
All my soul needs
Is all Your love to cover me
So all the world will see
That I have nothing
But I love You
With all my heart
With all my soul
With all my mind
With all the strength that I can find
Take my time here on this earth
And let it glorify all that You are worth
For I am nothing,
I am nothing without You
What does it take to bring a man to the point of acknowledging that he is nothing without the all-encompassing grace of God?
May I never think that I did it on my own. Yet God, rescue me from the trappings of self-deprecation and pity.
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5
In Him, I have everything.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
David in the ER (Part 2)
16 Oct 2008
I am constantly amazed by God at work and how He loves me!!!!!
I was thinking about Mary and David after that incident and in my heart, was praying for a sign to know if David was ok, if he had responded to God, if Mary is ok.
So I prayed a simple prayer to God, asking that if David was fine, that God would somehow let me know through getting the book “Leap over a Wall” back.
Yesterday over the breakfast table, I decided to share this story with Victor because I wanted him to know that the book he introduced me to had blessed someone. At the end of my sharing, he just said slowly and knowingly, “Well, when you bless, God will surely bless you back.” I nodded my head in agreement. I was quite certain.
At that moment I wondered if I should tell him about my little prayer to God but decided against it. It was then that Victor looked up again and said slowly, “You know, before we came on this trip, I had already bought the book for you and was intending to give it to you when we got back.”
Tears rolled down my cheeks at an instant. I was grateful that I will have the book back, but more grateful that this is a sign that David and possibly Mary are fine! Most importantly, I was so moved and amazed by God!!! Yay God!!!! He is so amazing. He knew all this was going to happen already. I’m so so so glad I obeyed. I’m so so so glad I didn’t make some silly excuse not to speak to David that day.
I’m so happyyyy!!!!
I am constantly amazed by God at work and how He loves me!!!!!
I was thinking about Mary and David after that incident and in my heart, was praying for a sign to know if David was ok, if he had responded to God, if Mary is ok.
So I prayed a simple prayer to God, asking that if David was fine, that God would somehow let me know through getting the book “Leap over a Wall” back.
Yesterday over the breakfast table, I decided to share this story with Victor because I wanted him to know that the book he introduced me to had blessed someone. At the end of my sharing, he just said slowly and knowingly, “Well, when you bless, God will surely bless you back.” I nodded my head in agreement. I was quite certain.
At that moment I wondered if I should tell him about my little prayer to God but decided against it. It was then that Victor looked up again and said slowly, “You know, before we came on this trip, I had already bought the book for you and was intending to give it to you when we got back.”
Tears rolled down my cheeks at an instant. I was grateful that I will have the book back, but more grateful that this is a sign that David and possibly Mary are fine! Most importantly, I was so moved and amazed by God!!! Yay God!!!! He is so amazing. He knew all this was going to happen already. I’m so so so glad I obeyed. I’m so so so glad I didn’t make some silly excuse not to speak to David that day.
I’m so happyyyy!!!!
David in the ER
Sacramento, California
11 October 2008
Yesterday was a pretty eventful day. John wanted to go to the hospital to get his heart checked and so I accompanied him. After a slew of tests and four hours, we’re both glad that it’s not his heart that’s giving him problems. However the other event that happened at the hospital was the one that really wrenched my heart in many ways.
We could hear a blow by blow account of what was happening in the next cubicle. The lady lying there was complaining of severe headache and the nurses were trying to help her. As the hours ticked by, we realized that the situation was probably more serious than we thought.
The lady’s name is Mary and she had a brain aneurysm. The doctor explained to her husband that there was nothing medically that they could do for her except to keep her comfortable. That was another way of saying that she wasn’t going to make it. I heard the pain in the husband’s voice. I couldn’t imagine what must have been going through his head and heart.
I sat there beside John and just felt that I could not leave this hospital hearing and feeling that situation and not doing anything about it. My heart wrenched in a thousand directions. While we had a good report, the couple next to us weren’t so blessed.
Without too much thought, I decided that I was going to talk to the husband and pray for his wife. So I sneaked over and introduced myself, explaining that I had been next door and couldn’t help overhearing what was going on. I looked at the man’s eyes and my heart broke. There was so much pain. I asked if I could pray for his wife and he said yes, even though he wasn’t “a very religious man”. I said that’s ok, it doesn’t matter. I will still pray for her.
It was then that I asked his name. “David”, he said, and for a moment I stared in his desperate eyes and didn’t know what to say. David? I thought, that was exactly what I was reading about. Leap over the wall by Eugene Peterson, about the life of David. About being Christian in the midst of the craziness of life. About loving God in the midst of pain, hatred and death. David?
The story of David in the ER was that Mary was his second wife. He’s 75, while she’s 49. They’ve been married 27 years and have no children of their own. There was a deep sense of regret and fear in his words and eyes as he stood beside his dying wife. I felt like hugging him.
As I continued to chat with David, the Holy Spirit was just filling my heart with compassion for him. I had to do something. I must. I began thinking about what I could possibly leave with him. Holy Spirit said, he must not leave without hope.
The only things I had with me were my Bible and the book. I wasn’t sure which to give him. But as I made my way towards my bag, I just knew I should give him “Leap over a wall”. I pulled it out and just then, I heard the sound of the bed being pushed away. I ran after David and told him that I wanted him to have the book. With tears glistening in his eyes, he held my arm and said, “you’re a rare person” and hobbled off anxiously after his wife.
I hope that Mary gets well. I pray that God will heal her. But more importantly, I hope she will always know that she’s loved, both by God and her husband. As for David, I pray that he will find God somehow, somewhere through this situation.
Mary – the sinful woman in the Bible who worshipped Jesus extravagantly. David – the sinful man who worshipped God extravagantly. They were both in the ER that day. More importantly, I believe that what the enemy intended for evil, God meant it for good.
This was such a powerful and profound moment for me. I’m just glad I was able to be part of God’s plan and to have been there to experience the love of God for Mary and David.
11 October 2008
Yesterday was a pretty eventful day. John wanted to go to the hospital to get his heart checked and so I accompanied him. After a slew of tests and four hours, we’re both glad that it’s not his heart that’s giving him problems. However the other event that happened at the hospital was the one that really wrenched my heart in many ways.
We could hear a blow by blow account of what was happening in the next cubicle. The lady lying there was complaining of severe headache and the nurses were trying to help her. As the hours ticked by, we realized that the situation was probably more serious than we thought.
The lady’s name is Mary and she had a brain aneurysm. The doctor explained to her husband that there was nothing medically that they could do for her except to keep her comfortable. That was another way of saying that she wasn’t going to make it. I heard the pain in the husband’s voice. I couldn’t imagine what must have been going through his head and heart.
I sat there beside John and just felt that I could not leave this hospital hearing and feeling that situation and not doing anything about it. My heart wrenched in a thousand directions. While we had a good report, the couple next to us weren’t so blessed.
Without too much thought, I decided that I was going to talk to the husband and pray for his wife. So I sneaked over and introduced myself, explaining that I had been next door and couldn’t help overhearing what was going on. I looked at the man’s eyes and my heart broke. There was so much pain. I asked if I could pray for his wife and he said yes, even though he wasn’t “a very religious man”. I said that’s ok, it doesn’t matter. I will still pray for her.
It was then that I asked his name. “David”, he said, and for a moment I stared in his desperate eyes and didn’t know what to say. David? I thought, that was exactly what I was reading about. Leap over the wall by Eugene Peterson, about the life of David. About being Christian in the midst of the craziness of life. About loving God in the midst of pain, hatred and death. David?
The story of David in the ER was that Mary was his second wife. He’s 75, while she’s 49. They’ve been married 27 years and have no children of their own. There was a deep sense of regret and fear in his words and eyes as he stood beside his dying wife. I felt like hugging him.
As I continued to chat with David, the Holy Spirit was just filling my heart with compassion for him. I had to do something. I must. I began thinking about what I could possibly leave with him. Holy Spirit said, he must not leave without hope.
The only things I had with me were my Bible and the book. I wasn’t sure which to give him. But as I made my way towards my bag, I just knew I should give him “Leap over a wall”. I pulled it out and just then, I heard the sound of the bed being pushed away. I ran after David and told him that I wanted him to have the book. With tears glistening in his eyes, he held my arm and said, “you’re a rare person” and hobbled off anxiously after his wife.
I hope that Mary gets well. I pray that God will heal her. But more importantly, I hope she will always know that she’s loved, both by God and her husband. As for David, I pray that he will find God somehow, somewhere through this situation.
Mary – the sinful woman in the Bible who worshipped Jesus extravagantly. David – the sinful man who worshipped God extravagantly. They were both in the ER that day. More importantly, I believe that what the enemy intended for evil, God meant it for good.
This was such a powerful and profound moment for me. I’m just glad I was able to be part of God’s plan and to have been there to experience the love of God for Mary and David.
They who cut
Sacramento, California
11 October 2008
Listening to Marv Penner talk about kids who cut gave me a strange cocktail of emotions made up of relief, hope and sorrow. Here was a man who truly wanted to help, and he has clearly invested an amazing amount of time, energy and resources into this – I don’t think many people will be able to profess to get anywhere near that.
I loved the way he started off with the optimism and hope that Jesus can bring. That’s what it’s about. But as he was sharing the stories of those he has helped or are helping, I couldn’t help but see the faces of those I’m helping. Feeling their pain, hearing their stories and more than often, lying awake at night processing those feelings of helplessness and surrendering them to God.
It heightened the intense emotions I often have when preparing to meet those I’m helping. The absolute jumble of feelings and thoughts I have – am I really helping? What if I say something wrong? What if they don’t trust me? What can I do? I ask myself where is the faith and the hope? Not that I’ve lost my faith in God, just that sometimes it’s hard when I’m facing the actual situation and I need to be, or I think I need to be strong.
11 October 2008
Listening to Marv Penner talk about kids who cut gave me a strange cocktail of emotions made up of relief, hope and sorrow. Here was a man who truly wanted to help, and he has clearly invested an amazing amount of time, energy and resources into this – I don’t think many people will be able to profess to get anywhere near that.
I loved the way he started off with the optimism and hope that Jesus can bring. That’s what it’s about. But as he was sharing the stories of those he has helped or are helping, I couldn’t help but see the faces of those I’m helping. Feeling their pain, hearing their stories and more than often, lying awake at night processing those feelings of helplessness and surrendering them to God.
It heightened the intense emotions I often have when preparing to meet those I’m helping. The absolute jumble of feelings and thoughts I have – am I really helping? What if I say something wrong? What if they don’t trust me? What can I do? I ask myself where is the faith and the hope? Not that I’ve lost my faith in God, just that sometimes it’s hard when I’m facing the actual situation and I need to be, or I think I need to be strong.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Life lessons I learnt from leading worship (Part 1)
Having been in worship teams and leading worship for some years, I have often been asked questions ranging from heart issues to the practical day-to-day stuff. So it triggered me to jot down some important lessons I have learnt through leading worship, creative people and teams over these years. Would like to qualify that this list is not exhaustive, in no order of importance and from personal experience. These lessons are not just applicable to worship team dynamics but also in life. I hope it helps and encourages.
Investing in the next generation is critical
Somebody somewhere took the risk to believe in me and gave me my first opportunity to develop my gift and ability to lead worship. Without that, I will never be doing what I’m doing now. Over the years I have had leaders and mentors who dared to act on what they believed God had for my life, and provide me the guidance, inspiration and platforms to grow. Even though I made many mistakes along the way, they never gave up on me. This has made me deeply aware of the need to believe in others and provide them opportunities to spread their wings and fly. These wonderful leaders assured me that it was ok to fail and encouraged me to stand up and try again. They taught me what they knew but always allowed me space to be myself. Investing in a young person can be risky and can cause much inconvenience and sacrifice, but the rewards far outweigh the cost. Every time I find myself breaking through in the level of my influence, I never fail to remember and give thanks for all the people who have allowed me to stand on their shoulders so I may see further.
2 Tim 2:2
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.
Be yourself
When I first started off as a worship leader, I did it by copying what I saw someone else in church do. Gradually my role models began to change as I grew older and gained more experience. There was a stage in my life where “everything I learnt about worship leading, I learnt from Darlene Zschech”. And that drove most people around me crazy! I was searching for the true meaning of worship because I knew deep down inside me that leading worship was not just about singing songs and jumping around. It took me years to accept that I must be myself and many more years before I discovered who that really is. I have had strong influences from many people in my previous churches and they really helped to balance out some of my extremities. Coming before God just as I am was such a wonderful and freeing experience. God assured me that there will never be another me and He loves me the way I am and He wants me to be who He made me to be. Wow. From that point, my worship leading took on a new level of freedom and authority because I was no longer bound to the comparison and criticism of people. Knowing that I must lead out of who I am in God was one of the most powerful things I learnt.
Submission to leadership pleases God and releases blessing
Leaders are not perfect and I’m sure we all know at least one leader who makes us wonder how he or she could even become a leader. As a worship leader, we are under the covering and authority of either the worship pastor or senior pastor. During a service, they give spiritual oversight. I have often heard the funny observation that many times worship leaders tries to act like the senior pastor and the senior pastor tries to become the worship leader. What results is a tussle of roles while the congregation watches on. Submitting to the authority given over you is equal to submitting to God’s authority, for He is the one who establishes all authority. Even when you feel your leader is wrong, remember it’s probably a matter of preference and should not become a point of conflict or bitterness.
I have also had the privilege of working with musicians and singers who are such a pleasure and joy to work with because they have such a humble and servant heart. Unfortunately I must also admit that I have encountered many musicians and singers who struggled greatly with submitting to leadership, either to the worship leader or the senior pastor. Those were trying times because every rehearsal felt like we were in a war. It was emotionally and mentally draining for everyone, but eventually they either repented from their lack of submission, or simply left the team, and some, the church.
Sometimes we think we have valid reasons for not submitting to a leadership decision. Sometimes we even think we’re morally higher than a leader whom we might not have high regard for. However in these times I’m always reminded of the story of David and King Saul. King Saul was clearly not leading a Godly life and was after David’s life. However David never took on a self-righteous nor judgmental attitude, choosing at every moment to honour God’s decision to make Saul king. We all know the outcome of the story and can learn lots from David’s example.
Heb 13:17
Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.
Team matters
This is probably one of the top lessons I have learnt from leading worship and being in worship teams. Some musicians are incredibly skilled and established in their own right, but it has always amazed me when they simply cannot work in a team. Putting many talented musicians together does not make a worship team! There is so much that goes into team dynamics and I believe that the most important is a heart of love and humility. When you deem others better than yourself, and also look out for one another, there will be a great team. I suggest to you that many people find it hard to work as a team because of their own insecurities and fear about themselves. I have certainly walked through this myself, feeling threatened when I felt someone was better than me. Pride rears its ugly head and destroys the unity of the team.
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of doing life outside of playing together for church. A group of talented musicians can come together and play a wonderful set of songs, but walk away never knowing anything about each other’s lives, struggles, hopes and dreams. I don’t think that’s the heart of God for our teams and ministries. The best teams I have been with are those who played, prayed, cried and laboured together. Even years after we stop playing together, many of us remain firm friends and continue to encourage each other in the faith.
Teams must be built. It is the job of the leader to build teams, but it cannot be achieved without the effort of every member of the team. Having said that, I have seen many leaders discouraged and worn out because their people just would not do their part. I feel sad for them because it is truly an uphill task to lead unwilling people and I pray we never have to go through that ever again.
1 Cor 12:27
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
Handle conflict the Biblical way
I stand by the “Matthew 18 principle” when conflicts arise. Matthew18:15-17 says "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.” Every time I have done this, it has worked. Every time I attempted to bypass what Jesus taught in conflict resolution, I have not done so well. Conflicts will arise as we work together as a team. Unresolved conflict will spread like a cancer through the body and will allow the enemy to have a foothold. Keep short accounts and always be ready to forgive. There is such power and freedom when we choose forgiveness and honour.
Know your role
It is a common saying in church circles that if you are in the worship ministry, you don’t have to be skilled or really good in what you do as long as you are a worshipper. I can only agree with half of that statement. I absolutely agree that you must be a worshipper and that’s the primary call of every Christian. I also passionately agree that if you are to be playing in a worship team, you must have a heart of worship. However, we must know our roles. If we were to consider the role of the Levites in the Old Testament (many people like to equate our modern worship ministries to the ministry of the Levites. I choose to take a broader, non-literal interpretation of that), the Levites were not just skilled in ministering in the Temple with their instruments, they were also very much involved in incredibly elaborate duties within the Temple. Every Levite had a specific role and it went beyond their musical abilities.
I have learnt that as a worship leader, I am to be worshipping on or off the platform. But when I am leading worship, I am primarily a leader. Which means I must lead! It does not mean that I become a dictator and do whatever I like, but I must know my role as a worship leader and what I am supposed to do. I work in partnership with the Holy Spirit and function under His leading. Every musician and singer on the platform has that role as well. They are to be worshipping already, but when they take the platform, it is to come together to lead as a team. Some of the most powerful worship teams I have been part of, or have seen, are those where every person in the team knows their role as a servant-leader, and proceeds to function confidently in that role.
Lead worship in life
This is the most important lesson I have learnt from leading worship. In fact, I have since discovered that this is my personal mission in life. I am a worship leader in life. In all areas of my life, I seek to lead people to worship God at whatever point they are in their lives. In order to live this out, I must continuously worship and encounter Jesus in my life, and consciously tell others about Jesus and lead them to encounter and worship Him in their lives. Leading worship has taught me to be a worshipper and that every part of my life is to be offered to Jesus as worship. I started leading worship through songs and music but I now know that worship goes beyond the music and is about life. I was made to worship God, the Creator of heaven and earth who revealed His love for me through Jesus Christ His Son. To that, there is no other fitting response, but worship.
Investing in the next generation is critical
Somebody somewhere took the risk to believe in me and gave me my first opportunity to develop my gift and ability to lead worship. Without that, I will never be doing what I’m doing now. Over the years I have had leaders and mentors who dared to act on what they believed God had for my life, and provide me the guidance, inspiration and platforms to grow. Even though I made many mistakes along the way, they never gave up on me. This has made me deeply aware of the need to believe in others and provide them opportunities to spread their wings and fly. These wonderful leaders assured me that it was ok to fail and encouraged me to stand up and try again. They taught me what they knew but always allowed me space to be myself. Investing in a young person can be risky and can cause much inconvenience and sacrifice, but the rewards far outweigh the cost. Every time I find myself breaking through in the level of my influence, I never fail to remember and give thanks for all the people who have allowed me to stand on their shoulders so I may see further.
2 Tim 2:2
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.
Be yourself
When I first started off as a worship leader, I did it by copying what I saw someone else in church do. Gradually my role models began to change as I grew older and gained more experience. There was a stage in my life where “everything I learnt about worship leading, I learnt from Darlene Zschech”. And that drove most people around me crazy! I was searching for the true meaning of worship because I knew deep down inside me that leading worship was not just about singing songs and jumping around. It took me years to accept that I must be myself and many more years before I discovered who that really is. I have had strong influences from many people in my previous churches and they really helped to balance out some of my extremities. Coming before God just as I am was such a wonderful and freeing experience. God assured me that there will never be another me and He loves me the way I am and He wants me to be who He made me to be. Wow. From that point, my worship leading took on a new level of freedom and authority because I was no longer bound to the comparison and criticism of people. Knowing that I must lead out of who I am in God was one of the most powerful things I learnt.
Submission to leadership pleases God and releases blessing
Leaders are not perfect and I’m sure we all know at least one leader who makes us wonder how he or she could even become a leader. As a worship leader, we are under the covering and authority of either the worship pastor or senior pastor. During a service, they give spiritual oversight. I have often heard the funny observation that many times worship leaders tries to act like the senior pastor and the senior pastor tries to become the worship leader. What results is a tussle of roles while the congregation watches on. Submitting to the authority given over you is equal to submitting to God’s authority, for He is the one who establishes all authority. Even when you feel your leader is wrong, remember it’s probably a matter of preference and should not become a point of conflict or bitterness.
I have also had the privilege of working with musicians and singers who are such a pleasure and joy to work with because they have such a humble and servant heart. Unfortunately I must also admit that I have encountered many musicians and singers who struggled greatly with submitting to leadership, either to the worship leader or the senior pastor. Those were trying times because every rehearsal felt like we were in a war. It was emotionally and mentally draining for everyone, but eventually they either repented from their lack of submission, or simply left the team, and some, the church.
Sometimes we think we have valid reasons for not submitting to a leadership decision. Sometimes we even think we’re morally higher than a leader whom we might not have high regard for. However in these times I’m always reminded of the story of David and King Saul. King Saul was clearly not leading a Godly life and was after David’s life. However David never took on a self-righteous nor judgmental attitude, choosing at every moment to honour God’s decision to make Saul king. We all know the outcome of the story and can learn lots from David’s example.
Heb 13:17
Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.
Team matters
This is probably one of the top lessons I have learnt from leading worship and being in worship teams. Some musicians are incredibly skilled and established in their own right, but it has always amazed me when they simply cannot work in a team. Putting many talented musicians together does not make a worship team! There is so much that goes into team dynamics and I believe that the most important is a heart of love and humility. When you deem others better than yourself, and also look out for one another, there will be a great team. I suggest to you that many people find it hard to work as a team because of their own insecurities and fear about themselves. I have certainly walked through this myself, feeling threatened when I felt someone was better than me. Pride rears its ugly head and destroys the unity of the team.
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of doing life outside of playing together for church. A group of talented musicians can come together and play a wonderful set of songs, but walk away never knowing anything about each other’s lives, struggles, hopes and dreams. I don’t think that’s the heart of God for our teams and ministries. The best teams I have been with are those who played, prayed, cried and laboured together. Even years after we stop playing together, many of us remain firm friends and continue to encourage each other in the faith.
Teams must be built. It is the job of the leader to build teams, but it cannot be achieved without the effort of every member of the team. Having said that, I have seen many leaders discouraged and worn out because their people just would not do their part. I feel sad for them because it is truly an uphill task to lead unwilling people and I pray we never have to go through that ever again.
1 Cor 12:27
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
Handle conflict the Biblical way
I stand by the “Matthew 18 principle” when conflicts arise. Matthew18:15-17 says "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.” Every time I have done this, it has worked. Every time I attempted to bypass what Jesus taught in conflict resolution, I have not done so well. Conflicts will arise as we work together as a team. Unresolved conflict will spread like a cancer through the body and will allow the enemy to have a foothold. Keep short accounts and always be ready to forgive. There is such power and freedom when we choose forgiveness and honour.
Know your role
It is a common saying in church circles that if you are in the worship ministry, you don’t have to be skilled or really good in what you do as long as you are a worshipper. I can only agree with half of that statement. I absolutely agree that you must be a worshipper and that’s the primary call of every Christian. I also passionately agree that if you are to be playing in a worship team, you must have a heart of worship. However, we must know our roles. If we were to consider the role of the Levites in the Old Testament (many people like to equate our modern worship ministries to the ministry of the Levites. I choose to take a broader, non-literal interpretation of that), the Levites were not just skilled in ministering in the Temple with their instruments, they were also very much involved in incredibly elaborate duties within the Temple. Every Levite had a specific role and it went beyond their musical abilities.
I have learnt that as a worship leader, I am to be worshipping on or off the platform. But when I am leading worship, I am primarily a leader. Which means I must lead! It does not mean that I become a dictator and do whatever I like, but I must know my role as a worship leader and what I am supposed to do. I work in partnership with the Holy Spirit and function under His leading. Every musician and singer on the platform has that role as well. They are to be worshipping already, but when they take the platform, it is to come together to lead as a team. Some of the most powerful worship teams I have been part of, or have seen, are those where every person in the team knows their role as a servant-leader, and proceeds to function confidently in that role.
Lead worship in life
This is the most important lesson I have learnt from leading worship. In fact, I have since discovered that this is my personal mission in life. I am a worship leader in life. In all areas of my life, I seek to lead people to worship God at whatever point they are in their lives. In order to live this out, I must continuously worship and encounter Jesus in my life, and consciously tell others about Jesus and lead them to encounter and worship Him in their lives. Leading worship has taught me to be a worshipper and that every part of my life is to be offered to Jesus as worship. I started leading worship through songs and music but I now know that worship goes beyond the music and is about life. I was made to worship God, the Creator of heaven and earth who revealed His love for me through Jesus Christ His Son. To that, there is no other fitting response, but worship.
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