Blended Worship

“The main purpose of my music is to glorify God. Some people do this with music that is simple. I haven't chosen to use a simple style, but my music comes from my heart as a humble offering to God. This honors God no matter what musical style I use” (Bach).

According to a recent survey by CCLI, 63% of congregations in the United States have blended services. The term "blended worship" denotes the creative weaving together of diverse musical styles and other elements into a seamless fabric which is Christ honoring… simply employing different musical venues with deference to all styles and age groups of people.

We celebrate the God of the past with hymns, the God of the present with our choruses, and the God of the future with our spiritual songs and new songs. Matthew 13:53 says, Jesus said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has been instructed about the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”  God rejoices in diversity.

The demographic of the local church obviously determines the style of music for that particular body of believers. There is no right or wrong with either the old or the new. The only “right” is that the worship music must honor the Lord, and the only “wrong” is to condemn others for their style.  C.S. Lewis declared, “The perfect church service would be one we were almost unaware of.  Our attention would have been on God.” And that is what I believe God expects from us irrespective of styles or musical tastes.

The worship we lead is not about us and the styles we want; rather, it is so we can be all things to all people.  To quote Dr. Steve Phiffer, a theologian and friend, "One generation declaring his works to another is the new blended worship.” The apostle Paul writes…”I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.” (I Cor 9:2) And that is our goal… to tie generations together to glorify God that many would be drawn to Christ.

The term “Worship Wars” has been bantered around now for several years; unfortunately, this is exactly what happens to many churches when worship leaders and pastors demand one particular style to be the standard, and it seems that we are still in battle.  My advice to the hundreds of people who have complained to me about the contemporary music replacing blended or traditional is simply this: if you are attending a church where the music is a distraction to you or doesn’t invite you in to worship, then go somewhere else where you can be an active participant from the congregation… it only causes distress and turmoil when one complains to others about style, volume, and songs used for worship.

Many of our seniors get their "fill" of new songs during the regular worship services and I think they just miss the "good ol' songs"...it’s not the “change” that bothers them so much as it is the “loss” of something dear to them…thus, I often receive requests for us to use hymns on occasion.  The good news is that the message and melodies of the old hymns are just as effective as the songs that God gives today...it's our audience that changes.  Too often I have heard people say, “That song doesn’t move me anymore.” However, when God anoints a song, I believe it's for eternity!

In his New York Times Bestseller, “90 Minutes in Heaven,” Don Piper talks about his “death” experience.  After a horrible car accident where he was declared dead for 90 minutes, Don shares a glorious encounter with celestial beings and heavenly music.  During his experience, he heard thousands of songs being sung simultaneously, yet he could distinctly hear each one and all blended together in glorious harmonies.  He heard what he calls ancient chants as well as familiar and new hymns, and even “modern sounding” choruses.  I believe he was allowed to hear the heart of God’s creation express Heavenly music…worship that transcended denominations, styles and genres…Blended Heavenly music. 

If our congregation is diverse, then we must be equally as diverse musically. It shouldn’t matter what musical style is being used in our services; as true worshipers, we should be more concerned about God showing up!

Romans 10:13 says, “Whosever will may come!” May the Lord use us in all musical styles to change the hearts of those who “won’t” to be those who “will!”

Manasseh

Several years ago during a severe storm, I was awakened at 3:00 a.m. by a thunderous noise that shook our entire house. Immediately, I bolted out of bed (and although not audibly) I heard a powerful voice declare to my spirit, “See how I responded to Manasseh, even after he did the things he did!” It resonated in my spirit and I will never forget it!

Remembering that Manasseh was the most evil king of Israel, I trembled at what God was trying to say to me.  I then opened the scriptures to II Chronicles 33 where it states that he led the people of Israel astray to worship false gods and did detestable things before the Lord, even sacrificing his own sons. The Lord sent prophets to warn him yet he disregarded their appeals.  Eventually, the Assyrians came and captured him, put a hook in his nose, shackles on his hands and carried him away to captivity. 

It was then that I discovered one of the most life-changing verses ever…”In his distress, he humbled himself before the Lord… and the Lord restored him to his kingdom.”  He was the only king to ever be taken captive and then restored to his throne! The story of Manasseh reveals the true heart of God…He wants to restore us back to Himself, regardless of our past!

The biggest problem with people is that they feel unworthy to be restored, but God wants to change that!  Because of the blood that Jesus shed for us on the cross, “We can go boldly before His throne in times of need!” (Hebrews 4:16).

There are many ways to humble yourself before God.  Most of the Biblical words for HEBREW worship are translated to mean “Make oneself bow down or humble oneself before the Lord.” Worship is an act of our will, our choice...it doesn’t just happen.  When we make ourselves worship or bow down, then we not only humble ourselves, but God is truly pleased in the process.

Through worship, we can have a Divine Encounter with God where He will even speak to us. Worship is our direct line to HIM.  He promises to reveal Himself whenever it is done with a humble heart.  And the best part of all…God is in the restoration business!

Is God Comfortable in Your Home?

Is God Comfortable in Your Home?

Several years ago while listening to the Pastor’s sermon, I felt an overwhelming prompting from the Lord.  I sensed that HE wanted me to “clean up” my home since there were things that were displeasing to Him. I wasn’t aware there was a problem but I knew that I needed to take inventory as soon as I got home from church… and this prompting had nothing to do with the Pastor’s message, so I knew it was a “God thing!”

That night I prayed that the Lord would show me what needed to be purged from the house and I felt a strong impression to read Joshua 7… here’s the paraphrased version of what occurred in that chapter.

Joshua had just led the Israelites in conquering Jericho.  The people were ecstatic, and probably overconfident.  The next town to be conquered was Ai, so insignificant that Joshua only sent a few thousand men to fight them.  The men were ambushed and killed, and the people were shocked and extremely fearful.  The scripture says: “The hearts of the people melted and became like water. And then Joshua and the elders tore their clothes and fell down before the Ark of the lord.”  Joshua cried out to the Lord, “why would you give us such great success with Jericho, and then make us run from our enemies?”  He pleaded and begged God for an answer and God said, “Get up…Israel has sinned by keeping things from the battle of Jericho that were devoted to the Lord.  That is why they are running from their enemies and being defeated.”  And then the clincher: The Lord spoke to Joshua and said, “I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever is among you that is devoted to destruction.” 

Immediately I knew what the Lord was saying.  There were things in my home that were devoted to destruction….things that were potential hazards with my relationship with God. Let me say that these things were snares for MY household and for me as a worship leader and are not necessarily applicable to anyone else. Each person must determine what the Lord directs them to do respectively.

I asked the Lord to reveal anything in my home that was devoted to destruction, and as I took out a pen a paper, these snares were quickened to my heart.  Here are a few from the list that the Lord prompted me to remove quickly:

Videos that had language or inappropriate behavior

Videos for the kids that promoted spiritualism, innocent toys/pix, actually of demons

Music that had lyrics promoting ungodly lifestyles

Toys that promoted spiritualism and dabbling into anti-Christian themes

Books that propagated answers to problems that were contrary to the gospel

TV shows we watched that were not appropriate for a consecrated Christian.

The list went on. 

Once we purged our house of these destructive items, something dramatic literally happened overnight.  Because we chose to consecrate our house to the Lord, it affected our kids’ spiritual lives, as well as Grace and mine. Anyone who entered my home from that point on said, “This is a house of peace”…there was something special you felt when entering the home.  I believe it was because the Spirit of the Lord was comfortable there.

God requires all of us to make sure that our homes are pleasing to HIM.  As we prepare to face the years ahead, I pray the Lord would reveal those things “devoted to destruction” and anything else that could hinder our relationship with Him. The challenge for us is simple…is God comfortable in your home?

Worship Wars

WORSHIP WARS?

“There are several reasons for opposing this new church music. Firstly, it’s too new. Then, it’s often worldly, even blasphemous. The new Christian music is not as pleasant as the more established style. There are so many new songs you can’t learn them all. It puts too much emphasis on instrumental music rather than Godly lyrics. This new music creates disturbances making people act indecently and disorderly. The preceding generation got along without it. It’s a money making scam and some of these new upstarts are lewd and loose.”

They weren’t attacking today’s Christian music, but the hymn writer Isaac Watts, famous for writing, “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” in 1723!!  

Did you know that many churches across our country are engaged in war?  They are called “Worship wars.”  Wars where music directors challenge the pastor and the congregation by demanding to do the music they want. Wars between the congregation and the worship team and leader.

The Barna Group (Research and Pollster) writes, “Most of the church people who fight about their musical preference do so because they don't understand the relationship between music, communication, God and worship. Church leaders foster the problem by focusing on how to please people with music or how to offer enough styles of music to meet everyone's tastes rather dealing with the underlying issues of limited interest in, comprehension of, and investment in fervent worship of a holy, deserving God. The real issue is not the choice of music by churches but rather people's interest in, understanding of, and engagement in the act of worshiping God. Music is just a tool meant to enable people to express themselves to God, yet we sometimes spend more time arguing over the tool than over the product and purpose of the tool."

There are two dangers I face as a worship leader.  First, if we introduce too many new songs, then it isn’t conducive to entering into worship…we are too busy just trying to keep up with the words.  So, I pace out the new songs over the course of a year to make sure the congregation isn’t overwhelmed. 

The other danger is in repeating the same songs to a point where we mindlessly mouth the words without catching the message… that’s why I encourage other leaders to incorporate a calendar that has approximately a 3 month rotation. 

The word “repetition” has become synonomous with “outdated,” “ineffective,” and “it doesn’t move me anymore.”  I believe God anoints songs, just as He anoints singers.  The gifts and calling of God are without repentance.  In other words, the Lord is not an indian giver! The words of an anointed song will always have the same power as when it was first created.  We can become complacent, but if the “old songs” (repeated contemporary songs) fail to “move” us anymore, it is not the fault of the song, but rather, with us.  God doesn’t take back His anointing.

We must be taught that we are not singing the songs for the congregation… the congregation is here to give to God, not to receive.  Secondly, the Worship Leader, choir and musicians must seek the face of God so that His Spirit would anoint their ministry.  We don’t seek the anointing, we seek the Anointer…when we do that, the songs, (whether old or new) will have the anointing and power to move individuals to worship God. 

As we learn new powerful and anointed songs, let’s insure that they have the same power and anointing two years from now as they do when we first hear them!!! 

I envision an hourglass set on it’s side half way through it’s run.  The sand has stopped and there’s no movement between what happened, what’s happening, and what is yet to be. That’s what happens during spirit  worship.  It becomes timeless, and affects everything else we do.

My prayer for Worship Leaders and their teams: “Lord, your Word says, ‘Whosever will may come!’  Help us to be vessels of your Spirit to change the hearts of those who “won’t,” to be those who “will!”

India Orphan Girls CD

JUST RELEASED!

The India Orphan Girls CD is NOW RELEASED and is available for ordering!  It features a blended mix of contemporary and traditional songs and was recorded with state of the art equipment; the orphan girls sang with an anointing that will bless you more than you can imagine!  And, an even greater fact is that the proceeds from EVERY CD sale goes back to the orphans to provide for their food and daily needs.  We can’t think of a better cause to invest in, as you will not only be filling your home with beautiful music, but blessing this group of orphans in Chennai, India. The cost of each CD is $15 plus $3.00 shipping for each CD.  

To place an order, state how many you want and send your check payable to:  

                               Global Outreach International

                               P.O. Box 2335

                               La Mesa, CA. 91943

Put Orphan CD in memo line and include your return address.

If you wish to order more than one, here is the price breakdown for shipping and handling:

      $3.00 shipping and handling for 1 CD

      $4.50 shipping and handling for 5 CD's

      $7.00 shipping and handling for 10 CD's.

In the meantime, pray for these girls who have so little, yet love the Lord with all of their hearts.  AMEN!

Blameless

God always seems to get my attention at the most unorthodox time...during the middle of the night!  It’s a sad indictment against us when we get so consumed with our daily affairs that we don’t “tune-in” to listen to the voice of the Lord.  I will often awaken in the middle of the night with a phrase emblazoned on my mind; and even though it may not make sense at the time, I have found that when this happens God is speaking His word to minister to me.   In Job 33:14, we are told that God speaks to men in the night, to cause them to change their minds, turning them from sin, and keeping them from pride and from falling into some trap.  I know that I need God to speak to me and to protect me from sin and myself.   

Several years ago, I was awakened at 3:00am with the phrase, “The answer is on page 248.”  I wrote it down and didn’t look at it until the next day.  When I saw the note that morning, I reached for the closest book near my bed, which was my “Praise and Worship Study Bible.” I immediately turned to page 248, and there in bold print were the words, “You must be blameless before the Lord,” Deuteronomy 18:13.  I knew exactly what the Lord was saying and it wasn’t just for me, but rather, for all of us.  We have all been given a trust from the Lord with our ministry of music, and God expects us to be faithful…not only in attendance, but with our hearts and with worship that is in “Spirit and in Truth.”  And Spirit/Truth worship can only happen when we recognize our sinful nature, ask for God’s forgiveness, and walk humbly before Him.  Micah 6:8 says, “He has shown you what is good and what the Lord requires of you…to act justly, love mercy, and to walk humbly with God.”  Acting justly means to walk in righteousness, being morally and spiritually pure….to be blameless!  Loving mercy is showing compassion, and walking humbly is simply recognizing we are nothing without God’s help, and that we daily need his forgiveness.   Since God gave us our gifts in the first place, we have nothing with which we can impress Him, except by acting just, loving mercy, and walking humbly….being blameless in God’s eyes. 

May our heart be to seek God’s attention for our lives, and may we all be found innocent and above reproach…blameless before the Lord!

May the God of peace sanctify you through and through, and may your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. I Th 5:23

WHAT WOULD JESUS SING?

When I was a teenager in the 70’s, I was a song leader. We had times of worship, but it was never while the music was being played or sung. Rather, it was a separate time during the service. After the Maranatha revolution, we started entertaining the concept of “worship” during our music…and then in the late 80's, we found ourselves immersed and enamored by the Integrity paradigm. Personally, this was exhilarating new worship that I began introducing to our congregation. Although I was apprehensive, the congregation embraced it and there was a subsequent explosion of new worship material!

And worship is still evolving. New worship CDs seem to come out every day and it’s impossible to keep up with them. There is undue pressure placed on worship leaders to sing the hottest, latest, greatest worship songs and to present them to the congregation as fast as the team can learn them.

I try to keep up with the new songs just like the next guy. I know how to do a “segue” and create a polished fl ow. I network with other worship leaders for the hottest new tunes, and I encourage and use young people for worship leading. Since I have been a Music Pastor, I have surrounded myself with those younger than me to be a part of the worship team. I recognize that the best way to avoid being stagnant in the church is to have fresh water coming in, and the youth are good at “bringing it on!”

The “image” of the Minister of Music I used to portray was one of “The Guy in Charge of Music for the Church.” As the worship paradigm shifted from hymns to choruses to praise and worship songs, so did my role…I then became the Worship Pastor, a title I now hold in esteem. So…how do we stay fresh in music ministry? Psalm 45:7 and Hebrews 1:9 both declare how we can receive the anointing of God on our music, our ministry and our lives. “You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness, therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.” When we pursue righteousness, God anoints us. And when He anoints us there is a spiritual change that takes place, even on our music and worship.

As a worship pastor, I try to “tailor” the worship experience to incorporate a mélange or “potpourri” of styles that all might be drawn into fantastic, contagious, and authentic worship, allowing people to encounter God. 1 Peter 4:11 says, “If anyone ministers, let him do it with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

What kind of music does Jesus want us to play, sing, or listen to?  Any music that causes a change in our behavior to make us more like Christ!

Despite our challenges with the ever changing “styles” of worship, the Lord said, “Whosever will may come!” May He help us be vessels of His Spirit to change the hearts of those who “won’t” to be those who “will!” We need that same power of God to take our dry songs, whether old or new, and breathe in new life. A.W. Tozer wrote, “Anything God has ever done, he can do now. Anything God has ever done anywhere, He can do here. Anything God has ever done for anyone, he can do for you.” AMEN!