A Heart For God

As a worship leader, ministry includes many non-negotiables. Jack Hayford writes of one in his book Worship His Majesty. He writes, "The deep cry of a leader's soul for both his own need and that of his people will never go unrewarded." We see this "deep cry" or soul searching in the Biblical record of Abraham, Moses, Peter, Paul and many others as they led God's people. It's a passion for the awareness of God's will and specific plan for effective ministry. And certainly God rewarded their efforts. Today, there are those who would prefer ministry from a distance, taking the easy way out (in my humble opinion), relying on personal abilities alone. But I've found, true effectiveness is the result of cracking the door of possibility, letting God push me beyond my perceived abilities... into the realm of faith and His abilities. For most worship pastors, our function will revolve around individuals or small groups within the local church. Although in the process of ministry it's easy (and sometimes desireable) to plug our ears and say, "too much information"!, there is nothing more rewarding than watching the humanly impossible come to pass through the power of specific prayer. I was hired to fulfill the function of worship leader, choir and drama director, but I'm expected to be an effective minister ultimately. Let our passion, soul searching and ministry function take us to this place of God directed effectiveness. During the upcoming week of prayer, as God hears the "deep cry of our soul" may He bless you with continued insight and strength for ministry in 2006.
- Tim Covert

Tags: Christian Music, Devotional

Easter 2006

Sure it's early to plan for Easter. I mentioned Easter to my wife and she said, "stop that, I'm not through fa la la la laing yet"! Ha! But I did find something interesting recently from Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing. One of their recent musical releases (The Christ, The King, The Risen Savior) has an interesting soundtrack option. You can get the orchestration CD without the rhythm section. One of the versions of the musical soundtrack has the drums, bass, electric guitar, piano / keyboard removed from the orchestration CD. Which means your worship band can play with the orchestration. I thought this was an interesting twist to simply recorded soundtracks. Particuarly for those chruches who do not have strings or brass available for musicals. Normally our choir simply sings to a stereo soundtrack and we add our drama and dance performance to it. This way, a worship band could play as well. I thought that was a great option. I have the musical ordered and we'll see how it goes. In addition to the rhythm section sheet music, there are rehearsal CD's for the individual worship band members as well. For the drummer, the full mix is in the right ear, and the drums are in the left, so the drums can be deleted or added to assist your drummer learning the musical. The same with the bass, electric guitar, and piano / keyboard. We'll talk more about this new feature after the musical arrives. Have a very Merry Christmas and..... happy Easter planning.
- Tim Covert

Tags: Christian Music, Easter, Music, Musical

Happiness

Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.
- Mother Teresa

Have it Your Way

Many years ago now, a major hamburger chain began an advertising campaign to gain the attention of prospective customers. "Have it your way..." came into existence as the public cheered this brave idea of customers having exactly what they wanted. "It's about time!", Americans clamoured. At the time, instant everything was weaving its way into the fabric of American culture. Unfortunatley, the marketing of convenience has an unmistakeable down side. Today, convenience is considered the norm, expected, even demanded. A once grateful public has turned on the commercial hand giving it options. Why? Everyone gives options now. Even more concerning, side effects from our thirst for convenience has shown up in our nation's basic understanding of God. What? There's no microwave prayer and instantanteous Godly feedback? Something must be wrong! That's not who I think God is. Let's move on. So the story is spun and the discussion settles on who's to blame for the misunderstanding. So much for peace on earth, good will to men. Wherever you are on the continuum of Christ in Christmas, the bottom line remains. God simply does not yield to demands. He never has and He never will. "Have it your way..." religion, doesn't work with God. So if you're looking for Him, another route must be taken. Oh, He still hears and answers contrite prayer. That's His way. He hears the cries of those bowing to His holiness and standing on His word. That's His way. But, arrogant demands, or religion as "I" see it (regardless of what the Bible says) has never, and will never work with God. So if you want to be fulfilled during the holidays, but prefer to leave Christ out of Christmas - prepare for some disappointment. However, the encouraging word is, He can still be found. Obviously, this is an old argument. Nothing new here, except for maybe one thing. Are the demands of this present culture a little more stark, even blatant, this year than previous years? Does it appear that American assumptions are coming back to haunt us, like the ghosts of Christmas past? Is Christmas really only about family and friends, Santa's gifts and eating? Is it all about us... or is it about Him? It's our holiday. I guess we can define it however we want, as many have done. But if I'm not mistaken, our heritage has never (until recently)left Christ out of Christmas. That's like leaving a baseball out of the game of baseball. Or apples out of apple pie. Is it possible? Obviously (to me) it isn't. It's interesting, a special holiday for the Christmas celebration isn't mentioned in God's word. But when it comes to defining what December 25th is all about, I don't wish to celebrate Christmas without Christ as many suggest. No, thank you. And I say that without malice. I would rather He be at the center of my celebration (that is if we now have the option of choosing). Anything less, and I feel like singing "Where are you Christmas?" with Cindy Lou Who. May God bless you with what can only come from Him during this Christmas season.
- Tim Covert

Tags: Christian, Devotional

Proactive Leadership

This past Sunday night marked the final performance of our Christmas musical. Months of planning, preparations and ideas developed for our modest sized platform came to an effective conclusion. Souls were won to Christ, decisions made...praise God! But to digress for a moment. The road leading to an audience with guests in any musical is challenging...like climbing a mountain. Invariably, it's close to the peak where exhaustion sets in, clouding judgment. So remember, tired people say and do things they may not normally say or do. Or it may be (when you're exhausted), it's more difficult to deal with the normal things certain people say or do ....ha! For me, when I'm tired, it becomes difficult to articulate clearly - because of all the loose ends running around in my brain demanding attention. However, people problems are simply more important than loose ends in the long run. People problems can turn into big problems quickly if they're neglected. Oh the joy of musicals. Not to state the obvious, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it's important for the leadership team to be on the same page. Keep the team regularly updated as the plan develops on the timeline. Make sure you've stated your position and expectations more than once, to everyone, personally. Talk about it! Secondly, don't be fooled, under the stress of the climb, keep one eye on the correct focusing of ellipsoidal #5 and the other open to observing how people are treating each other. Don't allow disunity. Not that everyone with a problem needs your correction. Be perceptive enough to sense if it's an isolated issue or something more. Third, if there is a problem, deal with those involved only. If it's a problem that could be dealt with in a particular area... have a trusted leadership team member (over that area) deal with it. If it's bigger, stop what you are doing and lovingly, appropriately attend to the matter. Remember, the ultimate goal is larger than successfully climbing the mountain. Once we're at the peak, it's there we have an audience with people. I like the military saying... no one left behind. If it's within our ability...everyone makes it to the top. That way, God uses all of us to see souls saved. So "be not weary in well doing." Galatians 6:9. Finally, planning and prayer are essential to leading a successful climb. Without them, reaching the top will be too difficult. If there's multiple avalanches on the trip, how will everyone effectively minister when it's time? They'll be too exhausted. And some volunteers will not climb with you again. Proper planning can prevent those things. May your Christmas musical be blessed, volunteers strengthened and many souls added to the kingdom!
-Tim Covert

Tags: Christian, Christian Music, Musical, Seasonal Musicals

Come unto Me

I read Oswald Chambers recently. His comments regarding rest (Matthew 11:28) are very meaningful this time of year. Chambers writes in My Utmost for His Highest, "Jesus says, 'Come unto Me and I will give you rest,' i.e., Christ-consciousness will take the place of self-consciousness. Whenever Jesus comes He establishes rest, the rest of the perfection of activity that is never conscious of itself." As music ministers, the effort used to perform, to accomplish the task, to do the job description must be tempered with this rest - particularly when the pace quickens during the Christmas season. Otherwise, as Chambers points out, in accomplishing the vision for the local church we become conscious of ourselves and not God's power working through us. During your busiest and most challenging moments, be careful not to let your guard down. Take time to go to the author of rest. Never let your focus wander from His empowering presence for which we praise God! It's all about Him.
-Tim Covert

Tags: Devotional, Christian

In Everything Give Thanks

1Thessalonians 5:18 states, "In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." This time of year music pastors around the world are relying on thousands of volunteers to see God's vision succesfully accomplished in the local church. The number of hours associated with Christmas cantatas, concerts, musical dramas, bell choirs, caroling, etc. is staggering. Our church is no exception. Volunteers offer these hours to God under the canopy of prayer and the direction of music ministers for the express purpose that the seed of God's Word would succesfully be planted. And reaping would take place where God chooses. And yes, to volunteer our God given abilities is "reasonable service" to Him. But NEVER should the service of others be taken for granted. The biblical attitude of gratitude is a mandate not easily gained, but absolutely essential. It requires me to set aside my own personal sacrifice and acknowledge the sacrifice of others. Our tendancy is to compare sacrifices, but that is not what God intends. As leaders, God expects us to simply celebrate the level of commitment He has brought about in the lives of others... with the understanding that He is bringing all of us to higher levels of commitment. I say this out of personal concern - that my own thankfulness will sound empty and glib. As though the sacrifice of others is somehow less than my own... a revolting thought. To say "God bless you... for you will receive your reward in heaven" can be interpreted as cold and condescending. Even though this statement is true. Ultimately, each pastor realizes how limited they would be without cooperation and help. So as His vision unfolds this month, please take time to find a meaningful, creative way to extend your thankfulness to each precious co-laborer. And thank God for those who have volunteered to be part of your team and are making a difference. May God richly bless each of them.
-Tim Covert

Simplicity

When we are truly in this interior simplicity our whole appearance is franker, more natural. This true simplicity...makes us conscious of a certain openness, gentleness, innocence, gaiety, and serenity, which is charming when we see it near to and continually, with pure eyes. O, how amiable this simplicity is! Who will give it to me? I leave all for this. It is the Pearl of the Gospel.
- Francios Fenelon

I Dare Ya

As children, most of us were challenged by the dare. Someone at school, or your older brother may have said, "I dare you to eat that worm." And to the horror of those around, you did. Fear Factor has taken this idea to all new heights. Amazingly, God uses challenges today. It seems he is regularly insisting I step out on the authority of His word to DO SOMETHING regardless how I feel and with what appears to be, not enough information! In fact, God wants us to challenge Him! "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. TEST ME IN THIS, " says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it." Malachi 3:10. God challenges me to challenge Him! Wow. These challenges are taking me somewhere only God knows. And I'm okay with His plan. How about you? God is good.... all the time.
- Tim Covert

Giving My Best

Mark Condon wrote a song a number of years ago titled "Giving My Best". A line in the chorus of that song reads, "giving my best to You Lord, all that I have I won't withhold". Certainly God didn't withhold his best from me, neither should I withhold my best from Him. Kenneth W. Osbeck writes in the Pocket Guide for the Church Choir Member, "At all times, whether in practice or performance, one must keep in mind this basic principle: if a ministry for the Lord is worthy of our service, it is also worthy of our very best effort and effective use of our God-given talent. To that end may our lives be dedicated and ministries blessed, that He alone might receive the honor and glory. "...whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God". - 1Corinthians 10:31
- Tim Covert

Christmas 2005

For those of you offering Christmas musicals as community outreach this year, I'm sure your preparations have hit overdrive mode. Somehow it's not right that set construction begins the day after Thanksgiving weekend. For some of you, it's already started! My prayers are with you. Obviously, delegation is a must to remain sane in this environment. And I'm thankful delegation brings perks beyond sanity. Thank God for the team players with a passion to accomplish a bigger vision - wardrobe, drama casting, technical, construction people... and the list goes on. Not just people, co-laborers. They're my friends and my prayer partners. We dream and problem solve together. So much good happens during the course of each musical. We're strengthened (even though we're worn out!) telling the story to others. And what about those who hear the story in this powerful format? We pray for changed lives, or effective seed others can water. Oh, I know things can become comparison oriented - this years musical was better than last years, the special effects were better, the acting was superior. That's where we step in as Music Ministers with a gentle reminder that musicals are about reaching the lost, not just impressing the church. Maybe you have never attempted something like this. With the blessing of your Pastor, see if there's interest in your church. You might be surprised who would participate. Use it as another form of outreach, not just entertainment. Work at it and God will bless your efforts. He uses our musical. He'll use yours. And when he does...make sure you take time to tell your co-laborers thank you! It's not a job, its a ministry of helps. We're in this thing together! God bless. And don't forget. Make sure you have a very Merry Christmas!
-Tim Covert

Surprise!

Today marks my 25th wedding anniversary. A simple statement... but a milestone in today's culture. My, how time flys! Recently one evening, we left our house under the impression we were having dinner at an undisclosed restaurant with my wife's parents. They drove, so when we finally reached the destination (a clubhouse) it became obvious a surprise party was about to take place. Stick with me as I recall these special details. My wife was escorted in by a close family friend as I followed. Stepping into the decorated room Nate King Cole's Unforgettable was playing in the background as we noticed the faces of loved ones at each table . Before we could survey the entire room our children and son-in-law (who live out of state) greeted us. Shocked to see our kids, a bouquet of flowers was placed in my wife's hand as we were made aware of an aisle runner. Our eyes followed the white runner as we were even more surprised to see our Pastor standing at the other end with a smile on his face and black book in hand. In a very meaningful ceremony we renewed our vows, which included communion and a special song sung by our daughters. Following the ceremony we enjoyed an outstanding meal prepared by Teen Challenge. We then cut a large layered wedding cake made by a dear friend and enjoyed dessert. As we mingled and talked of tales from the past I couldn't help thinking how the night was perfect and yet a complete surprise. One day, the word of God says, we're all in for a surprise. When "the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT. What a surprise it will be when we finally make it to that banqueting table in God's presence. Think about this. If my children can surprise me and make such a memorable impression, imagine what God can do. His plans of goodness extend far beyond our feeble comprehension . "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him." 1 Corinthians 2:9 NLT. I don't believe His fantastic plans are only for the future. So be encouraged. Hang in there. Pursue the exploits God has planted in your heart. Enjoy the special details God has planned for you. And we'll all talk about it soon enough.
-Tim Covert

Worship Team Practice

Organization is key to the success of any area of ministry. Investment of time and attention to detail pays off handsomely in months and years to come. There are other factors, but certainly enabling key players will result in greater success. In the late 1980's our church began transitioning into the realm of contemporary worship. With the addition of drums, keyboards, electric guitars, etc. glaring problems came to light such as sanctuary acoustics, sound equipment limitations and the ever present personal preferences. Sometimes in moving forward we take a step back for a moment. In our choice to move forward, one of the best decisions we ever made was to schedule a weekly worship team practice. Our rehearsal is 6:30-8pm every Thursday night. A separate night of rehearsal allows us to double check our music, making sure it's all there and in the right place, instead of finding out Sunday morning we have the wrong song in the wrong place. Or worse yet, a song is missing and worship has begun. Rehearsal is an opportunity for sound technicians (yes, our sound tech is there) to learn the songs and talk with the worship leader. Worship rehearsal will force the issue of musical format. Will you attempt to find sheet music for the musicians, learn chord charts or use a number system? Rehearsal presses everyone to work as a team and not just individuals. Ministry can be messy! Attitudes and shortcomings become lovingly honed, reminding me (as a music pastor) of Peter's words -"Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly - not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don't lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example". (1 Peter 5:2-3 NLT) Our rehearsal includes prayer. We know about needs within the group, pray for others and pray for our effectiveness as a team. We attempt to keep the evening light and fun. Although sometimes work is not light and fun. We have our moments! For many in the congregation worship seems effortless as the flow moves along smoothly. That's our goal anyway...to get to the place where our worship is a backdrop for the Lord to move in. Confusing wrong notes and disproportionate sounds from the main speakers draw worshippers away from that Godly focus. Rehearsal allows us to deal with these things within the privacy of our musical family. We're not about absolute perfection.... but ministry. The goal is to keep learning and moving foward in excellence. Our investment of time in worship team rehearsal allows us to do that. Invest! It's worth it.
-Tim Covert

Endurance

Let your endurance be a finished product, so that you may be finished and complete, with never a defect. James 1:4 (Moffatt)

Worship and Computers

With a click of drum sticks and a push of a button an average size sanctuary comes alive with music in a way thought impossible thirty years ago. While purests shudder, most in the congregation are completely unaware that a computer is being used and they're listening to programmed loops or midi tracks with live music. They just like what they hear. That's music in the 21st century. For us (First Assembly of God of Greater Lansing), the learning curve began five years ago after attending a worship and midi track offered by The Worship Institute conference in Dallas, Texas. Following this conference we chose to purchase a Roland XP-60 to assist with horn parts and later upgraded to an Apple G4 using the program Reason by Propellerhead. Ah, technology. It's an amazing thing. This isn't for the faint hearted. Although anyone can use the technology with some training and experimentation, it takes a fair amount of practice and a good monitor system to play and accurately hear the recorded track so everyone moves forward on cue. When you're together with the loop or track, life is good. But rush or lag behind the track and the results can be disastrous. Plenty of practice is necessary until everyone is comfortable playing in this very unforgiving rhythmic environment. With practice and time most worship teams become comfortable and eventually like the expanded musical dimension this technology provides. Mixing the track in the mains is another concern. It must be done in appropriate measure. Again, practice makes perfect. All in all, midi tracks assist us in accomplishing our musical goals. Resources are available online for this technology. Roland has a special part of their website dedicated to midi in ministry at www.Rolandus.com. When used tastefully this technology provides powerful options for worship.
-Tim Covert

Worship

To worship is to quicken the conscience by the holiness of God, to feed the mind with the truth of God, to purge the imagination by the beauty of God, to open the heart to the love of God, to devote the will to the purpose of God.
-William Temple

Solitude

Settle yourself in solitude and you will come upon Him in yourself.
-Teresa of Avila

Intended Function

Joe Pace, the well known director of the Colorado Mass Choir commented in a recent interview "When the pastor, worship leader and the other music ministry staff are of one accord, you can confidently expect God to move in wondrous ways to meet the needs of His people." One accord...the needs of the people being met. The association is so true. David writes in Psalm 133, "How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!" (LASB). Let's look at the other side for a moment. What about lack of unity? Diversity is something we should celebrate within our churches. It should play a definate role in forming the vision of the local church. But once that vision has been determined, everyone in leadership must jump on board. If not, diversity in vision leads to di-vision. And that's not good. By virtue of the position - Minister of Music - it's easy to have a finger on the pulse of the church. But care must be taken to act appropriately with that information. Those prone to jumping out in front on a Sunday morning with the "hang on I have something to say" approach to leadership - particularly in subordinate ministry positions - will ultimately be looking for greener pastures. Here's why. Moving beyond the function of worship leader can forfeit unity within the leadership team and often results in the needs of the people being forfeited. And that is simply unacceptable. As hard as it is to believe, decisions made by the Senior Pastor are not made through the lense of music ministry alone, but with everyone in mind. Thank God! To effectively lead means leading, but not beyond the scope of intended function. This is a good place to be. There is fulfillment of personal calling and yet protection and accountability. And peace within the staff. What an incredible function music ministry provides for the benefit of God's people in the overall vision of the local church. It is vital, powerful and God's mandate. And God moves with purpose in the body when unity exists throughout the leadership ladder.
-Tim Covert

Leading Not Controlling

I recently read a portion of Bob Sorge's book "Exploring Worship" that caught my attention. "Exploring Worship" was published by Oasis House in 1987. He writes "The worship leader is a prompter, not a cheerleader at a pep rally. Being a "leader" of worship does not mean being a "conductor" or "controller" of worship. When worship leaders try to manipulate people into a certain response or expression, they are moving into this forbidden area of conducting or controlling worship. A leader does not elicit a response through manipulative means; he or she inspires a response by way of example. He leads by encouraging and inspiring the people to enter into praise, but the people have the prerogative of either responding or observing. We must never attempt to coerce the people, even if the desired goal is a noble one. Good worship leaders do not learn manipulation, but they do learn exhortation. ...In order to be effective, a worship leader must be visible to all the people and yet must simultaneously assume a style that becomes invisible, in order that the people's attention might move from the horizontal plane to the vertical."
As a worship leader, this transition is a wonderful thing to experience and is likewise a wonderful thing to witness. But the true test of any leader is the preception of indifference in those you are attempting to lead. It's helpful to remember, timing is important to everyone. And we're not all wired the same. Depending on what people are dealing with, some will quickly transition pushing the clutter of life aside while others may need a little more time and encouragement. Either way, consistent loving encouragement will ultimately draw our congregations into the biblical pattern where focus ultimately is directed toward God, not anyone or anything else.

Prevailing Prayer

"To pray for others, and to be heard and answered by God in our prayers, serves greatly to increase our love to God in the form of affection and our love to others in the form of benevolence. No one ever prayed for another, with real prayer, without feeling an increase of love toward that person no matter whether it is for a stranger or an acquaintance. So if a community or a church prays for some individual, the more they pray, the better they will love. Prayer creates a bond of union between our souls and the souls of those whom we love. Let one pray for others till he prevails."
-Charles G. Finney (from the book Principles of Devotion)

Don't Talk Too Much

"For worship leaders all I am going to say is 'don't talk too much'. Too much of anything great takes the greatness of it away. We lead the worship. The pastor will preach the message. If he ever asks you to preach the message that will be a great honour and a privilege and you will do an awesome job... but until that time let's just stick to leading the worship and doing what we have been asked to do. If you are only committed to just doing what you do, and forget about everything else, then what are you really contributing?"
-Darlene Zschech

God's Display of Power

Rosa Parks pasted away recently. She was 92. The ugliness of segregation brought her to a crossroads in life. She would not sit at the back of a bus because of the color of her skin. When asked to, she simply said..."no". What she did wasn't easy, but it was right. The power of her stance proved more effective than a violent display. It sparked a movement changing the landscape of American society. What about our lives? Is it possible, standing up and saying "no" could change the landscape of our lives? Have you ever shuffled through the clutter of life and come to the place where all you wanted was God's will? Unwilling to accept anything less. Steve Fry writes in his book "I Am - The Unveiling of God" (published by Multnomah Publishers Sisters, Oregon) "...God's greatest display of power is in getting small creatures of dust, who live only because of the breath of God in them, to voluntarily do the will of their Creator. Our requests for quick fixes are often rooted in self-serving motives, not the undiluted motivation to glorify God-for the one who truly wants to see him glorified will celebrate the hidden ways by which God persuades the human soul to do right. As we've seen before, he conquers by love; he doesn't coerce through threats or entice with bribes. The power of restraint is often greater than a show of force, and God's ability to let freedom run its course, yet still accomplish his purposes, is the evidence of his power." The scripture tell us being pressed into the image of society is a very real risk (Romans 12:2). Often, God's will and societies way of doing things are at odds. We've been given freedom to choose. What influence will we give God in our decision making? Thank God for the hidden ways He uses to help us make good decisions. Sometimes we must stand and say no, anticipating God's help in that right decision. For the sake of our own lives and future generations.
- Tim Covert

A By-Product

Happiness is not a goal, it is a by-product.
-Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962) American writer and First Lady

It's All About MeeeYou

I read in a devotional recently, "The greatest heights to which most Christians, in their shortsightedness, seem to rise, is to strive for resignation to things they cannot alter and to seek for patience to endure them. As a result, thanksgiving is almost an unknown exercise among the children of God... Moreover, I am afraid a great many not only fail to give thanks, but they do exactly the opposite and allow themselves instead to complain about God's dealings with them. Instead of looking for His goodness, they seem to delight in picking out his alleged shortcomings and think they show a spirit of discernment in criticizing His laws and His ways. We are told that "when the people complained, it displeased the Lord" (Num. 11:1); but we are tempted to think that our complaining is special because it is spiritual complaining and is a sign of our great zeal and deep spiritual insight." Hannah Whitall Smith (from the devotional God Is Enough). I was reminded of my apparent thankless attitude recently after I struggled to lead our congregation in worship and wanted to talk about it privately. It would be wonderful if every time we stepped up to minister problems disappeared. During another worship set, concerned once again about mechanics, I misspoke words in the song Jesus, Lover of My Soul. Instead of singing "It's all about You Jesus", I sang, "It's all about meeeeYou Jesus." What kind of slip was that? As Hannah Whitall Smith pointed out, personal difficulties have a tendency of narrowing the focus to "me" instead of embracing "Him" in the problem. I was greatly encouraged recently when I read the words again, "Be ye holy; for I am holy." 1 Pet.1:16 As P.C. Nelson has stated, God will never be satisfied with us till He has wrought (formed) His holiness in us. Eph. 5:27 tells us that He will form His holiness in us until we are without "spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it (the church) should be holy and without blemish." Sounds like God is committed to us. Aren't you thankful God doesn't throw His hands up in the air and say, "it's no use, these people are beyond my help!" Instead, He works with us forming His holiness in us. I'm sure I'm not alone when I say I am painfully aware of wrinkles needing to be smoothed out regarding my response to life. I thank God for allowing me to be in the process He's developed.
-Tim Covert

Success Brings Focus

When a person is focused, they develop a sense of destiny and purpose and start to believe in themselves. Suddenly, destiny is attainable, focus is sharpened and you develop that 'iron' or determination in your soul. Awesome! If we don't focus on the right thing we are in trouble. There's a temptation to focus on the gift, and not the gift giver. This leads to striving and comparing, discontentment, greed and jealousy. Yuk! Don't even go there! If we get our eyes off the prize, we focus our efforts inward rather than outward...and that, my friend, is dangerous ground. Focus on the Lord, and not just all His benefits.
-Darlene Zschech (from her book Extravagant Worship)

The Searching

As a youth pastor, caring for teenagers became an everyday occurance. It was a privilege and a joy to serve them. Watching them during weekly services was always interesting. Some would come with an incredible emptiness, searching for God....absolutely alone in that quest. Others liked the social aspect of youth group and found safety with church peers. Still others arrived simply because parents made them. Either way, they were all there and I (along with my wife and a leadership team) made a point of telling them how Christ could make a difference in their lives....while we roller bladed, biked, prayed, played, Sumo wrestled, walked, rocked, listened, ate, spent all-nighters together, attended retreats and events together. I'm getting tired just thinking about it! Relationship and being an example were absolutely key. Whether I was successful or not would best be described by those attending those services and events. Privilege and joy give rise to concerns as a Youth Pastor or in my current position as Minister of Music because it's hard for me to overlook teenagers obviously uninterested during corporate worship. I see adults too, but being a former youth pastor, my eyes gravitate to youth.... and well.....I've seen that uninterested look before. I don't think it's a function of style as much it is a function of isolation that causes the lack of interest in our teenagers. Most of what happens in the sanctuary is directed toward adults. Let's face it, it's a difficult task trying to get 12-92 year olds tracking on the same page. I read something recently regarding teenage lack of interest with worship written by Bob Metcalf, editor of Pastor's EXTRA! on lifeway.com. His fourth point on the subject "Reasons Teens Give For Not Attending Worship" was "Worship Doesn’t Make a Difference in Their Parents’ Lives". He writes, "These dropout teens went to worship because their parents told them that it was important. But once they discovered that it was a show for their parents and their lives were no different because of the experience, the teens decided that worship was unnecessary and unreal". Ouch! The other three reasons were as follows: The Sermons Don't Speak To Teens, Teens are Too Often Stereotyped, and Teens Feel That They Aren't Understood by Church Leaders. Wow! What do you think?
-Tim Covert

Happiness

There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will.
-Epictetus (Greek philosopher)

Crossroads

The crossroads between church and culture must contain quality artistic signs in order to direct travelers off the wrong path and onto the one that leads to righteousness.
-Kent Morris

Mr. Perfect

Chosing the congregational worship songs for the coming week can be an interesting task for music pastors. Particularly after you've read the latest "how to" article by worship experts or experienced the power of silent refusal from a segment of the congregation. I'm not one to spend all day in prayer and fasting accomplishing this task. That's not to say I don't pray, because I do, or fast, yes I do. As a music pastor, knowing what facilitates true worship in your church should go with the territory. Our local church congregation is multicultural, multiethnic, multigenerational, multieconomic, multi-everything and we like it that way. Our musical style is contemporary, but not a concert format. We use songs that include the words "me" and "I" to increase the discipleship dimension of worship. Our worship songs convey our personal commitment to live and example bibical truth. We haven't placed any restrictions on our music such as...no pre 1980 songs allowed. Neither do we sing the songs of only one song writer or group of song writers. We sing at least one hymn in every service. Our church hasn't placed it's hope in technology (which we have a fair amount of). Our facility is adequate... hey, who couldn't use better facilities? Our choir is on the platform when we lead worship. We don't process in with banners, we file in from the sides. We've thought about the latest fads and cultural forecasts. We know we're living in a post-modern era and experts tell us things should be done a certain way to reach the unchurched. But the bottom line is this. In your church services, are you as a music pastor working with God, creating an atmoshere where God's people can truly worship, or not? Do you think it is happening? What does the Senior Pastor think? What do visitors think? How about visiting ministries? Is God inhabiting the praise of His people with a purpose? If not, God will help you make the right change. If it's not happening with the people in your church, it will not happen for the unsaved stepping through your front door. I've often said tongue in cheek, balanced music ministry means nobody is fully happy. We don't do everything perfectly. But, if you're called to music ministry, God will help you... and the congregation. Don't forget, using us was His plan not ours.
-Tim Covert

Keeping It Real

Our ultimate worship leader role model is not Zschech or Redman or Smith or Hughes or Doerksen but the Christ of the cross. Jesus is the only perfect worshiper. The place where our worship is rooted and so stays authentic and creative is the Church of Christ. In Christ and in His Church, that is the place where we keep it real - the beginning and end of worship.
-Mike Pilavachi

Partnering with God

Because of my interest in sport fishing, I was given a book titled "Incredible Fishing Stories". Among the many facinating stories in this book, it is reported that Walter Kummerow set a world record for freshwater casting. His throw, confirmed by the International Casting Federation, measured 574 feet, 2 inches - nearly the distance of two football fields. Now my first reaction was........COME ON! Nobody can cast two football fields. I expected to read next that Walter was 90 pounds and 90 years young! Unbelievable. Maybe I'm a cynic at heart. The too good to be true is often...too good to be true and not true. Even so, as a Christian Pastor I am often engaged in circumstances inviting me to believe the unbelievable. And so based on the Word of God, I must change my mind about the impossible. For, "without faith it is impossible to please Him." Heb.11:6 My reality must match up with God's. Maybe it's a precious elderly man we are believing God to bless. Or, it's an infant at the other end of the spectrum of life struggling to survive with impossible odds. Or the pastor of a local church trying to "turn it around" with little to no resources. One thing is for sure. Novice fisherman often think, if I can just get way out there I'll get better results. When in reality, the fish could be a few feet away. It's not the distance of the cast that matters, but the effectiveness. So when it looks like we're in a fog, remember partnering with God makes the impossible possible. That is a certainty. The answer may be closer than you think. And I like that.
-Tim Covert

Life Change

It's only what you believe will happen and therefore do next that will bring about a life change.
-Bruce Wilkinson

Low Tech Success

There's a reproduction of an old Norman Rockwell magazine cover push pinned to my bulletin board... two fisherman and a dog. It's the return trip home. One man is decked out in fine fly fishing apparel - waders, fly rod, fishing vest, fishing creel, hat with assorted flys attached. His friend, in patched suspendered jeans is balancing an old cane pole on his shoulder... worm and bobber still dangling on the line. The high tech fisherman is shuffling along, smoking a pipe looking at the ground...holding only his fly rod. His body language suggests it wasn't a good day. Frankly, the dog looks happier than he does! His less than high tech friend on the other hand, head forward, glancing at his buddy out of the corner of his eye with a smirk on his face, is carrying three fine looking trout - not on a stringer but on a stick!
This painting speaks volumes to ministers. How easy it is for us to focus our attention on the latest technology and think....this is what makes fishing/ministry successful, but alas, I don't have that. Why was the cane pole worm throwing fisherman successful? He knew where the fish were and he knew what they wanted and needed. Ah....experience! God never intended ministry to be complicated. He says simply, partner with me. Use the tried and true you have (remember David's low tech stones?). Let me do the work. The technology will follow.
Hang in there Pastor. Tight lines!
- Tim Covert

Secrets of Joy

I have told you of the Spaniard who always put on his spectacles when about to eat cherries, that they might look bigger and more tempting. In like manner I make the most of my enjoyments; and though I do not cast my cares away, I pack them in as little compass as I can, and carry them as conveniently as I can for myself, and never let them annoy others.
-Robert Southey (1774-1843)
English poet
(from the book The Secrets of Joy)

Familiar Ways

We sometimes need to be pointed away from the worn valleys of our familiar ways to a mountain of God's assignment.
-Jack Hayford

Eye Opener

Simple things - the smell of autumn leaves, the girgle of river water, a friend's voice - are so easily overlooked...particulary if the canoe has capsized and your belongings are being swept beyond your grasp! The sensation of being overwhelmed at times is common in the flurry of details yet to be accomplished. Your response may be....sensation? ha, it's a fact! What are we chasing so frantically? Where is our focus, truly? Take a deep breath and regain your confidence. God is! And He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Heb. 11:6). His intended course ultimately leads us down the narrow road to a closer relationship with Him and others - family, friends, neighbors, even strangers. Somewhere on that road His focus is to become our focus, perfecting our preception while honing our ability to make a difference. Don't get lost in the details. Look up and around you, beyond the list. Prepare for an eye opening God encounter with others. And give Him praise!
From one task driven music pastor to another.
-Tim Covert

Excellence Matters

We serve with excellence, because we know an excellent God, and to give Him anything but our best would be disgusting. Offer Him your finest, at whatever stage your finest is at. Not what you want your finest to be, or what you wish it was, but your finest for TODAY. The testimony and impact of serving with excellence is like watching the ripple effect over the ocean - it sends waves out, touching lives in ways that you will never see.
"Sing to Him a new song; PLAY SKILFULLY and shout for joy." Psalm 33:3
-Darlene Zschech

The Song of Birthing

The Bible reveals (Isaiah 54) that songlessness - depression, defeat, discouragement, despair - restricts the possible inflow of new life. The spirit of heaviness blankets souls and suffocates hope. But song has a power to explode despair and expand a space for hope to begin...The distinctive thing about Isaiah's words is that the song he calls for is not just a joyous response to an impending birth; the song declares the promise and sets the atmosphere for its fulfillment! There is a possibility in song's sheer dynamic that continues to this day.
-Jack Hayford

Praise - The Purest Form of Worship

Praise is the purest form of worship, the sincerest form of worship and the most selfless form of worship. Praise does not make demands, negotiations or requests. Praise excels in giving instead of receiving, in answering instead of asking. Praise is the nearest kin to faith. Wherever faith is found, praise dwells also. The Christian who has discovered the secret of praise is also rich in faith, for praise withers when faith falters.
-Cecil B. Knight

Our Goal As Worship Leaders

Our goal as worship leaders is not worship. If our goal is worship, we fix our gaze on outward manifestations rather than on heart responses. Our only goal is God himself. We look only to Jesus Christ. If he is our goal, we will most assuredly worship. There is the danger of "worshiping worship," of striving for an outward manifestation that somehow eclipses last week's experience. We seek a divine encounter with God; outward manifestations of worship are but a reflection of that encounter."
-Bob Sorge

The Art of the Matter

How very easy it is for our attention to be drawn to the art rather than to God; but if the heart is so focused upon loving God, suddenly all the art helps us love Him more fully.
-Ronald Allen / Gordon Borror

Perspective

We are not humans having a temporary spiritual experience, we are spiritual beings having a temporary human experience.
-Lamar Boschman

Liturgy

Worshipping churches respect their own tradition, are in dialogue with the worship tradition of other churches, and draw from the church's worship practices thoughout history.
-Robert Webber

Fully Engaged In Worship

In fact, regardless of how magnificent the musical moments are, unless your heart is fully engaged in the worship being expressed...it is still only music.
-Darlene Zschech

What Is The Purpose of a Worship Service?

A worship service is convened (1) to serve God with our praise and (2) to serve people's need with His sufficiency.
- Jack Hayford

Passion

Let's become a people so passionate about Jesus that nothing can distract, discourage or disturb us on our quest to bring Him wholehearted worship.
-Matt Redman