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