Tuesday, November 08, 2011

Humanly Devised Systems of Thought and Practice

     I attempt to live by the principle “any good decision requires front loaded sacrifice”. This sacrifice may includes time, money, labor, planning, patience... whatever. Without it, someone else decides the necessary sacrifice on the back end of a bad decision. Sacrifice always involves something I don’t want to give up. Jack Hayford writes, “The bite in worship presses in, calling for the sacrifice of everything in us that seeks to secure itself in humanly devised systems of thought and practice.” I recently asked a group of leaders if their most treasured systems of thought and practice had changed over the course of their ministry. Not surprisingly, some of the more seasoned leaders in the room candidly said yes, confessing more than one of their treasured approaches needed to be tweaked or even sacrificed altogether. We’ve all been there.    
     We step into ministry with the promises of God’s word and a vision for the local church. Inevitably, every leader becomes immersed in the struggle for the health of their churches spiritual life. Certainly corporate worship provides opportunity for this to thrive. One necessary hurdle is maintaining the delicate balance between controllable externals and worship’s purpose. The problem is—externals cannot change a single heart. That’s not to say they’re not important. Obviously, external tools like lighting, sound, musicianship, etc. are incredibly helpful and have a profound effect on the vision. But ultimately we realize people primarily need interaction with God not with us or what we’re producing on the platform, no matter how well done it may be.
     Effectively leading congregations into God’s presence is an important dynamic. But what does God want to do, once we get there? This seems to be a more pressing question. I like what Worship Leader magazine columnist Mark Roberts said recently about church congregations. “If on their way home they’re talking about how great the music was or how great the sermon was, you have not been successful. If they’re talking about how great God is and how they’re going to live in response to God’s greatness, then… bingo!” Be careful. Don’t let (seemingly harmless) “humanly devised systems of thought and practice” sneak in and stand in the way.

God is good,
Tim Covert

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Does God Inhabit Our Praise?

     I recently had lunch with a friend of mine. Among the many topics we discussed was the premise that corporate worship provides a backdrop for the Pastor’s sermon. Our conversation naturally moved to worship’s purpose and it’s impact. Psalm 22:3 encourages us with these words “...Thou art holy, O Thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.” KJV My deepest conviction is that God inhabits the praise of His people for a specific purpose every service. This translates into God touching lives as He sees fit, often in very personal and specific ways. Consequently, I’m intentional about not getting in His way. The danger of course is that we can drown His voice with our choices instead of embracing His presence with purpose.  The church respects and appreciates what happens on the platform. Ultimately, people encountering God is the greatest proof His will is being accomplished in our corporate worship. What we call worship should be a facilitation of that goal, but how?
     Most worship leaders develop their team attempting to find teachable, competent, Godly musicians. Chosen team members must not draw attention to themselves by being either under-experienced or overly zealous, attempting to stand out. Rehearsals provide opportunity to work out musical problems that could draw attention from God during services. Sound is certainly another consideration. Is the music too soft, drawing the worshiper’s attention to their self consciousness about singing? Is the music too loud or in any other way is it too distracting? What are the lighting possibilities and how can they be utilized? My friend who has been an integral part of hundreds of concerts spoke next of what he called “the show factor” and asked for my thoughts. This is a matter of interpretation. Certainly the resources of many churches have increased with respect to technology over the last 20 years offering the possibility of more creative presentations of the gospel. A variety of legitimate approaches are the result of different church personalities and leadership styles. The bottom line in all of this boils down to one simple reality. As a result of the choices our leadership team has made, is our church focused on the Lord during corporate worship? Does God inhabit our praise? If so, then generally speaking we’re on the right track. If not, re-evaluate. The same God who intends to inhabit the praise of His people with purpose helps leaders accomplish His will. Thank God!

God is good,
Tim Covert

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Transition

     We are currently working through a more... “dramatic” transition in our worship band personnel… Ha! I also sense some of you are wishing your problems were that good! Hang in there my friend. Whatever we face, we face it with Jesus’ help. Amen? 1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us what we should do. “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” This is where I begin.
     People move in and out of our sphere of influence… some faster than others. As I continue on my journey, God graciously gives my wife and I reminders. Yes, I won’t deny that it’s fun to have a very competent and tight worship team. That is indeed a blessing. But my God given reminders of success are more relational and often come after someone moves on. My trophies few will ever see. They take the form of emails or messages on Facebook. Someone I haven’t seen for a period of time will write, “Thank you for making a difference in my life!” Like you, I give thanks for being in a position to influence lives. Life is so much more than appearance. Yes, there is work to be done. There are certainly things we must do. Every ministry is on the lookout for interested and capable participants. But I’m also amazed how God works in all of this as well. I remember being “concerned” years ago as we were approaching another point of transition. One day a women called the church and asked me about our music ministry. She said they just moved in the area and her husband played drums. They were looking for somewhere to get involved. “Oh no, I’m sorry we don’t do things that way around here”, I said. Okay, I didn’t say that. Yeah, that’s a pretty rare bird, but it happens. And thank God! The timing was perfect. In that instance it worked out wonderfully. Yes there are requirements for people to be on the worship team. But there was time to get them plugged in. I’m certain my worrying about it did little to change the circumstances. I’m sure you would agree. In time they moved from our area and someone else took his place on drums. I don’t tell the Lord how to do it, I just keep giving Him thanks and keep investing. He keeps filling the vacancies.
     Investment is a phrase that may evoke disappointment in our current national state, but in God’s economy the Bible says, whoever “gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you he shall not lose his reward.” Matthew 10:42. So we press on!


God is good,
Tim Covert