So some of you might know that I am in a "seminaryish" type of a program that is put on by FBC. I am near the end of the second of three years. One more week left. This last week out homework is to prepare a preaching outline that is our passion. For some guys this might be hard to figure out what their passion is. For me, not so much...
In the church today there are so many "christians" seeking to find a better worship experience. Leaving churches that are sound in doctrine and have a solid doctrine in worship but might lack a certain "wow" aspect in the actual experience. This is sad to me as music has become the focus to many churches in the country instead of the content that makes up the church (people, pulpit, doctrine, etc.) It is not uncommon for a church to ignore the heart of the person/people leading the congregation because of the talent possessed by that musician. God cares about the heart even if the church doesn't. But we should be on guard about the people that we allow to be "up front".
It is sad to me that the things that Christ would say are first, have become secondary to this generation seeking to gain, "what's in it for me?". These people are mistaking emotion for actual worship. Don't get me wrong. There are churches that have both solid doctrine, and great music. I am grateful for those churches and hope that many would consider FBC to be one. My goal as a worship leader is to lead a time of complete, undistracted devotion of praise via singing, to our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. He is worth of that. John 4 tells the story of Jesus with the woman at the well and He says in verse 23 that the Father is seeking for people to worship in spirit and in truth. I like that Jesus tells us that the Father is SEEKING for us. Be that person He is seeking for.
I have struggled in the past with style and preference issues that caused me to be distracted during times of corporate worship. By God's grace, I have been changed and I am now able to worship Him for who He is and not for how a particular song is played. I still have preference (there is nothing wrong with that), but I am no longer limited to worship Him in that preference. I would call this generation of seekers to break free from that way of thinking, and probably in most cases, living. Seek His face and not the hand of the church. Participate in corporate worship with an attitude of thanksgiving and praise regardless of style and preference. And once you do that, you will find that your worship time will be so much sweeter.
This is my passion. Especially lately. I am praying hard for the world to change. For more to come to a knowledge of Him who paid it all for us.
Love and Peace,
Josh
