My Worship Revolution

We made it.  Conference started this morning.  We walked in a tad bit late, and to be honest, I wasn’t really diggin the worship vibe when I got there.  Great musicianship, just a bit "contemporary" for me.  I like a little edge, but after some time I started enjoying it more.  It was nice having a few peeps come in and lead one of their songs, Brenton Brown, Matt Maher.

Then Rick Warren started with the opening session, talking about the Character of a Worship Leader.  I haven’t had a lot of experience with Warren outside of Purpose Driven books.  After listening to him speak, I really gained some more respect for the guy.  Not that I didn’t respect him before, just more after hearing his heart.  here’s a few key things he shared:

The Character of a Worship Leader

BIG IDEA: If you want God’s anointing on your life, you must build your life on integrity, humility, and generosity.  They are the antidotes to the most common traps that leaders fall into.

The three biggest temptations of leadership:

• Lust of the flesh – need to feel good
• Lust of the eyes – need to have more
• Pride of life – need to be (position, status)

Integrity, humility, and generosity are the polar opposites of these temptations.

Integrity:  You will be tempted to use your ministry to make yourself feel good physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  You need to be whole in Christ.
Generosity:  The only antidote to the problem of get, get, get is to give things (and yourself) away.
Humility:  Humility is NOT denying your strengths.  It is being honest about your weaknesses.  False humility  = pride.

Great Quotes:

• "You’re not trying to get people to sing on too, you’re trying to get people to love God more."
• "Being a worship leader is the most important task in life.  If God has called you to be a worship leader don’t step down and be the Pres. Of the US…or any other tempting job offer.  You’re doing the most important thing there is."
• "If you aren’t taking a day off every week, you’re breaking the 10 commandments."
• "I don’t care if you love to preach.  Do you love the people you preach to?"
• "Humility doesn’t mean you thin less of yourself, it means you think less of yourself.  You do this by thinking about other people as much as possible."

Tim Hughes
After a break, we had an awesome time of worship with Tim Hughes.  I have to admit, I was enjoying it at first, but not really "into it."  Then he came to Awesome God.  He really lost me there.  That song is so old and bleh to me.

But then I was reminded how much of an effect media can have in worship in making something fresh.  In the middle of the song, an excerpt of the E.V. Hill "That’s My King" sermon was played.  That pulled me in and the song was fresh.  And from there, I just went deeper into worship as Tim led.  Great morning!

Now I’m sitting in a room listening to Tommy Walker and his pastor share about their relationship in ministry.  Lovin it.

I’ll keep updating as the week goes.  It’s helpful to me to sharing the things I’m learning, so hopefully you enjoy it too.  Check out what Rich has to say, too.  I’ve been here with him and a few guys from his church.  Also feel free to check out the conference blog.