2 Corinthians 1:3-7 are verses that have been like a mission statement for me. This passage talks about the God of all comfort. In our suffering we receive comfort and so we in turn can offer this comfort and encouragement to others who are experiencing pain - what a privilege! One channel through which we can offer comfort and encouragement is through worship (in song). Worship in a corporate setting is primarily to bring praise to God but also to edify the church. There is an amazing mystery in the fact that as we gather together and worship God we experience a sense of God's presence which helps us place our pain in perspective and hopefully reminds us that we have a God who knows every ounce of what is going on in our hearts.
On Sunday, after hearing some painful news I found myself frustrated and unsettled. I wanted to connect with God because it felt like that might be the only safe place I could find. My initial thoughts were to sit in my room and listen to a few worship songs that have been very helpful to me in my own pain and then just sit at the piano and sing whatever came to me. This is my way of connecting and communicating something of my pain to God. I couldn't find the exact words I needed but singing simple words of praise to God seemed to release a little of the hurt and frustration I was experiencing. From time to time I am confident that when we worship there are things happening in the spiritual realms that we cannot see or begin to comprehend. I can't say this is a fact but for now I would like to believe it. Worship seems to have changed things in my own life so I want to believe that this can still happen and that God will change things for others as I worship.
What we do in 'worship' must be really important! We need to facilitate people who need comfort and some kind of expression to release the pain they are feeling inside. Writing honest, genuine words (true to our experience) and painting these with the perfect melody, chords and sounds will bring healing, release, life, joy, peace, comfort...........
Wednesday, 25 April 2007
Friday, 20 April 2007
Translate His Wonders into Music
Hallelujah!
Thank God! Pray to him by name!
Tell everyone you meet what he has done!
Sing him songs, belt out hymns,
Translate his wonders into music!
Honour his holy name with Hallelujahs,
you who seek God.
Since reading Psalm 105 I feel like my own devotion to the Lord has been stirred. I have been challenged to stir myself to praise Him and reconsider the great works He has done in my life. Every part of the work of grace on my life and soul is a miracle of which I am free to express in worship back to God.
I have had experiences in my life which I never thought I'd come through. I have had amazing blessing poured out on my life over and over again. I have had awesome opportunities presented to me which I could never have dreamed up. Every one was grace. When I couldn't see any way out or any good reason why I might be experiencing so much pain - God was changing me.
As I look back on my journey as a 'worship leader' I realise that it was birthed from an extremely painful time in my life. I had no desire to lead anyone in worship to God (in the way we understand worship leading). As I came to terms with events in my life that I had no control of, God put people in my life who loved to worship Him. This changed my life. Having this channel to cry out to God did something in me that I cannot begin to articulate. Suddenly I realised I had a purpose - I was made to worship. I had been reading Job as I journeyed this pain (not exactly uplifting stuff) and to be honest he seemed to be my closest and most empathic friend.
So, what has this got to do with translating His wonders into music?
I am considering this in a very personal light for now. I want to be able to sing out in worship to God and express something of the wonders that He has done in my life. I also want to be able to write songs that will communicate something of these experiences in order to help others communicate with God in the middle of the circumstances they face.
I'd love to hear your story.
Thank God! Pray to him by name!
Tell everyone you meet what he has done!
Sing him songs, belt out hymns,
Translate his wonders into music!
Honour his holy name with Hallelujahs,
you who seek God.
Since reading Psalm 105 I feel like my own devotion to the Lord has been stirred. I have been challenged to stir myself to praise Him and reconsider the great works He has done in my life. Every part of the work of grace on my life and soul is a miracle of which I am free to express in worship back to God.
I have had experiences in my life which I never thought I'd come through. I have had amazing blessing poured out on my life over and over again. I have had awesome opportunities presented to me which I could never have dreamed up. Every one was grace. When I couldn't see any way out or any good reason why I might be experiencing so much pain - God was changing me.
As I look back on my journey as a 'worship leader' I realise that it was birthed from an extremely painful time in my life. I had no desire to lead anyone in worship to God (in the way we understand worship leading). As I came to terms with events in my life that I had no control of, God put people in my life who loved to worship Him. This changed my life. Having this channel to cry out to God did something in me that I cannot begin to articulate. Suddenly I realised I had a purpose - I was made to worship. I had been reading Job as I journeyed this pain (not exactly uplifting stuff) and to be honest he seemed to be my closest and most empathic friend.
So, what has this got to do with translating His wonders into music?
I am considering this in a very personal light for now. I want to be able to sing out in worship to God and express something of the wonders that He has done in my life. I also want to be able to write songs that will communicate something of these experiences in order to help others communicate with God in the middle of the circumstances they face.
I'd love to hear your story.
Sunday, 15 April 2007
Reflection CFC - April
CFC - 15th April - 3rd Service
It has been a few weeks since the band have played together so it was fantastic to see everyone again and great to get playing. We had the opportunity to air a new song tonight - 'Lord of all the earth'. I absolutely love this song so I can't wait for you to hear it and find something of the depth of worship I have found. Over the past number of weeks I have been listening to this song and it has allowed me or led me to a place of genuine worship before God. I can't even explain or adequately articulate how deep this place is but I really pray that people find the depth of connection and intimacy that I have found in using this to worship. It has this beautiful minor tonality for the most part which in itself creates a haunting and emotive atmosphere.
We opened the service with "All who are thirsty' and I had a real excitement in my spirit about this song so I hope it really ministered to people and created a space for people to cry out to God from a place of pain and brokeness. Life can be really hard at times and we can feel really fragile as we work through painful situations but there is such beauty in the worship we bring to God in the midst of all this stuff. I've put some thoughts together re. this subject with reference to my own journey so I will consider posting this over the next few days.
It has been a few weeks since the band have played together so it was fantastic to see everyone again and great to get playing. We had the opportunity to air a new song tonight - 'Lord of all the earth'. I absolutely love this song so I can't wait for you to hear it and find something of the depth of worship I have found. Over the past number of weeks I have been listening to this song and it has allowed me or led me to a place of genuine worship before God. I can't even explain or adequately articulate how deep this place is but I really pray that people find the depth of connection and intimacy that I have found in using this to worship. It has this beautiful minor tonality for the most part which in itself creates a haunting and emotive atmosphere.
We opened the service with "All who are thirsty' and I had a real excitement in my spirit about this song so I hope it really ministered to people and created a space for people to cry out to God from a place of pain and brokeness. Life can be really hard at times and we can feel really fragile as we work through painful situations but there is such beauty in the worship we bring to God in the midst of all this stuff. I've put some thoughts together re. this subject with reference to my own journey so I will consider posting this over the next few days.
Friday, 13 April 2007
Studio Stuff
David, Johnny and I headed into the studio to record some demos last night. It was great fun and I really hope that you get to hear the beautiful story about Victoria coming to the Lord (as told by JP) which Ricky very kindly recorded. (I hope it finds it's way onto the album).
It has been a while since I have been in the studio and it can be a little daunting at the start. The best way forward is to just have a laugh and relax into it. I also think that recording at night time is 100% better - I might investigate whether night shifts are an option when it comes to the album. Your voice is warmed up and ready to go plus you go a tad mental in your state of tiredness which sometimes allows you the confidence to do things (and say things!) you might not otherwise do. It was a really productive night - one of our most productive to be honest. David's guitar sounds were delicious, Johnny's voice was sounding full and fantastic and I got to play a very yummy piano sound as well as sing some (what I think are) nice harmonies. There are some moments of fragile singing which you don't normally get in worship - I'd like to explore this further.
We only had time to put down 4 songs but it is really encouraging to hear that they are 4 really strong songs (in my humble opinion). I can't wait to hear how they develop further in terms of production on the album. There are a few more songs in the pipeline which we need to get working on. The next few weeks are going to be exciting and busy. We are hoping to begin recording at the start of July after our dates at Summer Madness. It proves to be a busy and God-willing creative and productive couple of months and we'd really value your encouragement and support as we approach the recording. If you can get out to hear the band sometime soon we'd love to see you and hear your feedback. We're playing this Sunday evening in CFC - 7pm.
It has been a while since I have been in the studio and it can be a little daunting at the start. The best way forward is to just have a laugh and relax into it. I also think that recording at night time is 100% better - I might investigate whether night shifts are an option when it comes to the album. Your voice is warmed up and ready to go plus you go a tad mental in your state of tiredness which sometimes allows you the confidence to do things (and say things!) you might not otherwise do. It was a really productive night - one of our most productive to be honest. David's guitar sounds were delicious, Johnny's voice was sounding full and fantastic and I got to play a very yummy piano sound as well as sing some (what I think are) nice harmonies. There are some moments of fragile singing which you don't normally get in worship - I'd like to explore this further.
We only had time to put down 4 songs but it is really encouraging to hear that they are 4 really strong songs (in my humble opinion). I can't wait to hear how they develop further in terms of production on the album. There are a few more songs in the pipeline which we need to get working on. The next few weeks are going to be exciting and busy. We are hoping to begin recording at the start of July after our dates at Summer Madness. It proves to be a busy and God-willing creative and productive couple of months and we'd really value your encouragement and support as we approach the recording. If you can get out to hear the band sometime soon we'd love to see you and hear your feedback. We're playing this Sunday evening in CFC - 7pm.
Tuesday, 27 March 2007
Living Sacrifice II - Creative Thinking
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind". Romans 12:2
Have you ever thought of this verse in terms of creativity?
The renewing of our mind is all about our thinking - the challenge to think differently. The amazing thing is that we are transformed by this thinking. This transformation is meant to be a glorious metamorphosis of the same ilk as Jesus in His transfiguration. As I think through this I am concerned that we decide that because this is the work of the Holy Spirit we leave it to Him to change us and forget that we have responsiblity over our minds and our thinking. This is our spiritual act of worship. Remember our bodies comprise of soul, flesh and mind.
I am sure there are lots of ways to look at this verse and possibly deep theological truths I haven't thought through at this stage. I would like to consider the patterns of the world and more specifically the patterns of the church and the challenge to think differently. In the same way that this verse indicates that the patterns of the world are ungoldy I wonder are the patterns we create in the church just as ungoldy? Does the church look any different to the world? We have patterns of prayer, worship (in song), worship leading, band dynamics and line-up, communicating God's word, house group format, leadership training, kids work, fashion, going for coffee in specific establishments, profile of worship leaders and pastors .......etc.
Does the church reflect a group of people who think differently and are transformed by the renewing of their minds?
"Creative people are always looking for new ways of doing things" J.Parks
"The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift". A.Einstein
"The things we fear most in organisations -- fluctuations, disturbances, imbalances -- are the primary sources of creativity". M.J.Wheatley
Hear my heart in this - I love the church but can we see this glorious transformation of our minds in turn transforming the 'church'? Are we courageous enough to think in a new way that will usher in renewal? Are we forgetting the gift? Are we just fearful and so would rather be safe in patterns and structures that are familiar to us and don't challenge our thinking?
Have you ever thought of this verse in terms of creativity?
The renewing of our mind is all about our thinking - the challenge to think differently. The amazing thing is that we are transformed by this thinking. This transformation is meant to be a glorious metamorphosis of the same ilk as Jesus in His transfiguration. As I think through this I am concerned that we decide that because this is the work of the Holy Spirit we leave it to Him to change us and forget that we have responsiblity over our minds and our thinking. This is our spiritual act of worship. Remember our bodies comprise of soul, flesh and mind.
I am sure there are lots of ways to look at this verse and possibly deep theological truths I haven't thought through at this stage. I would like to consider the patterns of the world and more specifically the patterns of the church and the challenge to think differently. In the same way that this verse indicates that the patterns of the world are ungoldy I wonder are the patterns we create in the church just as ungoldy? Does the church look any different to the world? We have patterns of prayer, worship (in song), worship leading, band dynamics and line-up, communicating God's word, house group format, leadership training, kids work, fashion, going for coffee in specific establishments, profile of worship leaders and pastors .......etc.
Does the church reflect a group of people who think differently and are transformed by the renewing of their minds?
"Creative people are always looking for new ways of doing things" J.Parks
"The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift". A.Einstein
"The things we fear most in organisations -- fluctuations, disturbances, imbalances -- are the primary sources of creativity". M.J.Wheatley
Hear my heart in this - I love the church but can we see this glorious transformation of our minds in turn transforming the 'church'? Are we courageous enough to think in a new way that will usher in renewal? Are we forgetting the gift? Are we just fearful and so would rather be safe in patterns and structures that are familiar to us and don't challenge our thinking?
Monday, 26 March 2007
Reflection Resonate
Resonate is an event held in 'the upper room' of a methodist church ( I think) in Portadown. The event is co-ordinated by a team of guys from that church one of whom (Pete Ferguson) is a youth pastor for 7 churches in the area. These guys were really welcoming when we arrived and weren't afraid to approach us and introduce themselves - I love that! They are really passionate about the ministry they are part of and really desire to see the reputation of Portadown changed by the love of God.
We had the opportunity to lead 2 sessions of worship, both about 40mins in length. It was really encouraging to see how engaged these young people were and how unafraid they were to express themselves in terms of singing AND EVEN DANCING! I love the fact that there is freedom coupled with reverence before a holy God. I love to worship God, I live to worship God, I love to sing, I love to play and sing and I am fairly confident in the gifting God has given me but I do have to ask myself alot whether or not I am living in freedom in those areas. I think I will write a post on this as I have been watching people worship (not in a freaky sneaky way) and just contemplating freedom or the lack of it.
Jools Hamilton was speaking at Resonate (you may know him from Summer Madness). He took the first part of the Lord's prayer and tried to communicate the meaning of the words we know and rhyme off too easily. I don't know about the rest of you but this is a prayer that I say every morning along with the staff in our school. I love this prayer and I am glad that I have had the opportunity to be reminded of it's meaning and what I am actually asking for as I say it. Maybe I'll write a post on that sometime too.
I love that everytime we play it is a learning curve and we figure out more and more how we sound as a band and what we need to work at. This was a small venue with a lot of people crammed in which I kinda liked because we felt like we were all in it together (rather than being THE BAND) but in terms of sound it was pretty loud and pretty hard to hear exactly what we were doing. Sometimes you end up playing quite harshly and loudly just to hear yourself in the monitor when actually you probably need to just be confident in what you are doing and in the sound engineer (Andy Irwin in this case - lovely guy to work with!).
We had the opportunity to lead 2 sessions of worship, both about 40mins in length. It was really encouraging to see how engaged these young people were and how unafraid they were to express themselves in terms of singing AND EVEN DANCING! I love the fact that there is freedom coupled with reverence before a holy God. I love to worship God, I live to worship God, I love to sing, I love to play and sing and I am fairly confident in the gifting God has given me but I do have to ask myself alot whether or not I am living in freedom in those areas. I think I will write a post on this as I have been watching people worship (not in a freaky sneaky way) and just contemplating freedom or the lack of it.
Jools Hamilton was speaking at Resonate (you may know him from Summer Madness). He took the first part of the Lord's prayer and tried to communicate the meaning of the words we know and rhyme off too easily. I don't know about the rest of you but this is a prayer that I say every morning along with the staff in our school. I love this prayer and I am glad that I have had the opportunity to be reminded of it's meaning and what I am actually asking for as I say it. Maybe I'll write a post on that sometime too.
I love that everytime we play it is a learning curve and we figure out more and more how we sound as a band and what we need to work at. This was a small venue with a lot of people crammed in which I kinda liked because we felt like we were all in it together (rather than being THE BAND) but in terms of sound it was pretty loud and pretty hard to hear exactly what we were doing. Sometimes you end up playing quite harshly and loudly just to hear yourself in the monitor when actually you probably need to just be confident in what you are doing and in the sound engineer (Andy Irwin in this case - lovely guy to work with!).
Saturday, 24 March 2007
Worship Training Day
Those of you who didn't get to the training day today really missed out. We had a great day and I know people were really encouraged and up for the continuation of this event. What is great about this kind of thing is that it isn't super-spiritual stuff and so people can come as they are and find out more about who they are and the call on their life. I could literally blog for days on the content of today's training and the encouragement it was to me.
We looked specifically at our call to be creative. I guess what was so great for me is that I heard Johnny do a talk on this issue at Soul Survivor last August and today I felt I had moved forward on this journey when I asked myself the same questions as I did back then. The guys/gals who came to this event were soo hungry to learn and even more than that they wanted to build relationships with other people who are passionate about worship. If I could just explain in words the good that does my soul! That's my dream! I love the humility in being teachable and the fact that we have worshippers who really do care about the church and each other.
I am absolutely overwhelmed with excitement when I consider the opportunity we have to build each other up and encourage each other in our faith and gifting as worship leaders and musicians.
JP had assiged a significant amount of time to small group discussion and this was fantastic. I just loved hearing about the experience and struggles people are facing and the fact that this event created a forum where they could be honest. I wish I had the answers but isn't it great to just listen.
Hopefully some of you who were there have been reading and will now post your comments. I would love to hear from you and continue our dialogue.
We looked specifically at our call to be creative. I guess what was so great for me is that I heard Johnny do a talk on this issue at Soul Survivor last August and today I felt I had moved forward on this journey when I asked myself the same questions as I did back then. The guys/gals who came to this event were soo hungry to learn and even more than that they wanted to build relationships with other people who are passionate about worship. If I could just explain in words the good that does my soul! That's my dream! I love the humility in being teachable and the fact that we have worshippers who really do care about the church and each other.
I am absolutely overwhelmed with excitement when I consider the opportunity we have to build each other up and encourage each other in our faith and gifting as worship leaders and musicians.
JP had assiged a significant amount of time to small group discussion and this was fantastic. I just loved hearing about the experience and struggles people are facing and the fact that this event created a forum where they could be honest. I wish I had the answers but isn't it great to just listen.
Hopefully some of you who were there have been reading and will now post your comments. I would love to hear from you and continue our dialogue.
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