Kingdom Expectation
Kingdom Expectation has been a growing passion of mine. When I met my husband, he introduced me to a deeper, mystical side of christianity that is there for everyone, if they want it. Worship was always a tool I used to meet with God, and I met him countless times; but there is always more. I learned to explore heaven, not knowing that heaven was open for me now. I had glimpses, but didn't realize that I was communing with heaven.
I love that worship and music can be that door to heaven, and I love when others discover it. I desire for our worship to go that deep on a Sunday morning, and I know it does for some, if they engage, but I would love to be so great at creating that kind of atmosphere, that those who don't even know they can be in heaven find themselves there, and lives are changed, bodies are healed, revelation of truth takes place on a regular basis.
I am a big fan of Bethel Church in Redding California, mostly because they are pursuing a 'kingdom culture'. Not just in their Sunday service,but in every aspect of life. They are seeing amazing things happening because they have a real grasp on kingdom expectation. I want to see more too! Here, in my life, in my church, my city, my nation. Let's find out what God is doing, and pray it, say it, do it!
Labels: Dan Wilt, emerging worship studies, essentials green
Accessibility and Relevance
I really enjoyed this weeks talks on the subject of accessibility in worship. I particularly liked David Ruis' examples of making room for creative worship and arts, and how to work with the 'creatives' in it all. It so true that it is not about performing a really great worship service every Sunday, but making it about the journey allows room for relationship, communication, trying new things, making mistakes, etc.
I see a lot of areas in Harvest where there is room for the journey to take place, but I would love to see it more for the music teams on Sunday. I want there to be more openness, encouragement, relationship I guess. Since I am one of the few taking this course, I would say that I need to step up in these areas. If I want our worship to be more united, more relational, more of a journey than performance oriented, I need to be that example.
I also commented on the facebook disscussion that I had the idea for the African's to take a Sunday every once in a while. They have such a unique style, and I can't be it for them. It would be great to include them in their expression of worship since it is so great. I loved being in Africa, worshipping in such a lively way that is so different from our Canadian style.
Anyways, I think this course rocks. It touches on some really great stuff that is so needed when it comes to our walk with God and the journey.
Labels: Dan Wilt, emerging worship studies, essentials green
Intimacy
Well, it's the start of another 5 week course on worship. A few things have changed for me. This time I am pregnant and have morning sickness while I look after my two small children under 3 yrs. and I am extremely tired and have little to no patience. Looks like I'm in for a good one!
This week the topic
was a good one. Talked a lot about intimacy not only with God, but with people, in particular the ones you are on a team with that lead the congregation into worship. I've never really known exactly how things work at Harvest when it comes to worship. I thought that would be cleared up when I joined the worship team. Not so much. I find it difficult to know if what I'm singing, doing in terms of leading is okay with leadership. The reason why is because we don't talk about it. Their isn't really relationship there to do that. In my particular team I do know the leader better, but when I ask him if certain things are okay with leadership, he just shrugs and says, "I think so." I think work needs done on that. And I know I have a role to play, even though I am fairly new in the team.
Anyways, I find that the lack of communication breeds insecurity throughout the team. I really struggle at times because those that have been on the team a while sometimes whisper things to eachother and I because I don't know them well, I usually think it's about me and the way I do things. My husband says I need to stop thinking that everything is about me. Which is probably true, but I still find it difficult none the less.
I enjoyed this week, but was obviously challenged to bring change.
Later!
Labels: Dan Wilt, emerging worship studies, essentials green, intimacy
