Last week I told you I was at a church convention and I used the time to engulf myself in worshiping God. I mean I went all out and focused on Him and Him alone. Now during the service (or services) there was a speaker. And for some reason I was unsettled around him. I mean he could preach, had musical ability, and had a tremendous amount of influence.

I couldn’t even look at the guy straight–I was so impressed! And in the middle of worship I had an urge to read my Bible…Galatians specifically. And right there in Galatians 5 it hit me:

“If we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or irritate one another, or be jealous of one another.” [1]

“You’re jealous of him,” I heard in my ear.

You would think I’d be humble at this point, receptive to hear what the Spirit was was saying…but you obviously don’t know me that well!

“Me?! Jealous?!! Of him!!!!!!!!!! Get outta here!!!!!”

Very mature don’t  you think??

But after a few minutes of thinking about it…I realized He was right. I was jealous of him. Well, right then and there I apologized to God for my behavior, repented of my sin, and went back to the overflow.

Great leaders understand worship

When my heart was fully submitted (or somewhat submitted…pray for me because I am a rebel) God was able to show me some character flaws.  Kind of like when Isaiah saw God and saw himself in the process:

“Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, The Lord of hosts.”

In other words, “I am so screwed up!”

And that’s why worship is a powerful leadership strategy, because:

• Worship takes the focus off you
• Worship gives you insight
• Worship re-energizes you
• Worship shows you who you are (with all your imperfections)
• And etc…

“Bless the Lord O my soul…”

I know you’re busy…

And tired…

And have a lot on your plate…

And a have lot to contend with…

But why don’t you take a break, get in that prayer closet of yours, take the focus off you, put it on God, and worship Him with EVERYTHING you got!

When you’re finished come back and tell me if those problems, responsibilities, deadlines, and issues seem so looming.

But let me ask: how does worship help you?

1. Galatians 5: 25-26 (NLT)
2. Isaiah 6:5 (NKJV)

John Piper thinks so.

At least that’s what he told more than 21,000 students at the Passion 2010 conference. He basically said that God is the most God-centered Person in existence– He cares more about His Glory than anything else.

Kinda tough to swallow isn’t?

But the more I thought about it…the more I realized how right he was. God does care about getting glory doesn’t He:

“To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” [1]

“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” [2]

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” [3]

“To Him Who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious Presence without fault and with great joy. To the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.” [4] 

“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they were created and have their being.” [5]

1. Philippians 4:20 (NIV)
2. 1 Timothy 1:17 (NIV) 
3.  2 Peter 3:18 (NIV)
4. Jude 1:24-25 (NIV)
5. Revelation 4:11 (NIV)

Bishop T.D. Jakes is calling 50,000 thankful women (and men) to join him on Twitter as he prepares to host his renown Woman Thou Art Loosed conference. He’s asking participants to send a “thankful tweet” which may be broadcast live prior to and throughout the conference. Its a move which confirms the inescapable presence of social media in everyday life… especially ministry.

But this is not new.

Time.com, the NY Times, and Switched have covered the growing movement: Twitter and worship…and not just churches either. With Twitter being valued at $1 billion, having 54 million hits per month, and striving to be the “pulse of the planet” …is it any wonder it’s becoming the pulse of the worship community? And many ministries are singing both the praises of Twitter and incorporating them into their services.

Others, however, believe there should be a distinction between church and “twate.”

Joshua Harris believes Twitter should take a backseat during worship. John Piper also believes Twitter has its place outside of worship, not in it.

And while I respect both men I disagree. Twitter can and should be integrated in ministry. Granted, like anything created for good it has the potential to be abused for evil. If Tweets are going to be posted in the open they should be edited… because some tweets are entirely inappropriate.

But should we pull up the wheat with the tare?

Technology should be used prayerfully and purposefully, in decency and in order…not just for the sake of using it…or trying to “keep up with everyone else.” That’s stupid.

Paul said, “So here’s what I want you to do. When you gather for worship, each one of you be prepared with something that will be useful for all: Sing a hymn, teach a lesson, tell a story, lead a prayer, provide an insight.” [1] Corporate worship is not just singing songs, listening to a message, and then going home? Its meant to be a place where we could participate and give something that would “be useful for all”?

Like I said: if used prayerfully, purposefully, in decency and in order, Twitter provides that platform.

WTAL…then what?

Who knows whats up the sleeve of Bishop Jakes. In the past, he’s been known to spearhead many technological/ministry developments. Only time can tell what he’s got planned next. We’ll have to wait and see.

The landscape for ministry has changed again–as it must. Now we have podcasts, Internet services, social media, and new technology being birthed everyday. And we as believers have an obligation to “redeem the times”? Or as Paul said, “Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don’t miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity.” [2]

Doesn’t technology grant us new opportunities? And as long as we “understand what the Lord wants” shouldn’t  these opportunities be used to glorify His Name?

You think about it…but excuse me…I’ve gotta go put up my “thankful tweet.”

What are your thoughts?

1. 1 Corinthians 14:26 (The Message)
2. Colossians 4:5 (The Message)

I’m a stickler for progress–especially as it relates to ministry. Hence my love of technology, good music, multimedia, and etc. That is our focus, isn’t it?

Isn’t it?

No, its not our focus. It couldn’t be. But I must admit…sometimes I lose focus. Sometimes I put the bulk of this (“this” meaning the work of God) on my abilities. Sometimes, looking at our great “inventions” I lose sight of my Creator. Sometimes I look at my hands rather than the Hands of God.

Maybe its just me?

I was in a recent conversation regarding technology and whether the church should embrace it. The majority pretty much agreed that the methods must change but the Message must not. In other words–embrace technology.

Just then a friend of mine, Bob Wagner, joined the discussion. I thought he would just echo some stuff we said…after all we knew what we were talking about! Instead he wrote:

“I agree that the church needs to use whatever technology they need in order to effectively minister to their flock. However I have seen where technology can easily become the main reason people go to church. The great sound, the multimedia presentations, the fancy power point presentations, the movie clips, the ability to text the pastor while he is teaching; All are great, but if this is the way you attract people, you will always have to stay up with technology.”

What could I say to that? It made sense. He was right. No harm done. He added a nugget of wisdom we overlooked–I could accept that.

Alright…it was time for me to go. It was a great discussion. I was kinda hungry anyway. Figured, I’d get some IHOP or something. But hold on…he wrote more. Ah come on Bob…you said your piece…we’re impressed…leave it alone. But thank God he didn’t. He added:

“Then I have also been in services that had none of the above and the Spirit of God was moving so strong that people were getting healed, delivered, and under such Holy Spirit conviction they actually ran to the altar with tears in their eyes crying out for Jesus to save them. I have even witnessed people say, ‘They were drawn into the church like a magnet’ and I watched them lay their guns and drugs on the altar. Others would walk in the door and the Spirit of God would be so strong strangers would ask: ‘What is that I feel?’ and when you told them it caused them to hit their knees…From my experience if the church would spend more time on their faces praying than doing sound checks, God would be doing awesome things in, to, and through the church and people would come to experience Him rather than what man can do.”

Holy crap!!

That hit me like a ton of  bricks!

“What hit you, Mike?”

The truth.

For a brief moment I forgot: it’s not about us…it’s all about Him. It’s Him working through us…but ultimately it’s Him.

All our gadgets mean nothing without Him.  If there were no Move of God, would it matter where technology’s moving? If He ever invaded our services, would it matter who was preaching? Or what they said? Who could get up to sing if everybody was on their faces?

Something to think about.

What are your thoughts?

[Image: Fervr]

But you don’t want to leave.

 If you go to a church that sucks but you’re going to leave, stop reading….NOW. You already have your answer. There’s obviously a church somewhere in your city that’s on the “cutting edge” and would love your membership—problem solved.

 But if you go to a church that sucks, you see that it sucks, would love to help it so that it doesn’t suck, and are committed to enduring the suckiness—keep reading.

 I go to a church that sucks. “Mike, what do you mean by ‘sucks’? How do you define that?” Well, by “suck” I mean “to be inadequate or objectionable.” [1] For example: “this movie sucks!!” Get the picture.

GREAT BEGINNINGS

My church didn’t always suck. In fact, decades ago it was a church that turned the world upside down. It started in Jamaica with a group of people who were committed to spreading the Gospel. Through perseverance, meeting the needs of people (healing the sick, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and helping the poor), strategic partnerships, making disciples, and being committed to a cause greater than themselves they grew. The growth was so extraordinary that over time we planted churches all over the world.

So you can see what I mean when I say: it didn’t always suck.

We were a force to be reckoned with. We had purpose. We had vision. We had the willingness to change our methods to better communicate our message. Our communities were being enriched. Souls were being saved. Saints were being edified. Talents were being utilized. We were moving in the right direction.

WHAT HAPPENED??

But somewhere along the line we lost sight of purpose. And when we lost sight of our purpose and vision everything started down a steep road. We haven’t hit bottom yet.

Understand this: God is a God of movement, but people love to build monuments. When Jesus led Peter, James, and John to a high mountain He was transfigured before them. As He was transfigured Moses and Elijah came into view and held a conversation with Him. Peter was so stunned by what he saw that he interrupted and said “Rabbi, this is a great moment! Let’s build three memorials—one for You, one for Moses, one for Elijah.” [2]

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWRv1mf-Bk4]

God is always moving somewhere. But most people, rather than get in flow of where God is going, are preoccupied to build monuments of where He’s been. And this not to say monuments are bad…quite the contrary—they’re good things to have and study. The danger becomes when we become so preoccupied with monuments that we fail to follow God’s movement.

WHY AM I SO PEEVED?

I guess I’m upset because I believe we can do more. I know we can do more. David Tonen really brought this home for me in a recent post: 

“Churches need to realize that a new generation is emerging where bureaucracy is no longer accepted.  Young people are beginning to fight against things that appear contrived and over-organized.  They are not looking for organized religion but for genuine authenticity…internal change lags behind external change. Don’t let your church lag.”

I refuse to lag any longer. Something has to be done. Maybe I’m the only one that feels this way? Maybe not?

What are your thoughts??

2. Mark 9:5 ( The Message)