Songs: “I Cling To The Cross”

We have just started a 7-week series on the cross at church. In preparation for that series I have been spending lots of time looking and listening to songs about the cross. One that I have known for a while is the song “I Cling To The Cross.” The song was written by Paul Baloche & Matt Redman and getting those two guys together will always produce awesome results.

I have absolutely had my heart captured by the lyrics to this song. It’s one of those songs that you have to sing with total abandon…nothing half way will do in worship, especially when talking about the cross. It has caused me to think a lot about the cross and to try and imagine what it must have been like for Jesus as he approached the events of the cross. He knew what was coming. He knew what He had to do and willingly, He laid his life down for you and for me. Think about that for a second. I would imagine that if you were to sit down and make a list of people that you would lay your life down for, it would not be a very long list. Yet, He did it for each and every one of us. That is so overwhelming to me.

 

 

I cling to the cross and everything it means
I know it’s the only hope there is for saving me
For without Your great mercy
I would be forever lost
With a thankful heart I come
And cling to the cross

What a great reminder that the cross is our only hope.

Here is the audio of Paul singing, “I Cling To The Cross” from the album “Our God Saves.”

 

Here is Paul Baloche telling the story behind “I Cling To The Cross”

Teamwork

MPCC Music & Worship Ministry Value: Teamwork
We have been talking about values that we embrace as a team. So far we have talked about the values of Preparation, Authenticity, Character & Communication.  

This week, I want to talk with you about Teamwork. Here is a great definition of Teamwork:  “a joint action by 2 or more people’ or a group, in which each person subordinates his or her individual interests and opinions to the unity and efficiency of the group.” I love that language. Setting aside the things we desire as individuals on behalf of the team.

I don’t mean to communicate that individual people are not important, because they are extremely important. We have some incredibly gifted individuals at MPCC and I am grateful for that. The excitement comes when all of those gifted individuals come together to make a strong and gifted team. That is something I can really get on board with!

We had a great example of teamwork this past weekend. Some urgent needs came up regarding the stage and we had several guys step up and get those needs addressed. Thanks so much to you guys for doing that! Most of these helpers were scheduled to play and/or sing on the weekend team, too. So, adding this on top made for a long weekend for them.

That’s exactly what I mean when I talk about us building a team. Every person doing their part to build the team and take the ministry forward. We all have roles to play on the team and when we all give our best effort in the area that we serve in, LOOK OUT!!!!! It’s going to be awesome. All of us depend on one another. Let’s do everything we can to build an awesome team! 

Communication

MPCC Music & Worship Ministry Value: Communication
We have been talking about values that we embrace as a team. So far we have talked about the values of Preparation, Authenticity & Character.  

This week, I want to talk with you about Communication. I want to address this value from 2 perspectives: (1) Us to the congregation; and, (2) Us to one another.

(1) As worship leaders we are in the Communication business. Everything we do – all of the rehearsals, planning, organization, preparation – it is all done with the goal of communicating the life saving message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I think we can all agree on this: that is the most important message in the whole world! We want to work hard on being appropriately expressive when we lead in worship. We want everything about us to engage people in worship because as they do their lives can be changed, challenged and encouraged.

As Kim and I have traveled from church to church, I often hear people talking about how their congregation isn’t very “alive” or responsive during worship. This happens in many churches in America. I often think of asking them, “Is our job as worship leaders dependent upon a specific response from the congregation?” Now, I don’t mean that to sound harsh, but does that really change our job in any way? Or, does that simply highlight the need for us to become even better and more engaging using our voices, our hearts, our faces and our bodies as we lead?

Let’s say that you are selling sweepers door to door. On a particular day, you knock on door after door and you are greeted by complete grouches who will barely speak to you. Would that change your job description? Would you be able to go to your supervisor and explain how you didn’t sell any sweepers because the customers just weren’t very responsive?  The obvious answer is no. As we work to communicate God’s Truth through music and worship Communication with the congregation is essential to our success. There will be times when they are not responsive. Communicate anyway. Worship God with abandonment regardless of what the congregation does.  I know it’s hard, but don’t be insulted by their lack of response. Most of the time we have no way of knowing where they have been or what they have been through in a given week. When you see them not responding, I encourage you….I challenge you, to work harder. See how God might use you to impact them and how HE will change their face through worship.

(2) Another aspect of Communication is how we interact with one another. We can probably agree that relationships have helped us to experience the highest highs and the lowest lows. How does it feel when somebody enters your world and asks about how you are and how your week has been? Isn’t that an amazing feeling? How about the opposite….you walk into a room, say hello and nobody responds. How does that feel? Pretty bad, huh?

The Bible talks about the power of our words in how we communicate with one another. We can make the choice to, “Encourage one another and build each other up….” as it says in 1 Thessalonians 5:11. We can be on the lookout for team members who are struggling or who are new to the team. This is crucial to building a healthy team. Do you see someone standing alone? I believe that the very fact that you noticed them standing alone is the Holy Spirit prompting you to go and speak with them. Some might say, “Well, I’m not comfortable with that.  I’m not naturally an encourager.” I can understand that.  Encouraging one another doesn’t come naturally to most people, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have a responsibility to change and BECOME encouragers.  God has called us to do it, so therefore we do it. Let’s get out of our comfort zones and do what it takes to build a healthy team. I want to challenge you to be on the lookout for team members that you don’t know or who spend time by themselves in a crowded room.  No one likes to feel excluded. Let’s make sure that members of our team never have to experience that when we are together! Deal?

Just like we can encourage one another with our words, we can also discourage one another. I think this is pretty obvious. Just don’t do it. We should never allow our words to tear someone else down. If we do, the Bible tells us to go and make it right immediately. So, let’s make this our practice as a team.

Communication is huge for what we do. Let’s make it our goal to become the best communicators possible whether we are on the platform, in a rehearsal or just spending time together as a team.

KT’s Birthday

I am truly blessed. I am also extremely grateful. I am married to an amazing woman and today is her birthday. Here are some things that I love about her.

I love the sound of her laugh. It is one of the greatest sounds in the world to me.

I love her heart for the Lord, for me, her family, her friends and for hurting people.

I love to hear her sing. To this day – after more than 17 years of listening to her – it still sends chills up my spine.

I love her smile.

I love to watch her enjoy walking on the beach. She is in a state of complete peace.

I love to experience a great meal with her. She enjoys food. If it is food that I have cooked that is even better.

I love it that she enjoys the tv show “Laverne & Shirley.”

I love to hear her pray.

I love to watch her think. She thinks on very deep levels and I love watching the wheels turn.

I love the smell of her lotion & perfume.

I love to hear her teach, read or share something she has learned.

I love to watch her eat truffles from Godiva Chocolate.

I love to tease her.

I love to pursue her.

I love it that she can light up any room she walks into.

I love that she wants such great depth in her life, heart & mind. 

I love the way that she loves me.

These are just a few of the zillion things I love about you Kim. Believe me, I could write all day!

Happy Birthday Sweetheart. I love you!

Worship Matters – “Empty Me”

This past weekend we were talking about humbling ourselves and submitting to the Lord in terms of our financial giving. Pastor Chris delivered an awesome message. We also used some great music to help prepare the congregation for the message.

One of the songs we used is “Empty Me” by Chris Sligh. American Idol fans will remember Chris as an incredible singer from that show. “Empty Me” is an amazing song that is really a prayer, asking God to help us empty ourselves of selfish ambition and be filled with Christ and His desires for us. Powerful. 

I’ve had just enough of the spotlight
When it burns bright
To see how it gets in the blood
And I’ve tasted my share 
Of the sweet life
And the wild ride
And found a little is not quite enough

I know how i can stray
And how fast my heart could change

Empty me
Of the selfishness inside
Every vain ambition 
And the poison of my pride
And any foolish thing my heart holds to
Lord empty me of me
So i can be
Filled with you

It’s an awesome song. I hope you enjoy this video of Chris singing “Empty Me.”

My Thoughts – 2.4.09

A collection of random thoughts…….

I think that the day of the Super Bowl can be a blast. Time with friends, good food and football – what a day! The commercials were sort of disappointing to me this year though. Seriously, enough with the horses on those beer commercials. That has played. But, the Dorito’s commercials were great.

I still think that Facebook is awesome. Connecting with friends from the past and present is something I really enjoy. I recently crossed the 1,000 friend threshold, which is exciting.

I think that the Indianapolis Colts need some tremendous defensive upgrades. Their choice of a new Defensive Coordinator is crucial.

I think it has been at least 6 months since I have been to a movie theater. That bums me out because I enjoy movies, but I just haven’t had the time.

I think that January is an unfortunate time of year to begin a 35-mile work commute. That’s 35 miles – one way. We have had an unusual amount of heavy snowfall, which has made driving interesting to say the least.

I think that even though the drive is challenging, God has great days in store at Mt. Pleasant. Great team and a strong foundation to build upon. Plus, an awesome staff to work with. We are dealing with overcrowding in services, which is awesome.

I think that I want to invest in a good smoker. Smoked meat is awesome. I can imagine smoking chicken, ribs, turkey, brisket….this is making me hungry.

I think it is a shame that more churches don’t know the song “This Is Our God” by Travis Cottrell. There are several other songs by that title that get all the press. This song is a hidden gem.

I think “24″ is awesome. Great action and good acting by Kiefer Sutherland this year. I also think that “Fringe” (FOX) is a great new show. I also love “The Office,” “30 Rock” & “Life” (NBC). I really miss “Seinfeld”, “The King of Queens” & “Everybody Loves Raymond.” Classic moments in those shows man….

I think my wife is awesome for making yet another dream come true – tickets to see the Eagles coming up on March 22!

I think my friend Terry Hayes can whale on the guitar. He is a rock star and I am grateful to have him with me at MPCC. I love it when he takes the lead and rocks a solo on songs like “Everlasting God” & “Hosanna.” It really blesses my worship!

I think dogs are awesome. If you know me at all you know that I really love my dog, Sophie. She makes me laugh. Personality plus with this dog…..and she knows it!

I think that G.D. Ritzy’s is a perfect burger joint. I grew up with them in Evansville and every now and then just have to have it! Great burgers, fries & ice cream. I wish I had the coin to bring one to Indy. I would locate it very close to my house! Double Ritz with cheese, fries and a scoop of O-O-Oreo to finish it off. Wow!

I think Saturday Night Live has had some good moments recently. Nothing like the glory days but I think they need to keep the Digital Shorts coming.

I think (actually I know) I am still addicted to Chick-fil-A. It is awesome. There is also a new addiction forming….Long’s Donuts in Greenwood. Can’t do it that often but this place rocks. Thanks to Cheri Bate for the introduction!

Authenticity

MPCC Music & Worship Ministry Value: Authenticity 
I told you that we would begin talking about some new ministry values. Actually they aren’t all that new; but, I would like us to formally embrace these values as a team.

Last time, we talked about the value of Preparation and how very important it is to be prepared to lead God’s people in worship.

This week, I would like to talk about Authenticity. Listen to what Webster has to say about being authentic; (1) conforming to an original so as to reproduce essential features; (2)  not false or imitation; (3) true to one’s own personality, spirit, or character. Looking at some synonyms of authentic will really help our focus on this value: Real, Genuine, & Bona Fide mean being actually and exactly what is claimed, being fully trustworthy as according with fact.

As Christians and worship leaders, our original is Jesus. HE served with authenticity and a genuine sense of humility. Our goal is to serve as He served and to be genuine and real in our leadership. This happens both when we are on the platform and when we are not on the platform. As we worship God it has to come from a real place inside us. It also means that our worship has to happen on a daily basis and not just when we are on the schedule. Remember that in worship, you cannot lead people to a place that you, yourself, are not going. Authenticity is an extremely important and essential value for worship leaders. 

Whether we are holding a microphone or an instrument….working at a sound or light board….running lyrics on a computer….it is important that we do it as a real, genuine and authentic act of worship. I believe that authentic and heartfelt worship can be a powerful tool for evangelism. I also believe that authentic worship is undeniable.