These words echoed again and again round the walls of our church santctuary as about 25 of us gathered today (Saturday 21 April) in church for a worship leaders training workshop. Capably led by Ben Sealey and Graham Dalton from the Worship Academy in Cheshire our day was spent in two parts: looking again at what qualities are needed to lead worship and a practical session where each of our four worship teams were critiqued by Ben and Graham.
Among the qualities that were highlighted as necessary for leading worship were
-to have a pure heart,
-to be a servant and at the same time have leadership skills, and
-being able to lead our congregations into the presence of God.
Most of us, if not all of us, had our comfort zones firmly challenged in the practical sessions. Ben encouraged us not to rush on from one song into the next one, but instead to leave space in each song and in between songs too for more intimate times of worship, for example where we might continue to play music, and then go back to sing some more of the same song. If you are reading this thinking "aye right! That is just a worship leader's "trip" " let me assure that was my first reaction too. It is not particularly comfortable being asked to sing "al fresco" without words or script. It's just not what we are used to, is it? And yet, in Hilton we have moved a long way from the traditional "hymn sandwich" so favoured in the Church of Scotland. Then, as each group took their turn to lead three songs that brought us into the heart of worship, we all experienced the blessing of taking our time, and not rushing away, linking the songs by a few chords, or "unscripted" singing.
Our day concluded with a mega worship time; "mega" because as we all played and sang together as one group, when God visited us with His power and His glory as we started to put into practice some of the things we had spoken of earlier in the day.
For a long time I have sensed that in our church we are just on the edge of something really special in our times of public worship; on the edge, in the sense that we are seeing just a glimpse of what Glory will be like, but also that, for now, whilst we are here, we are only experiencing a fraction of what our God wants to do in our times of worship. I suppose you would call it prophetic that Ben and Graham, both complete strangers came among us today, and showed us some things about ourselves that need changing. They also pin pointed lots of things we do well. But most of all, they emphasised that we are unique. It is not God's plan for us that we emulate a particular style of music and singing found in another "brand" of church (e.g. Hillsongs) but rather we are unique and it is for us to discover where God is leading us, together.
A few hours after this event I wonder how God is going to move amongst us next? I do not expect dramatic changes immediately, but we are told in so many places in the Psalms to "sing a new song"
Psalm 96. 1 " Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. "
I am left with a profound sense that God desires to do new things with us in our time of worship together. Singing new words is nothing particularly new for our church. But are we ready to sing a new song? Are we waiting expectantly for what God is going to do in us and through us? I also cannot overlook that there must be very good reasons why our church life is blessed by having four capable groups of musicians who lead our worship times. Raised hands in Hilton church! What are things coming to? And yet is it so much more that than that.
We experienced just a a little of God's presence with us today. I am excited as I ponder what lies ahead for us.
Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honour and glory and power, for ever and ever!" Revelation 5. 13
Murray McCheyne
Among the qualities that were highlighted as necessary for leading worship were
-to have a pure heart,
-to be a servant and at the same time have leadership skills, and
-being able to lead our congregations into the presence of God.
Most of us, if not all of us, had our comfort zones firmly challenged in the practical sessions. Ben encouraged us not to rush on from one song into the next one, but instead to leave space in each song and in between songs too for more intimate times of worship, for example where we might continue to play music, and then go back to sing some more of the same song. If you are reading this thinking "aye right! That is just a worship leader's "trip" " let me assure that was my first reaction too. It is not particularly comfortable being asked to sing "al fresco" without words or script. It's just not what we are used to, is it? And yet, in Hilton we have moved a long way from the traditional "hymn sandwich" so favoured in the Church of Scotland. Then, as each group took their turn to lead three songs that brought us into the heart of worship, we all experienced the blessing of taking our time, and not rushing away, linking the songs by a few chords, or "unscripted" singing.
Our day concluded with a mega worship time; "mega" because as we all played and sang together as one group, when God visited us with His power and His glory as we started to put into practice some of the things we had spoken of earlier in the day.
For a long time I have sensed that in our church we are just on the edge of something really special in our times of public worship; on the edge, in the sense that we are seeing just a glimpse of what Glory will be like, but also that, for now, whilst we are here, we are only experiencing a fraction of what our God wants to do in our times of worship. I suppose you would call it prophetic that Ben and Graham, both complete strangers came among us today, and showed us some things about ourselves that need changing. They also pin pointed lots of things we do well. But most of all, they emphasised that we are unique. It is not God's plan for us that we emulate a particular style of music and singing found in another "brand" of church (e.g. Hillsongs) but rather we are unique and it is for us to discover where God is leading us, together.
A few hours after this event I wonder how God is going to move amongst us next? I do not expect dramatic changes immediately, but we are told in so many places in the Psalms to "sing a new song"
Psalm 96. 1 " Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. "
I am left with a profound sense that God desires to do new things with us in our time of worship together. Singing new words is nothing particularly new for our church. But are we ready to sing a new song? Are we waiting expectantly for what God is going to do in us and through us? I also cannot overlook that there must be very good reasons why our church life is blessed by having four capable groups of musicians who lead our worship times. Raised hands in Hilton church! What are things coming to? And yet is it so much more that than that.
We experienced just a a little of God's presence with us today. I am excited as I ponder what lies ahead for us.
Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honour and glory and power, for ever and ever!" Revelation 5. 13
Murray McCheyne
1 comment:
Murray! It was great to spend time with such a group of people with a hunger for worship.
I hope we get to meet up with you all again.
Stay anointed,
Graham.
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