A part of me always wants to bring something new and exciting to the table. I’m always wanting to be fresh and current. But the thought hit me today that sometimes I don’t need to change the world. I just need to create environments where people can connect to God in worship. And sometimes that means using the K.I.S.S. method.

Here’s what brought this home for me today. I’m heading back to VA this afternoon to lead worship at their annual Men’s Advance. I am co-leading with my friend Matt Ruckel who took over when I left. Matt and I chose the sets for the weekend and chose songs everyone knows. Familiar. Easy. Simple.

Besides, I’m really not there to impress anyone with my gifts, right? I’m supposed to be there to impress on them the greatness of God. So I’m content this weekend to go in and do older songs and try and provide worship that’s like a pair of old, comfy slippers.

I had two conversations this weekend that left me with this impression:

Just because we’ve always done it one way, doesn’t mean we should never try another way.

It’s easy to get set in traditions. We experience something great that feels right and over time we settle into routine. Routine becomes ritual and, if we’re not careful, we can let sacred moments become sacred cows.

Which leads me to this. In addition to “never say never”, should we add “never say always” to our lexicon? I know there are things that are constant. But when it comes to our mode of communication or our format of service, I’m thinking it might be a good idea to drop the word always.

I’m a firm believer that God is, has been and will always be a creator. With that in mind, I’m never saying always again. Oh wait, I can’t say never either.

What do you think?

I’m meeting with our worship team tonight for some pizza and fellowship. Part of our conversation is going to be about our focus.

It’s easy to focus on musical/technical execution.

It’s easier still to just focus on doing your job well.

It’s easy to make worship about the part you play.

But worship isn’t about us.

Worship is about Him. His pleasure. His praise. Celebrating His promise.

As a worshiping community, my highest aspiration for us is that we would be worshipers. I’m hoping everything we do in the “artistic” life of our church reflects that hope.

How do you keep your focus where it should be?

I just realized that I’ve not done a post since my last weekend recap. Sorry about that. It’s been a crazy week learning the ropes at a new church, new area and all that fun stuff. Anyway…I’ll get back on the ball.

With that said…here’s my thoughts on the weekend.

Worship Set:

• Meet With Me
• Holy is the Lord
• How Great is Our God/How Great Thou Art
• Response: Take My Life

Random Thoughts:

• Brian Worley (our Jr. High Pastor) ROCKED his sharing time about being “Uniquely Crafted” while delicately handling his wife’s cool pottery. I’ll admit I prayed for him every time he picked up those pieces.
• The line of the day that made me smile: “I knew you were going to be a good worship leader when I saw your kicks.”
• Saturday night service was GREAT! Big adjustment for me leading on Saturday, but there was a real sense of worship that night.
• Lots of fun being interviewed by Sass. Almost got out of hand with the joking in the 11, but fun none the less.
• Mercy caught some stomach thing. I’m trying to figure out a way to blame this on our Senior Teaching Pastor who was out with a stomach thing as well.
• The worship team, from the booth to the stage, are all working really hard. It is noted and appreciated!
• My man Les said that he was “completely drained” after the 9:15. I LOVE passionate worship leading that leaves us on empty when we’re done.
• They threw up a graphic in the 9:15 that I’ll probably try and tweak some this week. (but we’re getting there)

Going to be a great service next week continuing to talk about being “Uniquely Crafted” and how our passions are given to us by God. Bring a friend that is passionate about things other than Jesus right now and let’s see their heart change to pursuing something deeper!

Great stuff from ‘Los Whitaker over at his blog today. Check it out.

Dear Church Member,

Dear Church Member from Ragamuffin Soul