Let's Dream Big

Hi Everyone,

Having officially stepped in to lead/direct the music & worship early in the year, I've had it on my heart to share a few thoughts. First, so that you all can get to know me a little bit, and also to provide some food-for-thought for our upcoming team meeting.

I grew up in the church, but it was really as a teenager, and in the context of worship & singing about Jesus and His character that led me into a deep faith and revelation of his love for me. As a result, I love scripture, I love singing hymns packed with profound truths about God, and I love singing choruses found in modern and contemporary worship that draw us so near to His heart. Ever since I encountered Jesus, I have had it on my heart, passionately, to lead others in worship in a way that they would know the love and value they have in Him. The church that I envision in the future is one that is so vibrant in its praise that people will have to take notice. It is not always an easy dream to pursue, but I know its something God has placed in me to pursue with my whole heart. It is from that place that I share some of these thoughts:

There’s mixed emotions across the board. I’ve been picking up on the climate over the past couple of months, and some people are discouraged and disengaged, some are on cruise-control, and some are really pumped and full of optimism and dreams for the future. Wherever you land on the spectrum, I hope that this will be encouraging.

No one should feel phased out. I have an acquaintance who is a solid musician, plays a variety of instruments, leads worship, and has an amazing and sincere heart for the ministry. He was recently telling me a story about how years past he was the drummer in his church. He was used to doing it most Sundays and enjoyed being a part of a dynamic team under a talented director. When the church was gaining traction and getting all sorts of momentum, he found himself being passed over and eventually on the roster only occasionally. This was disappointing, but he understood the dynamic of a growing church that was changing quickly. His story saddens me because even though being second (or third) choice is a fact of life, it’s in my heart that nobody will ever feel phased out or not involved simply for not making roster! One thing I really appreciate about my recent experience with Hillsong’s worship and creative team is that they generate a culture that is inclusive…whether you're exceptionally gifted, moderately talented, have lots of time, or little time. That said, that doesn't mean everyone is going to be scheduled for their Sunday worship. Only a handful of people get scheduled regularly. But the team is much more than that. It is for everyone who is in it to support one another through prayer, relationships, and everything in-between.

I know being passed over. I remember at my parent’s church as a teenager years back when their regular bass player was unavailable, and I got contacted to play. I practiced the songs, went to the rehearsal, and was excited to be on the team. The night before the Sunday services, I got called off because their regular would be there after all. It was disappointing, and I was mad about it! But I had to step back and look at what I was mad about. I can tell you that it wasn't because I felt that the church’s worship time would be diminished because I wasn't going to be contributing. In fact, if I’m honest, the other player was hands down more accomplished. I was upset that I had been passed over in my chance to show the church that I could play well too. I had many other let downs that were church-related, but God was teaching something in my heart about humility. In this case my frustration actually didn't have anything to do with my role in a great worship experience, but rather everything to do with me being recognized.

Mistakes will happen. After all, this is a church…and FULL of people! The previous statement implies imperfection. Similarly, the worship leaders in both examples above didn't really plan out the process perfectly. Be understanding of the goal: which is to try and see the big picture in facilitating a great worship experience. I want to try and be more relational in areas where others have fallen short. I know that sometimes talent can fall through the cracks and also finding a fulfilling ministry for everyone won’t always go perfectly, but know that I will always do my very best. For those eager, I want to come alongside and try and find places for them to refine and thrive in their gifts. That may not always be from the stage in Sunday morning Worship, but there are so many other venues. Are you gifted in hosting? There’s a place for you! do you have a joyful and engaging demeanor in worship? There’s a place for you! I’m interested in people who have it in their hearts to serve and can weather out the storms so to speak.

The goal is excellence. There are so many types of people, and I’ve played with many of them in various church settings, including here at BCC. There are people who are inexperienced, people who have some experience, and people who are experienced. Obvious right? However, less obvious to many is that one of the most common scenarios in churches I see across the board are teams largely made up of musicians and vocalists who are well established, who've found their stride, but have difficulty branching out in order to move up to a new standard, or vision, that's being established. Having an eager and enthusiastic demeanor is often more valuable than experience! The vision is excellence, and there is a journey to get there, so not being exceptional from the get-go is NOT a disqualifier. But having potential is key. I love to work alongside people who are enthusiastic and eager to accomplish something great.

If there’s one thing that I want to leave you with, it is if God has put something on your heart don't be afraid to let yourself dream about what can happen. We are a little church. But believe me, God can do BIG things. I’m not envisioning team meetings being a big discussion time where everyone voices there opinions: unfortunately, when it comes to the process, we don't all agree. I will be sharing what the process is more for informational purposes. Rather, we will be getting to know each other a little bit, doing some worship together, praying for small things, and for things beyond what may seem possible.