What’s In A Name?
I’ve got a friend that recently found out that she has a tumor in her lung, so my wife and I went over to their house to pray for her. I asked another friend of mine named Chuck to come with us because he’s a really good guy & someone that I would call a “prayer warrior”. He’s helped us out a couple of times so I knew he would really help my friend too. We chatted a little bit and then Chuck asked, “so, what did the doctors say?” She said, “ he called it Hodgkin’s lymphoma or something like that, I don’t remember the name”. What he said next was so simple but very powerful. He said “yeah, it’s some name, but there’s a name above all other names” and I thought wow, that is so true. There is a name that is greater than any name. JESUS, the Son, the Redeemer, the Advocate, the Savior, the Healer, the Friend, the Light and where there is light, there is no darkness. Well, a day later I got some revelation. After God created Adam, one of the jobs God gave him was to name all of the animals. The last time I checked, we have dominion over all animals right? So, if we have dominion over the things we name, then we should name the things we are going through. Whether it’s a disease, financial burdens, emotions or anything else, we should name it and place it under the name above all other names, JESUS.
Philippians 2:10
10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
Why Do You Want To Be In The Worship Band?
When holding auditions, I’ve often wondered why people want to be in the worship band in the first place. I’ve heard some say, “because I just want to worship”. My response would be, “you can worship from the audience, why do you really want to be in the worship band?” This is where it gets awkward. This is the point where people really have to check their motives. Do they just want to be on stage? Is it because of pride? Lust for admiration? Ego? Or, are they truly following God’s will for their lives? I have no doubt that God has called people to specific areas of ministry, whether they’re professionals in that field or not.
The reason I mention this is because after 5+ years of being in the music ministry, I’ve come to the realization that great worship bands mostly include members who were solicited. The top notch players in town don’t usually sign up for an audition. They get a call from the worship leader because he/she heard that they’re really awesome at what they do. Does this mean that we don’t hold auditions anymore? No! It means that when holding auditions, we take the time to interview the person to gain insight on their motivation. Ask them about their everyday lives, their aspirations, what God means to them, etc,. What are acceptable motives? That’s for you to decide.
SUNDAY NIGHT THOUGHTS: How does your preparation for the weekend worship compare to what God has done for you?
HOW DOES YOUR PREPARATION FOR THE WEEKEND WORSHIP COMPARE TO WHAT GOD HAS DONE FOR YOU? This question popped into my head this morning. It wasn’t because people weren’t prepared, but I think it was because I was getting a little bit of Holy Spirit conviction. I must confess that in the past I’ve learned my music on a Friday when rehearsal & services are on Saturday evening. Have you ever learned the music the day before or even the day of rehearsal? How does that compare to God letting His only Son die for you? As you know, I’ve got a son. I sure as heck wouldn’t let him die for anyone. But lets say I did, and I was repaid with laziness & procrastination. I know I wouldn’t be to happy about it. Needless to say, I’m not God, but what I am, is sure that He deserves better than a last minute look at the music. Music that is supposed to lead hundreds or even thousands to singing His praises. God deserves our very best whether we are in full time ministry, part time ministry or a volunteer. We are not an after thought to God, so we shouldn’t let weekend worship be an after thought to us.
About
About Me. Hmmm? Well, I am married to my beautiful wife Gloria and we have an awesome 6yr. old son named Jaden who has Down Syndrome. I’m a guitarist at heart with a passion for singing and songwriting. I’ve played guitar for almost 30 years now and I’ve been in a lot of bands in various genres. I’ve had the pleasure of opening shows for Kansas, Steppenwolf, Blue Oyster Cult, Nazareth, The Outfield, Chris Duarte, Edgar Winter, Building 429 and others. I’ve performed with the Corpus Christi Symphony and The Platters as a session guitarist.
Presently, I am the Multi Site Worship Pastor @ Bay Area Fellowship, which is a huge blessing. It’s allowed me to use my Music Ed. degree to the fullest and has become a real calling for my life. I am currently working with the worship leaders at 6 of our campuses by helping them create and maintain great worship teams at each campus. Above all, my relationship with God is the most important thing in my life and I pray that He would use the gifts He’s given me to reach the lost through engaging worship.
Leading Multi-site- Post Easter NumbersI was wondering - following Easter what percentage of attendance have people maintained?Will Marotti
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