AHHHHHHHH

Recent life events have caused me (forced me?) to pay attention to an area of my life that I have struggled with over these past several decades.  It is the issue of contentment. Or, more to the point, my lack of contentment.  Even more direct - my inability to choose contentment in the various situations I find myself in.  And it is only because of the minimal amount of growth I have seen in that area up until recently that my eyes have been opened to observe a persistent lack of contentment with some of my fellow followers of Christ and, in particular, how we approach the weekly gathering called "a worship service."

Many of us (I won't say "most" because nobody like hyperbole) seem to struggle constantly with a sense of contentment when it comes to the worship services in our churches.  Some of that lack of contentment comes from the comparison game - we look around at the nearby popular churches and wish our church could be just as popular.  Or, we have our own agendas and ideas of what would make our church "better" or, dare I say it, "perfect."  

The list is long and, almost, endless.  But here's a short list:

The songs are too fast / the songs are too slow / the songs are repeated too much / the music is too loud / the words on the screen are too small / why can't we sing hymns / why can't we hold the hymnals in our hands / the guitar player is too showy / the singer is pitchy / the room is too light / the room is too dark / the service time is too early / the service time is too late / I can't stand for 3 songs / we need more art / communion takes too long - - - - - - shall I go on?

Some actually believe (they have told me) that God will be "better worshiped" if the items on that above list were "fixed."  Newsflash - God doesn't give a hoot if the slides don't flip on time and he is not "better worshiped" by a stellar musician who is up there for the "gig."  God cares about the heart. And before you start whining about "excellence" please research the Bible and do a word study on "excellence" and "skill" as they are used in the famous passages always tossed about.  You might be surprised...

Why is it we are simply not content with the manner in which our church leaders put together the worship gathering?  If you read the previous post, another question might be - why are we focusing on the fingers and missing the masterpiece?  

Well, this is going to sting but I believe it is true...

The reason we are not content with the worship service is because we are not content with God.  

Yes, we think we are.  We said the prayer.  We teach Sunday school and have been since the Roosevelt administration.  Or we go to modern church camps that offer a fantastic worship show during the week or listen to the fantastic Christian music playing on Christian radio and then come home to our "average" church musicians and we feel let down.   

Right before Jesus was killed... stop, read that again.  RIGHT BEFORE JESUS WAS KILLED.  What was he doing?  Was he pacing around looking for a way out of his situation?  No, he was not pacing around.  Yes, he did pray that if there was any possibly way for God to stop it, then please do it, Father.  But he made that statement with a spirit and heart and attitude of contentment in his situation. He was in a garden praying.  A few hours later he'd be hung on a cross to die.  

The only way to find contentment in whatever situation we face is to first find contentment with God.  And that is far more than hanging a fish on the trunk of your car.  

Challenge - this next Sunday when you go to your church, pray first - at home, in the car, on the walk up to the doors - pray that God gives you the gift of total contentment. Make the choice to not make one comment about anything you feel is "wrong."  When that thought arrives, kick it to the curb and remember that it did not come from God.  (So, where did it come from?  Yep, that's right!)  Leave that thought or comment where it belongs - smoldering in the fire and ashes of hell.  And then - shift your focus, adjust your vision, align yourself with God, Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Choose to be content.  

MISSING THE POINT

As I was on the road this morning I was, as usual, trying to find a way to lovingly talk about how far worship has drifted from biblical reality in most of today's churches.  It's a difficult topic to discuss because many of us, unwilling to confront and discuss possible problems, simply divert the conversation saying that "worship is personal" which basically means - shut up.

For some reason (I like to think God was behind this) the image above came to mind.  This is the eternally famous center of the Sistine Chapel ceiling painted by Michelangelo.  I've never see this in real life - I can only imagine how awesome it must be!

I had to go find an image to prove my belief about one aspect of this painting - something that really bugs me - it bugs me a lot, in fact.  I'm not even sure if you notice but, to save time, let me tell you what it is that really bugs me.  For clarity, the figure on the left is Adam (first man).  The figure on the right is God surrounded by His angels.  It is heaven reaching down to touch earth.  The only thing is... GOD'S FINGER IS NOT ACTUALLY TOUCHING ADAM'S FINGER!  It just sort of lingers there, not even making contact!  And that bugs me!  I am focused on the fact (and it IS a fact, because you can see it right there in the painting!) that the fingers ARE NOT TOUCHING!  Would it have been so hard for the painter to just add a few more micro-inches of paint and make the fingers TOUCH?  I bet even I could have done that!  Grab a brush, dab on some paint and FINISH THE PAINTING!

I bet at least one of you reading this thought to yourself, "Hey, uh, Dan - you are missing the unbelievable beauty and effort of the rest of the painting that surrounds what you perceive to be a mistake..."  To which I would say, "Yep."

Friends - this is exactly what we are doing in most of our churches today.  We enter a sacred room set aside for the purpose of completely glorifying (and I mean REALLY glorifying) the Creator, the Master, The Awesome God of all we have ever, or will ever know.  But instead of doing that, we "notice" that there is one extra music stand on the stage that should not be there.  Or we "notice" that one (or dare I say two) of the slides flipped a few seconds late.  Or we "notice" that the worship leader sang the word "the" instead of "a" during the song.  Or we "notice" that one of the lights is out in the sanctuary.

We "notice" that the fingers are not touching...

In a time when the worship in many churches has become not much more than a hectic attempt to produce and perform well-crafted "sets" that include songs about God (so you can call them "worship" with a sense of integrity) but never really ushering the congregation into a deeper awareness of being in the transforming presence of God, through Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit, it is upon each of us to stop noticing the disconnected fingers - and focus on the beauty and wonder that surrounds those fingers.

HELLO, GOODBYE

That's me - well, you can't see me - I'm off-camera... but I'm the fellow the imaginary doorman is calling out to.  Read on...

The church in which I have served for nearly four years suddenly announced that, due to an array of changes that have taken place in the church (we're on our 3rd interim pastor in about 3 years) numbers and finances have drastically dropped causing the church to eliminate a few key staff positions, one of them being mine.  So, I'm on the job-hunt, waiting on God for what's "next."

Of course this has led me to seek new ministry positions on sources like ChurchStaffing, Indeed, Linked-in, Google and others. 

If you've read any of my posts on this blog you already know I have a deep passion for worship that is more than a show or just a collection of well-choreographed God-songs.  For me, worship is not a song set, or a style, or a format... worship is about one thing - responding to the Almighty God who created all with every part of my being - my brain and body; my heart and soul; my mind and strength.  I am not interested in watching a thematically-driven, media-laden worship performance.  (If I wanted that, I'd head over to a "worship concert" being performed by one of today's "worship celebrities."  Or just pop in a Hillsongs DVD... did I say that out loud?)  

But I am in church - gathered with other men and women who need to sense the powerful and transforming presence of God empowered by the Holy Spirit.  

Today's church culture, sadly, has turned worship (an ACT; a RESPONSE of THE HEART) into a commodity (a THING; something to WATCH and ENJOY).  So, it's not surprising to me that nearly every single job listing for "worship director" or "worship leader" or even "worship pastor" begins with a long list of biblical qualifications to be a church leader and then eases into the performance aspect of the job.  Some of the descriptions have, honestly, left me with my mouth wide open.  

"... under 40, a healthy appearance, not overweight..."

"... accomplished vocalist and front man..."

"... able to perform worship well..." (what? PERFORM worship well?)

About 1 out of 25 shows hope. It is clear by the church website and their description of worship (and other aspects of the church) that their first love - the primary passion - has nothing to do with learning how to become yet another church that simply performs worship on Sundays.  They are intentional about truly worshiping (adoring, glorifying, honoring, praising) God - regardless of music styles, the age of the team, the make-up of the band, or the color of the room!  They simply want to give to God all He deserves with all that they are.  That is so refreshing!!  And, sadly, so rare.

Most of these churches want to see footage of you in action.  On one hand, this makes perfect sense, especially if you are looking at a church out of state.  They simply want to know that you can do what you claim to do on your resume. (side note - it seems odd to me that the fact you have served in this role at other churches for long periods of time doesn't seem to "prove" your value.)  The truth is, these churches want to see how well you "perform."  One church even listed the requirement of sending in... "footage of yourself performing worship."  And a-one, and a-two... Eeek.  

"I'll take a side of worship, please..."

The other thing I notice is the very low level of care some churches even give to the office of "worship leader."  Generally speaking, and certainly because of budgets, I am sure, many churches want a "music leader" in a very part-time position - yet the job listing is nothing close to a truly part-time job.  Basically, they say, "we want someone to totally transform the hearts of the congregation and help us build a worship culture that changes the community by leading large teams made up of band and singers and be someone who attracts others to the church because of your immense talent and showmanship and ensure all songs fit the pastor's theme and recruit and train more musicians to create multiple praise teams and know all about sound and lighting and media and be able to create media-driven gatherings with exciting visuals and also, as time allows, lead the youth ministry." And then the next line says, "10-12 hours per week."  These churches simply have no idea of how important a ministry of worship (not just "music" but the overall call of God for us to become people of worship) is to the body.  Deep down they realize what they know they should be seeking (as made evident in their description) but then they treat it like a side-dish.  But if you truly desire to fulfill all the wonderful (and needed) elements in the job listing, then you need to realize there is a value for that - for the experience and skill - and that it takes a lot of time to actually develop a worship culture in a church.  It's a full-time job if you want it done right.  If, however, you simply want a great showman to lead the band - then just say that - be honest about it.  

Several things I need to consider on this new journey...

1. I am not a hip millennial who looks good in torn jeans with hair (ha!) dripping over half of my face.  I'm more of a "seasoned worshiper with a comb-over." 

2. I do love performing - COMEDY.  And I even enjoy SINGING as a performance.  But no part of me is interested in "performing" worship.  I can't imagine that pleasing God. 

3. I am called and gifted to guide a gathering into a deeper awareness of being in God's presence through music (and, really, any styles is fine with me) - but that music has a purpose and it is not to entertain the audience (or, as we used to call them, the "congregation.") 

So, the hunt continues.  I pop through revolving doors joyfully anticipating God saying, "Next!" And when He does, I go.  

Because that's what a worshiper does. 

HOLY SEARCH ENGINE LIGHT

I have no idea if this will resonate with readers or not.  Truth is, I never know.  But I write anyway, otherwise I go bonkers as my brain explodes.  Plus that's messy.

I seem to read many books or hear many people discuss the various things that are "missing" for them regarding "church."  Some grew up in very strict religious families that held to very strict conservative beliefs that, for them, have not rung true as they have grown into adults.  Others have misconceptions about "church" based on the media (print, TV, films, etc.).  Still others seem to have a sense of loss or, worse, ambivalence when it comes to this thing called "going to church."  They can't relate to the songs or the sermons or other aspects of the gathering.  Or they know some of the people well and have seen how they act away from church and, therefore, feel led to label them hypocrites. At the very least, when push comes to shove (like elder meetings! ha!) - many feel disconnected or even let down by "the church" for a variety of reasons.

Before you feel led to label me judgmental, let me confirm that I have been that very same person - the one pointing fingers of blame for the same reasons.  

But something happened to me about 40 years ago (well, it began about 40 years ago and has been continually gnawing at me ever since that time.)  I met the actual Holy Spirit!  

If you call yourself a follower of Jesus Christ then you intellectually and spiritually know and believe that the moment you come to a saving relationship with Jesus, you are what theologians call "regenerated."  You are a new creation.  You are born again.  And, at that moment, the Holy Spirit takes up residency in your life - like a much more meaningful version of a conscience or Jiminy Cricket.  The Holy Spirit is your guide, your counselor, your barometer, if you will.  And, that is a fantastic mystery that I truly don't fully understand.  And, I'm okay with that.

But 40 years ago, after 10 years of living as a Christian, attending church, going to camps, going to Bible studies, and hearing about the Holy Spirit, I suddenly encountered his presence in a way I had not up to that point in my life.  I don't think the church I attended deliberately ignored the Holy Spirit, it was just a somewhat "unmentionable understanding" and we never delved deeper.  

Space does not afford me what is needed to share the full story and I apologize for that.  But, bottom line, I met THE power source when I met the Holy Spirit.  For me, personally, it was not wrapped up in the hoopla of speaking in tongues (though I have) or flopping around on the ground, or any other manifestations that appear to others as crazy.  For me, it was more of a solidification and confirmation that what I felt in my heart (but never uttered) was true - that there really is power available to all who call ourselves followers of Jesus.  

And, it is that power - the power of the Holy Spirit - that has always - and I honestly mean always - allowed me to remain as free as humanly possible from the various "church longings" for which others seem to be either missing, or constantly in search of.  

In other words, I don't find myself wishing the theology in the hymns or modern songs was more profound or even "accurate" - because I trust the Holy Spirit will sort any confusion and simply fill me with his presence.  I don't find myself eager to complain about specific "issues" during the gathering because I know the Holy Spirit fills me with his presence.  I don't find myself searching for some unattainable "other" because the greatest "other" of all - the Holy Spirit - fills me with his presence and I simply am no longer interested in, or in need of, searching for "more."  I don't say this to puff myself up - not at all!  I say it to ENCOURAGE anyone reading this who does find themselves constantly in search of "more out of church" to simply take some time and ask Jesus to help you meet the Holy Spirit in a way you have not yet encountered.  And see if that makes a difference in your need for "more."  I believe it will!

There is a strong move today by believers on both sides of the aisle to make certain "holy demands" hoping the "other side" finally comes to their senses.  We all know the debates. (ugh!).  I laugh sometimes at how those who scream to love one another seem to lose that sentiment themselves!  "Love one another you assholes!"  It boggles my mind, to be honest.  But - that's where people are at and life is messy.  I truly believe in my heart that if more of us were willing or able to shift the focus from the HOW (the externals) to the WHO (the internal - the person of Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit) we would see the atmosphere change.  Because that is what is promised by Jesus.  "the Holy Spirit will come upon you and..." (what... oh, come on - you know....) 

So, if your holy "search engine" remains on - look first to the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. 

WORSHIP FOCUS

 

When I really want to - and I mean REALLY want to - I can remain focused on a project, or task, or goal.  This does not come easy for me. Not at all.  But, when I put my mind to it, I can definitely remain focused on a particular direction, dream or purpose.

As I write this, James Holzhauer is the current champion on Jeopardy with nearly $2 million dollars in winnings over about 25 days.  Unbelievable!  Clearly, James is a man who has spent his entire life focused on winning at gambling (he is always introduced as a professional gambler living in Las Vegas).  Certainly he has a photographic memory and his quick trigger finger assures him the win of the buzzer nearly every single time.  The man is focused.

There are those who have told me (or I've read articles about this) that they are easily distracted during the worship service by things like the timing of the slides, the pitchy voice of the singer, a wrong word sung, a baby crying, the color of the walls, the service running a few minutes over an hour and various other "distractions."  I feel very sorry for these people.  I'm not really judging their connection to God, or, at least, that's not my intention.  But I do know that, for me, all of those things (and a long list of other "distractions") long ago left me as I enter into a worship service.  And, for me, it all comes down to focus.

For me, the focus of my gathering with other Christ followers has nothing to do with song styles, room color, or the clock.  It just doesn't.  Several years ago I came to a place of understanding that worship is never about me or my wants and needs.  It is all (and only) about responding fully to the God of all creation, through Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit.  That is my "worship focus."  And that focus remains constant regardless of music styles, room décor and other excuses people use for choosing to not worship God.  

I'm in good company.

The disciples lost focus and fell asleep.

The disciples lost focus and tried to instruct Jesus what to teach on.

The disciples lost focus and denied Jesus.

The disciples lost focus and - - - 

I think the key for me, and for all of us, is to flip the Worship Switch in our brains and hearts.  We need to choose to recognize who Jesus is, what he accomplished on the cross and through his resurrection, and then focus on that reality as we gather for worship.  

I wish those distractions I mentioned earlier were the only ones to deal with because those are the easy ones to blame.  But what about modern worship trends?  If we find ourselves more eager to sing a particular song by a particular worship celebrity because it makes us feel good - than we are to simply fall humbly to our knees and worship Jesus then, sad to say, that is also a distraction that has caused us to lose our focus on Who it is we are worshiping.  (That's called idolatry, by the way.) 

I want to worship Jesus with the same level of focus James Holzhauer has standing behind his Jeopardy contestant position.  

Let's choose to always focus on Jesus when we gather for worship. 

JESUS, TAKE THE WHEEL

A few years ago there was a popular Country song called, "Jesus, Take the Wheel."  It's a fun, yet meaningful song, about letting Jesus take control of our crazy lives.  Fun to listen to, difficult to put into action.

When speaking of "leading worship" in churches, the assumption is that, because we ARE in a church, and because we ARE singing Christian songs, then certainly we are giving Jesus the freedom to do as He desires with our music and worship leading.  Yet, I wonder how true that really is.

Are we truly letting Jesus "take the wheel" of our worship leading?

As I have pondered this over the past several years, I have come to the conclusion that sometimes we do, and sometimes we don't.  And, sadly, I believe often times we don't really let Jesus "take the wheel."  This has become especially true in today's worship culture.

Before we discuss this further, we need to agree on what "worship" is.

For the purpose of this blog post (and in alignment with Scripture) "worship" is not "a collection of songs."  This may come as a huge shock to many of today's worshipers who have been misled over the past few decades by the growing trend to "professionalize" and "perform" worship songs in churches.  Worship is only one thing - it is our full response to the God of all creation for all He is with all we are.  Music can LEAD us to worship, just as prayer can lead us, or a sermon can lead us, or silence can lead us.  But music - in and of itself - is simply NOT "worship."  Along the same lines, we don't "watch worship" (as so many of today's believers will say).  We ENGAGE in worship.  We PARTICIPATE in worship.  We DO worship.  When all we do is observe "a worship set" we are not in the act of worshiping God.  

So, with that as a working definition of "worship" let me unpack my thoughts.

PRESENTATION VS. PREPARATION
We live in a time when the presentation of our music has become far more important than the preparation.  By "preparation" I am not referring to rehearsals, I am talking about aligning our hearts with the guidance, leading and power of the Holy Spirit as we approach the role of "worship leader." This is true of all the musicians, by the way - not just the "assigned worship leader."  

It is a simple reality that many of today's churches have followed the current "Contemporary Worship" model as seen from movements like Hillsongs, Jesus Culture, Elevation Worship and the like.  These are not wrong - not at all.  There are people in those churches who absolutely worship God, as best as I can tell or

know.  Yet, there is also the unmistakable "performance-driven" aspect to current worship music trends that did not exist just a few decades ago which has been a distraction to the authentic worship of God.  My concern is that as this trend continues to grow, God will become far less important.  We will create a type of "fake worship" that does not honor God.

Why is that?

I believe the main issue has to do with the advancement of technology.  Technology is wonderful! I love new technology!  It's amazing that I can create a finished, radio-ready song on my desktop computer using software that replicates the giant 2-inch tape in those 24-track studios we all used not that long ago.  That said, many of us have gotten a little lazy and have chosen to rely on technology, rather than spend more time enhancing our God-given talents and abilities in music.

Many of today's church musicians (ie: "worship leaders") spend time listening to the latest YouTube links of popular worship bands and then strive to replicate what they hear - exactly!  This makes me so sad - as a musician and as someone called to help lead others into a place of true worship of God.  There is an unstated notion here that if we sound just like the recording, then our "worship" will be better.  This is absolutely not true at all.  Not at all.  Your worship will never be "better" even if you sound exactly like the Elevation Worship Band in your presentation, but your heart preparation has been void of a truly Spirit-led and Spirit-filled encounter with God.  It will be fantastic MUSIC - but it will not be "better worship."

MY TAKE ON TECHNOLOGY AND WORSHIP
I believe that the more technically complicated we become in our presentation of our music, the more it takes away from the actual worship of God being DRIVEN BY Jesus "taking the wheel."  Think about this - one guy at a piano with one vocal mic requires a certain set-up.  The need is quite small from a technical stand point.  It may not be as exciting as watching a full band with lights and fog machines and giant video screens - but, believe it or not, actual worship of God can occur in a simple musical presentation such as this when the person leading is allowing the Holy Spirit to "drive."  

If you add one more vocalist who plays an acoustic guitar you have now doubled your NEED for tech - another mic for the singer and another input for the guitar.  Add a bassist who sings - you have tripled the need.  Add a drummer - more mics.  Add an electric guitar - another input.  Every additional instrument and singer that we add to the mix demands more from the tech team.  It also demands a tighter unity within the band. This is typically what causes the music portion of the worship gathering to become more "performance-driven."  I honestly think it's less about ego and more about simply needing to keep all the balls balanced - which means more perfection among the band members, singers and tech team.  On top of that, we need to make sure that our songs match the words on the screen to avoid confusion.  By simple logic, this means WE are "taking the wheel." When we allow this model to DRIVE our worship, there is absolutely no room for the Holy Spirit to lead as He feels led to lead us.

Let me say this - I have worshiped with, and participated in worship leadership, where the musicians all share the same mindset as to why they are doing what they do.  Perhaps they have played together a long time so there is far less of a "learning curve" among the band.  And perhaps the band members and vocalists share a unified idea of what worship as led by the Holy Spirit looks like.  In those cases, the problems are far less present.  But for most churches today, this is not the case.  That freedom to move WITH the Holy Spirit is highly tampered simply because of technology or, dare I say, the LOVE OF technology.  

What drives our worship - the Holy Spirit or the Tech?  This is a question you will need to ponder on your own with your musicians and tech team - and your Pastor!

SPEAKING OF THE PASTOR
I am a firm believer that the Pastor of your church is the "second worship leader" following the leading of the MAIN worship leader - the Holy Spirit.  The Pastor's role is to shepherd the flock and that includes the church musicians and tech team.

For many pastors, the idea of "letting go of the reins" is difficult.  They carry a heavy burden to make sure the boat moves in the right direction and ensure quality, consistency and continued church growth.  This responsibility is huge for pastors and, therefore, they tend to be a bit controlling and/or micro-managing.  I totally get that and I thank God I am not the Senior Pastor of a church!  Honestly, it would drive me nuts.

That said - Pastors... listen.  You NEED to do the unthinkable.  If you want your music and other leadership to truly honor you and follow your leading, then you need to loosen the grip on these people gifted by God in creative areas that support and enhance your ministry.  You need to allow them to do what THEY do best so that you can do what YOU do best.  Most pastors are not quality musicians.  They might have a feel for what they enjoy or maybe they took piano lessons when they were eleven, but there is a reason you hired pro-musicians to lead the music in your church - bluntly, they are better than you at that task.  So, let them do what God has crafted them to do.  Stop handcuffing them by micro-managing them.  Otherwise you will yank the wind from their sails.

Musicians... listen.  You are called by God to fully support the pastoral and elder leadership of your church.  If the pastor wants you to sing a particular praise song 8 weeks in a row, you will do that - even if you are dog-tired of that particular song.  You can certainly offer your suggestions for other song ideas but, in the end, you follow the leading of that pastor.

MUTUAL TRUST
This is the key - the absolute must!  The pastor must TRUST the musical leadership and the musicians must TRUST the pastor.  This is far easier said than done - trust me - been there, done that, bought the app!  The pastors AND the music leaders need to discover TOGETHER how best to let Jesus "take the wheel" and then faithfully and boldly move together to help lead their church into deeper worship encounters of Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit.  When we reach this place of mutual trust and honor for each other, that is when things will "take off" so to speak.  I dare you to test me on this... no, really - try it and see what happens.

It's time to do all we can to give Jesus the wheel of our worship leading so that our churches can truly become healthy and growing fellowships of believers shining as lights in this dark world.

The Prequel

This is mainly written for those who lead worship or participate in worship leading, but all are encouraged to read on.

I'm not a big fan of movie prequels - usually because they try to explain a great movie's background. My contention is that if a movie is a great movie then the background is already in tact and no prequel is needed.

"Butch and Sundance: The Early Years" is a great example of a terrible prequel that was not needed because the original film, "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," was already a classic.  It almost ruined the brilliance of the great western starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford.

But there is one prequel that I recently fell in love with.  It's everything that leads up to one of my favorite passages in scripture: Acts 2:42-47.

After learning a ministry lesson the hard way about 10 years ago, I have been trumpeting the need for churches to honor their leadership, love and serve one another, pray, worship and have a united fellowship in their gathering because, according to the above verse, there is a natural blessing that occurs when we do this - church growth!

Up until recently my push for this in churches was primarily as a process of "choice."  We CHOOSE to honor our leaders.  We CHOOSE to serve and pray, etc.  We DO these things and God blesses us numerically.

While I do think the above is something we are called to follow, what hit me recently was the prequel to all of this happening in the early church.  As it turns out, it is not simply a man-made CHOICE. It was actually a RESULT.

The result of what?

In Acts 1, the resurrected Jesus appears to his followers and tells them that the gift of the Holy Spirit will come soon and empower them to take his message to the ends of the earth.  Then, he leaves.

At the beginning of Acts 2 we read about the amazing account of the Holy Spirit falling on those gathered from various parts of the world (Pentecost) which manifested itself as speaking in tongues in such a way that all present understood what was being said.  Amazing!  However, some felt that those expressing this gift were simply drunk on wine.  Peter quickly corrects them and goes on to offer a bold sermon about Jesus, the gospel and the need for repentance, all of which was foretold by the prophets long ago!  At the end of that message, delivered in the power of the Holy Spirit, the Bible says that 3,000 were saved!

The next section is the Acts 2:42-47 passage sited above.  This is how the early church, those first believers, put into action what they had just experienced.  The Holy Spirit empowered them to honor, love and serve in unity.  They did what they did BECAUSE of the Holy Spirit.  They gladly welcomed and allowed for the moving and the power of the Holy Spirit to transform their lives and their gatherings.

This Holy Spirit prequel seems to be missing in many gatherings today.  Often times we treat the Holy Spirit like an "ad-on" to a computer program.  We think, "Oh, cool, Christianity comes with The Holy Spirit.  Neat."  But it is so much more than that.  The Holy Spirit is not a simple add-on to our faith.  The Holy Spirit is the power, the driving force of our faith!

We live in a time when the presentation and performance of church music is attempting to do the work that is set aside for the Holy Spirit.  We rev up congregations with well-practiced performances of God-themed music, supported by media, lights, choreography and other theatrical elements as a way to generate excitement in the room.  Sometimes this works and people are dazzled. But it does not last long - it can't.  Because it is human-driven.  And in the process we set the Holy Spirit aside forgetting entirely that He is "the worship leader" of our gatherings.

So - I encourage you to go back and read the prequel to the start of the early church.  Check out what Jesus actually says about the promised gift and power of the Holy Spirit.  And take that into your next worship gathering as you lead your congregations into transforming worship encounters.