I have a pretty regular conversation with myself, my volunteers & the staff at Crosspoint about how we intentionally try to push past the “norm” for church. I recently read a blog where the worship leader was asking if your (the reader) church (the reader’s church) was ready to move into the next wave of worship style. From pipe organ traditional to contemporary. From digital to many many people on the stage. Personally, I’m of the mindset that any Christ-follower should be able to find beauty, unity, and true worship when a body of believers is together regardless of style. This is not always the case. And, I am one that can regularly fall into the band wagon of “I don’t like what they did for this reason” or “I think the way Crosspoint does this is better than theirs.” But, more and more I’m finding that this is not a reflection on the other church. It’s on me. It’s on my insecurities. It’s on me.

A few months ago I was at a conference in Atalanta and was led in worship by a guy named Todd Nichols. He wasn’t fancy. But, he brought his heart to the stage. Not just his talent along with some wicked good players (which they were). He brought his heart truly seeking transparent, passionate worship of GOD. It was VERY refreshing for me to be led and not be leading. Especially, because of his heart.

Then tonight, I find the fear and anxiety of a morning of difference creeping into my head. I want to be at the point in my life (and my faith) that I can say, “I’m just bringing my best cause that’s what you ask for” and mean it… every time. So on mornings when the drummer’s had an accident and can’t be there… I can’t find someone to fill… and we’re pulling an unplugged set… that I don’t care that it’s different. I want to see that maybe, GOD’s plan is better than mine. And, maybe, just maybe… I should trust Him.

So, in 5.5 hours (I need to go to bed), we’re kicking into a morning of less noise and more listening. Because it’s not the style that makes GOD move. It’s not just what happens in the auditorium on Sundays. It’s about life change.

Jesus didn’t come to start a new religion. He came to reset the church. Maybe from time to time, we should all remember that the church is the people and not what we plan for on Sundays.

PJT//