You don’t have to look far to find conflict and turmoil. In fact, most reported news is good supporting evidence for the need for diversity and tolerance. But among these ideologies’ great hope for peace and acceptance, diversity and tolerance are failing in schools, places of employment, cities and governments and religious organizations. God seems to have a different idea for humanity’s peace… it is worship.
In 1922 Helen H. Lemmel must have had this in mind when she penned “…the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.” This revelation seems to hold something that evades today’s top thinkers; conflicts are trivialized when we focus on God’s supremacy.
There are three times in the Bible when humanity is united. The first was that short time Adam and Eve lived in the garden. Another was during the construction of a tower to access heaven (Gen 11:1-9). The last will come when all of humanity joins the 4 living creatures, the twenty-four elders and the angels in unison worship around the throne (Rev 4 & 5).
Among the many reasons for humanity’s peace is the “face to face” (1 Cor 13) experience we will have with Jesus. That encounter will profoundly change our values and perceptions. In worship, we experience a foretaste of this “face to face” encounter. We also experience a foretaste of our transformation because, as is said, “We become like what we worship.”
Our congregants have a broad theological range as a result of their past and moments with eternal God. I too have held different perspectives of God that have changed and adjusted throughout my spiritual journey. Knowing this urges worship leaders to allow people to worship the God they know and let the power of their encounters with God shape their theology. The only thing we can add is a balanced Biblical revelation of Christ in our worship.
Worship leaders sometimes overlook the power of Biblical worship to evangelize and teach theology and doctrine. The key is balanced and Biblical oriented worship. Let me put this practically: If all my songs have “I’s” and “me’s”, chances are some aspects of Christ’s Biblical character are concealed… like His judgment and sovereignty. Similarly, my worship set can obscure Christ’s character if I don’t include love songs to God. Balance and moderation are necessary for worship that evangelizes, teaches and draws all to Christ.
Rev 22:2 talks about the leaves of the tree of life bringing healing to the nations. In the midst of political and church conflict, school shootings, increasing nuclear weaponry, drought, genocide, economic failures; the news that iterates the brokenness of the world, worship might be God’s salve. Entering God’s presence through the Biblical revelation and exaltation of Jesus is God’s way to heal the nations and might be the only peaceful reprieve for the members of our congregations. Let’s heal intolerance, hatred, conflict and violence; let’s lift Him higher!
Background
I accepted Christ on September 13, 1980. At 20 years old, I was completely lost but very aware of that there was a spiritual existence that was eternal. On that day, I heard God’s audible voice. (AMAZING! That God would condescend to me in a miraculous way!) At the hearing of His voice, that moment I know the reality of God. I also new this knowledge demanded a full commitment of service and response to Him.
Introduction to Worship
As a new believer, I immediately sensed the importance of worship, not merely at the services, but to live a life of worship. In 1983, I started to study worship and worship leading while I attended The Vineyard in Yorba Linda/Anaheim. I helped two friends plant two churches in Orange County and now my family and I attend a progressive Foursquare Church. I continually study the Bible on worship and worship topics.
Ministry Accomplishments
I have led contemporary worship bands since 1985. We performed a few concerts at other churches and couple of community events each year but worship in those days was not as popular as it is today. I used to lead worship in a congregation of 800. The smallest group I’ve led in worship has been myself and the largest was about 4500. I recently enrolled in a Bible School and have cut my commitments to leading a mid-week Bible study where I lead worship, leading a preaching fellowship (we are learning to communicate better), and leading worship at a bi-weekly men’s function. I also support a Song Writers ministry. Occasionally, I teach people the basics of leading worship in an 8-week course (about 20 hours total).
Other Related Accomplishments and Interests
I tried to produce a ‘record album’ of original worship music of the last concert that the contemporary worship band performed but had several technical difficulties that made that effort difficult. I settled for a cassette tape. I have served as a sound engineer for some of the churches I attended and taught others how to do sound. I design audiophile speakers and sound systems and have served as a sound consultant for setting up PA systems. I designed and build choir monitors, PA speakers and other sound reinforcement equipment.
Personal
I am happily married since December 30, 1983 and have two children. I currently work as an optical engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab designing and building the next generation space clocks that should be accurate to one second in 30 million years’ not that I expect to be here then! I feel the Lord is leading me to be an administrative or executive pastor, which is one reason I enrolled in school. I will graduate in October 2002. I play rhythm guitar for worship only. I am learning how to write music all over again. I look forward to the day when we will live in the light of Christ in the new Jerusalem with new bodies that can completely serve Him without compromise or fainting. Maranatha!