Guess Who?

My wife and I at ToT last Halloween. Mad props to anyone who can figure out who we were.

Nate

Beautiful Video

Thanks to WorshipTrench for brining this to my attention!



What musician hasn't played the air drums to this song. Lucky monkey!

Nate

Get It!

We finally came up with a graphic that we like for our new Sunday series, "Get It Got It Good!.



Nate

Radiohead

If you're involved (even as a consumer) in the music business, This Is Huge!

Nate

Killer Site

Check out LettersFromLeavers.com for a look through the eyes of people who are leaving the church...not for the faint of heart.


Nate

Sunday Blitz

> This morning was great! Pastor Tom did a great job talking about the arts and relating it to the Artist of the universe and our lives. GREAT audio file he found somewhere of some dude telling the creation story!

> I've been inspired by Tom's "Arts" sermon...more to come soon!

> I am tired...this back and forth thing to Durham may sound like a picnic, but it's draining.

> The METS are a HUGE disappointment...worst late-season collapse in MLB history. Curse the phillies...

> Our church picnics are the best ever, every time, and today was no exception! Today included time spent playing football, soccer and softball (Chad tried to kill me on the softball field...I may have to amputate my left pinky finger).

> When I asked my friend (yeah, we've never met outside of the internet, but I like him and I'm sure he'd like me if we did meet) Gary Lamb the other day why he doesn't allow comments on his blog, he told me it's because he'd get non-stop comments from people who hate him and his church. I'm kinda jealous...

> I somehow managed to get all of the boring NFL games on TV today...no Payton, no Favre.

> TrunkOrTreatOBX.com/ is up and running! I really hope we're still around for this!

> Softballs are NOT soft... (did I mention Chad tried to kill me?)

> I've been asked to "lead" (which I guess means I've not been asked to "preach", which is cool with me cause I'm not a preacher) our worship services on October 21. We're going through a series that's all about vision, and that Sunday will be all about worship. My brain is turning with some creative ways of communicating Biblical worship.

> This giants/eagles game is the most dull football ever...

That's all for now.

Nate

Leading From the Rear?

There are two separate but similar discussions going on at two of the worship leader forums I frequent. One is titled “The postion of a worship leader or lead worshipper” and asks the questions: 1) What did the role/responsibilities/actions of a worship leader look like in the Bible, and 2) What does that mean for those of us leading worship today? The other is titled “Congregation seating” and simply introduces the topic of how and where the band/worship leader(s) should physically lead during a corporate worship service and asks for any positive/negative comments (you may be able to view this conversation Here).

The latter discussion has brought up some incredibly sarcastic and close-minded comments (which is not unexpected on this particular forum) from a few who do not see any value in taking a deeper look into why most churches always place the band/worship leader(s) in the front of the worship space, usually on a stage, facing the congregation/audience. Their basic arguments are: 1) There is nothing in the Bible to support anything other than having the worship leader in an up-front, easy to follow (visually, musically, etc.) position, and anything else must be unbiblical, and/or 2) This is just the latest “fad” of churches who are trying to do whatever they can to be modern and edgy for the sake of being modern or edgy.

I see great value in these discussions (or this discussion as I think they can be one and the same), as do several others who are trying, despite the attempts otherwise, to have an honest, open conversation. I am led to believe that there is nothing unbiblical about moving the band away from the front/on stage position. I also believe that a church should be able to participate in this conversation with more motive than simply being cool and hip. And, I understand that not every church should to do anything differently because either a change is unneeded, or the resulting problems/issues would outweigh the worth (“change” in a church always causes some level of stress for somebody).

So, here is my attempt to unite these two discussions in an effort to take an unashamed, unbiased look at answering a few questions: 1) Is there anything in Scripture that should dictate how our corporate worship space should look and function (layout, stage, lights, etc.) in relationship to a person or persons leading worship? 2) Is there anything in Scripture that should actually hinder or encourage us to consider changing things up (relating to the topic in question 1) if we feel we might be able to better fulfill our church’s purpose (whatever your church’s purpose may be)? 3) Would the culture of your church and community allow your church do make some seemingly “radical” changes? 4) What does/would this look like, practically in your church building?

As always, make sure that you understand the purpose of this discussion and of this blog before jumping into the discussion. I really hope you can help me come to a clearer understanding of this topic. Thanks!

Nate

Leadership Principles as Illustrated by Michael Scott

If you’re a fan of NBC’s “The Office”, grab a copy of Today’s USA Today Newspaper and check out the article titled “The World’s Greatest (Inept) Boss”. It’s a humorous, sincere and somewhat insightful look at the real-life influence that Michael Scott is having on corporate America. Some very good leadership principles such as honest relationships and transparency are discussed.

Good stuff!

Nate

Worship As Evangelism

Sally Morgenthaler's book "Worship Evangelism" was one of my text books in college a few years back. I even met her when she taught an intensive. The book really helped to shape me into the believer and worship leader that I am today.

Read Sally Morgenthaler's Related Article from Rev Magazine and tell me what you think.



Have you read the book?

Is your church described in this article?

Have you ever thought of worship as evangelism?

Do you share any of Sally's current feelings/thoughts?

Nate

Trunk Or Treat Posters

Here are a few more posters we're hanging around church this week. I'm working on a few more designs to place in the community.





Nate