Today I had the privilege of speaking
with a choir director visiting from another church, who asked several questions
about how we do things at Gateway. They want to have worship like we have. It
really got me thinking about what it is that makes our services so special. It
isn’t that we have perfect systems in place or always do
everything right musically, because we don’t. But there are 3 things that
really do make a huge difference….
1. The servant’s heart of the singers and musicians. People
submit their gifts and talents to be part of something that is bigger than they
are. We worship by sacrificing selfish ambitions on the altar of peace. There
are some phenomenal musicians and singers who could do anything they want to
with their abilities, and choose to use them for what they were meant for: To
bring glory and honor to God and to serve the church and to humbly be part of
the team.
Do nothing
out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above
yourselves (Philippians 2:3)
Be shepherds
of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them--not because you
must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing
dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted
to you, but being examples to the flock. (1 Peter 5:2-3)
2. A Musical Offering. We give our very best musical offering.
Gateway songs declare the Gospel, they teach treasured truths about God and provide
a vehicle for heartfelt expressions of gratitude and praise. We place a high
value on musical excellence. (Wonderful, singable melodies and carefully crafted, memorable instrumental lines help too)
Through Jesus
then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit
of lips that openly praise, celebrate, profess and give thanks to His name.
(Hebrews 13:15)
3. The Presence of God. This single most important thing is
that our worship services are all about God’s Presence. Our mission is to help
people experience God in the greatest way possible. Music is not meant to be
used as a gimmick to make church “hip.” It is a precious gift that serves to
help us connect with our Creator. We welcome God into our services and provide
an atmosphere where believers join together in powerful worship, where hard
hearts are softened by the Holy Spirit so that unbelievers can meet God as deaf
ears are opened to hear the good news about Jesus and spiritually blind eyes
see the truth about who God really is.
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