How should the trinity shape our worship??

-the trinity makes our worship possible

-the trinity put us in close proximity to God

-the trinity makes corporate worship a priority

-the trinity preserves worships purity

-the trinity encourages a peaceful, humble posture

-the trinity shapes how worship proceeds

I like how all of these sound.  I like that we get to be close to God and worship in his presence.  I love the emphasis on corporate worship.  This principle of a peaceful and humble posture is precisely how we should approach the throne of God.  Hicks has a lot of really great points in this chapter. 

However, according to the author, it seems as though we do a lot of things wrong in the Vineyard.  While I value what he has to say, I don't agree with all of what he is saying.  He talks about how a pew is more reflective of the trinity than a row of chairs, and how the level of sound from the band reflects a church's view of the trinity.  I guess it all feels a bit legalistic.  

I am by no means a theologian, not even close.  But, it seems as though a lot of what he is saying is all about rules and regulations.  I guess at the end of the day my priority is where my heart is.  I want to acknowledge the trinity in the worship I am participating in.  Maybe I would have been happier if I wouldn't have finished the chapter.  I really liked what I was reading until it got down to the really practical stuff.  It's a bummer it all sounded so good until the music was too loud.

Week 3

Michael Bleecker defines doxology as "praise to God (p. 46)."  As I read his chapter, I get the feeling that doxology is the outward expression of our understanding of God.  It is what we do to express what we believe about God.  I have to admit that this vocabulary is somewhat new to me.  I did a little reading up on doxology and what it means.  I came across some definitions where it refers to "the doxology" where a church sings a specific song or hymn that is  "the doxology" of the church.  It seems as though there are a few hymns or songs that are specified for this use depending on what tradition is practiced.   

It seems to me that scripture ought to be the very foundation of our worship.  Beecker placed a lot of emphasis on understanding the words we sing, knowing where in scripture they come from, and then teaching this to our congregation.  I am starting to understand the idea that theology propels our doxology (p. 46).  What we believe about God will be reflected in how we praise Him whether it is in a very specific song, in the sets that we choose, and even in our posture as we worship.  Really it should be our go to, our plumb line.  

This week's post required a lot of thinking.  These are deep questions that hold a lot of weight, but they are not things that I have spent a lot of time thinking about.  However, I see how these things shape and mold worship leaders.  It is in this type of conversation and thought that I imagine the real work is done and real worship leaders are made.  In many ways I think I take for granted the serious thought and wisdom that goes into writing songs and picking songs.  I am starting to see them in a new light with different criticism.  It's good but it is challenging.

What stuck out this week?

"It's time for us to feel the weight of our calling and with humility and passion, and lead those who God puts in front of us each week.(p.55)"

I feel like this has been my take home more than once.  Leading is such an enormous undertaking.  It requires more than just singing songs.  I know this, it isn't new info but at times I am callous to what's at stake.  I hope and pray that as I lead in worship no matter the setting that my heart is humble and aligned with God.

Week 2

Looking at the qualifications of a worship leader, which area(s) if any were new to you? Which areas do you feel most vulnerable/challenged?

Honestly, none of the qualifications for a leader were new to me. I am familiar with the passages of scripture that Boswell referenced in his qualifications. Whether from our church, conferences, books etc I have heard this list in similar form at one time or another. In light of that, it was a good reminder and interesting to see Boswell's interpretation.

Aside from being born with the wrong anatomy, the area that most challenges me is being disciplined. He talks about being "sober-minded self controlled, and disciplined." I have a lot of great intentions, but a major weakness for me is carrying things through well. I can do it for a short amount of time without too much trouble. It is the day in and day out discipline, the long-term discipline, the marathon discipline that just seems to be beyond my grasp. I absolutely see the value and necessity of having this quality. I just wish I was better at it.

To be honest, meeting all of these qualifications is a daunting thought. It is hard enough just to think of people who meet these standards, but to think about meeting them myself seems impossible. This is a sobering reminder of the gravity of leadership.