Sometimes we hit a block. We have prayed, and we have planned, and we have practiced. We also have those feelings of doubt and dread when what we have does't seem to fit what we expect.
Don't worry about it. I know...that's so hard to do. After all, we are the ones that take the blame if it's bad and God gets the credit if it's awesome; and that's okay. So we always want the best we can do to be what we do. The fact is, when everything is perfect, it limits God.
What does that mean? If we lead the right songs, and sing the right melodies, and everyone gets those goose pimples, then they say we've had an encounter with God. Forget the pimples or goose bumps! If no one leaves changed, can you say you had an encounter with the King of all kings, and Lord of all lords? I would say no.
As the worship leaders, we have to inspire the congregants to worship completely. We should be inspiring the mother who just barely got to church because the youngest of five kids has spilled cool aid on himself and two of his siblings. We have to inspire the homeless man that came in just to get out of the cold for a few minutes. We have to convey the message of hope and grace to the teen considering suicide.
But where does our inspiration come from?
Well, first of all it comes from God. He is our divine source of inspiration. But, He uses other things to help us out.
We have His word, the Bible. It's full of inspiration. We also have our brothers and sisters in Christ that can also inspire us. Godly discussions and conversations will sometimes provide some insight and inspiration. Then there are Christian authors that write books and articles that can inspire us. And then there are Hymns.
Wait, What?
That's right. I said hymns. Not all hymns fit our model these days. Sometimes they don't even seem biblical. After all, are we taking a trip on the 'Good Ole Gospel Ship' or are we being transformed in the twinkling of an eye? But then, some modern worship songs aren't either. That's not the topic for today though.
There is a resurgence of hymns appearing in modern worship. Today's writers have looked to the past to learn what our grandparents learned. They just happen to put a spin on the original for today's generation. They are finding inspiration from these older songs. They are being blessed by the words and melody and they are trying to find a way for us to be blessed as well.
That's what we need to do every once in a while. Go old school and find inspiration to take some of the lines of a song, and use them as a bridge in one you're working on. Or change the progression some to give it a different feel.
Or use one to help set a specific mood.
The point is, there is unlimited potential when look back to songs from the past. I've found inspiration in some songs from the late 90's when I was first introduced to worship music. Our worship team doesn't use these songs, but i still pull them out and listen to them for inspiration. Sometimes, they help point in the right direction. Then again, there are those that we do use. It doesn't have to be a Hymn...
Our Worship Team will often lead songs like:
- Holy Spirit Rain Down (Alvin Slaughter - 2000)
- New Season (Martha Munizzi - 2001)
- In Your Presence Oh God (Paul Wilbur - 1995)
- I Give You My Heart (Hillsong - 1996)
- There is None Like You (Don Moen - 2010)
- Shout to The Lord (Hillsong - 1994)
And we also pull out Hymns as well. It's not about the newness of the song, it's about the heart and mind coming into unity and making a declaration to God. It's about moving the very heart of God and letting Him know how we love Him, how much we adore Him, and that His praise will ever come from our lips. Yes, you have to stay relevant to your congregation, but that doesn't mean only the newest and greatest songs.
Our job is take the church into deeper worship, more intimate praise, and a more practical relationship with God through our praises, and then through our worship. What ever it looks like to get the church there, then so be it.
I pray you find your inspiration as you prepare to lead your team, and your churches into God's presence!
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