One On One
- A Great Teaching Tool
I had recently arrived on staff at my new church. There was a young man who helped me with some business when I arrived in town. We became friends and soon found out that we had a common interest in hunting. Specifically, bow-hunting for elk. What a great thing to meet someone who was as passionate about hunting as I was. It was a friendship made in heaven. This friend attended our Saturday night church and would regularly come in after the music portion of our worship. It didn't bother me, because I knew that some people didn't appreciate the style of music we played on Saturday night, and I respected his preference. Throughout a year of friendship we never discussed worship, only family issues and marriage. After a year and a half, we began a dialogue on the topic of worship. I was able to share my heart on the subject and what it meant to me, and in particular, the place it had in the Christian’s life. My friend began to comment on the music and song selections, he began to make it on time to the services, and soon would even stay for the second service just for the worship. I have seen him grow from a person who purposely avoided the "worship time" to becoming one of the most awesome worshipers I know. In our conversations today, hunting is secondary and worship is primary. We now share two passions together - worship and hunting. It has been a long process, but one that was well worth the effort and time. To see a friend become a true worshiper of God is one of the greatest joys in my ministry.
I have also seen this in our body as a whole. Each week I notice new attempts at worship from people who previously were not visible worshipers. They are stepping out and trying to give to God something during our services. I’ve witnessed those who would never sing before join in the singing. Former watchers of worship have become active participants. The growth has been slow, but incredible. The most rewarding aspect of my job is seeing others being transformed into worshipers of God. Find a friend or two who needs a mentor and teach them worship. Model to them worship, and watch them grow before your eyes. What a blessing it has been for me to see my friend and brother in Christ become a true worshiper of our Lord! Keep teaching worship to your people. Like any other discipline, it takes work and practice to make it a part of your every day lifestyle. One on one or one on a hundred, continue to be the teacher and leader that God has called you to be. It doesn't have to happen fast, but trust God that it will happen in His timing.
Used by churches all over the world to help teach worship, the Experiencing Worship study can help your worship team too.
Your team will learn why we worship and gain a better understanding of how to worship.
One user said..."Your 5 week study course has made a tremendous impact on my life in the study of worship... I would like to express my thanks for a well written study course that leads into a higher realm of praise and worship."
This is the debut album by EXW friend Paul Langford. Paul is a Chicago based singer, arranger, keyboardist, producer and conductor. Paul has a career that spans 14 years. Paul's work includes arranging for groups like GLAD, Voices of Liberty, VoiceTrek, The Chicago based "Caroling Party" and Day of Discovery Singers. His arranging has appeared on recordings side by side with greats like Gene Puerling and David Maddux, and he has sung with Don Shelton, Bonnie Herman and Bob Bowker, among others.