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Soterios vs Doxa in Church in Profiles

Wednesday, I re-posted a blog from James MacDonald about soteriology vs. doxology as the driver of church mission and structure.  Here are my thoughts as it pertains to profiles:

* I respect and root on each of these churches.  Nothing critical in my heart meant here.

The first thing I think, rather than just theory, are church examples.

It's easy to look at what you read and where you have visited- and suddenly it's Stanley's model vs. MacDonald.  Warren's vs. ......, Noble's vs. ......  

Observation #1: I've evidently really studied and visited soterios churches moreso than doxa churches.

Observation #2: Are our stereotypes correct?

Sometimes.  Not all the time.  And- I don't think I know well enough at this point of study to draw definitive conclusions- just suppositions.

Here's what I mean in some profiles:

I've visited Hillsong NYC.  I have a mancrush on Hillsong, and have watched their worship leaders in what I see genuinely pursue God for years- I would consider them a doxa church, actually.

Now, when I was there, an associate who I won't name was there teaching.  I'm very hesitant to write anything negative here- so suffice it to say it was not as Biblically rich as I'd have hoped.  I root them on, and consider that to be an exception there, not the rule.

I've visited the Brooklyn Tabernacle.  Fresh Wind Fresh Fire changed my life when I was 17, and even though their church style is about as different from me as you can get- I loved that church and would attend there.  It was like a foretaste of heaven- unity in diversity, joy, great Biblical teaching- simple, yet let the Word speak for itself.  Doxa.

I've visited Northpoint Church.  One of the primary models of the soterios church.  I loved it.  I was inspired.  Deep worship?  That's not what they are trying to do- it was two songs and done- because the thinking is all through the grid of what people who haven't yet trusted Christ would be touched by.  Which I respect... but is that where the church is supposed to stay?  

I think Northpoint is worth studying.  I respect what they are trying to do.  Are they growing?  For sure.  Are people becoming deep followers of Christ?  I don't know.  Either way.  We sure have a lot to learn from them- my wife and one of our staff members are headed there next week to learn.

I've visited Newspring Church.  The ones famous for covering ACDC and Van Halen during service.  Perry Noble has this way of saying about anything and getting away with it.  I visited Newspring expecting it to be way aggressive only, and I was wrong.  I loved Newspring.  I actually saw them minister with a broad brush- trying to reach all kinds.  I saw lots of "blue hairs" in the audience as well as college age.  My wife and one of our staff members are headed there as well, in part because I insisted on it- I could attend Newspring.

However, almost every teaching series is "Pump it Up" or "House Party" or "Unleashed."  Now, that's intentional- they are soterios, trying to see people trust Christ.  I respect that.  I loved Perry's teaching.  Would I stay in that teaching mode exclusively?  No.

I've visited Elevation Church several times and have contacts there.  They've been so helpful for us, giving us tours, answering questions, training production guys- even to the point of giving us their phone numbers so I can ask questions.  Terrific guys.

I think Elevation, although I would consider them a soterios church, to be most middle-of-the-road.  They are much more doxa than meets the eye.  They seem to me to engage intentionally and aggressively people who need Christ- yet truly worship and set the stage for deep things.  I would absolutely attend Elevation- them, Newspring, and Brooklyn Tabernacle were my favorites.

I've never been to Harvest Bible Chapel, although I've read James MacDonald's writings.  They are inspiring and I see such a pure heart.  I wasn't as receptive to him watching Elephant Room- but there is such a purity of heart in Vertical Church you can't help but love the guy.

Even in the beginning of the book, he wrote: "getting people back to church is pointless unless God comes back first... many iterations are all horizontal substitutes for God come down, we all get rocked and radically altered, Vertical Church."

Amen.

My detailed thoughts will come later- but for now- even as a worship leader, comparing the two- 

       

Can you have your cake and eat it too?

Depends on what your cake is.

God is God. We are not.

"When we ask people what they want in church instead of giving them what they were created to long for, we play into the very idolatry that church was created to dismantle."

James MacDonald, Vertical Church, p 61

God is God, and we are not.

For His good pleasure we exist and were created; may it continue to be so.

The Multi-Faceted Impact of Entire Services Online

In the last month now, we've been putting entire services online.  Check one out here.

I've been inspired due to watching the entire servcies of churches like Newspring.  Elevation also broadcasts live, but you can only watch sermons throughout the week.

I love watching entire services- admittedly, because I learn and it gives me ideas.  Seeing how songs work, worship leader transitions (we've all experienced-and I've even led-awkward transitions that are like an old John Deere tractor trying to downshift).

We wanted to start posting our services, not because we think a lot of ourselves, that's not the heart behind it- God's ruining in my heart the desire to be successful- but to bless the church, encourage other churches, and benefit our own team.

I saw on FB today a young lady in our church who's sick write- "I'm bummed to miss church today because I'm sick, but thanks to the staff at WR I can watch the whole service online).  We've also had several requests to start doing this in the last year.  I love that we get to serve our people- that in itself is enough to do this- it's what we're about!

We've had a few other churches bring teams to learn from our production teams and band- I'm kind of humbled by this, I'm certainly nothing special- although my team is- but I know how much I've benefited by watching others.  I think I've taken a tour with the Elevation guys like 4 times now.  Asking questions, watching from a distance weekly- it's so helpful.  I've got a real heart to invest in young guys who are learning.  However we can help, I'd love to.

Lastly, it's having a real impact on our worship and production teams.  We have around forty people on these teams- some are on weekly, others around every 8 weeks.  That means that it's tough to keep everything going the same direction. 

Live sound is so much more forgiving than recorded.  Weekly, I listen and think (hey, not bad...) or (ew, that's ripe).  It drives me to practice more and put more detail into everything I do, and it's having that impact on everyone on our teams.  That's part of the idea- it ups the ante- you need to be ready, because if your part stinks, it'll be out there for a long time.  The only post-production we really do is a post-mix by Brian McMahon and Christian DeLaat each Sunday afternoon- then I match with video, and we're up (that's the readers digest version).  If our teams can hear and see themselves- it helps you improve.

Our heart isn't to be slick, flashy, or full of ourselves- the word "production" can obviously be linked to that idea- but rather, we're trying to be excellent.  Excellence inspires people and honors God.  We're trying to take the next steps.  

I'm so proud of our worship and production teams.  I'm thrilled to be with them, and doing this thing together.  

We're learning with recording and video production- we'd love to hear your feedback.  Check out a service and let us know!  We hope it blesses you!

Being Led

"for it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us" - Acts 15:28

"having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia" - Acts 16:6

"they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them" - Acts 16:7

"the Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul" - Acts 16:14

"after these events Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia" - Acts 19:21

"except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me"  - Acts 20:23

 

Forgive the proof-texting...

 

Not every action in this grouping of chapters in Acts is prefaced with direction from the "Holy Spirit," but quite a few are.

 

This is ambiguous, but vital to a life pleasing to God:

 

If you want your life to count for something, you need to not only be "sold out" to being on mission-

but also live "Holy Spirit led."

 

That scares some folks... because what exactly does that mean?  That God wants to bless me?  That I should go here or go there?  That the more I suffer shows the more I care?  That what "I heard" from God becomes the new subjective authority which others need to respect?

 

Initially, being "Holy Spirit led" sounds more like being spontaneous, inconsistent, capricious.

Point taken.

However, it remains:

you need to live life led by the Spirit.

In your marriage.  Family.  Work.  Friendships.  Acquaintances.  Plans and dreams.  Daily tasks.  Ministry.

 

You need to find out what that means.

Ask God to reveal to you His Holy Spirit.  Test everything by Scripture.  Seek wise counsel.

Take the next step.

 

Spirit of Jesus; fill us.  Lead us.  Come Holy Spirit.  Lead us into all truth.

Priestly function of worship leading.

In my Scripture reading, I've been in Hebrews recently.  Been thinking about the (high) priestly role of Jesus.  Where once there were priests who would, in essence, "go between" God and man to offer sacrifices, for himself and for the people, there is now Jesus, the great High Priest, who accomplished this once and for all- He is the perfect sacrifice, and through Him we can come to the Father.  

"Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.  But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, and since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool.  For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy."                      Hebrews 10

That gives us a theological understanding of relationship, salvation, redemption, and... worship.

Corporate worship is not only the participation of an exercise in which people, through recited Word, liturgy or singing recount the goodness of God;

but also

a special event where, the hope is, the people of God together draw near to God, and God meets them there (even though God did the pursuing in the first place).

God, for lack of better term, "woos" our hearts; 

worship is the only natural response

we draw near to the presence of God Himself through His Holy Spirit;

and He inhabits the praises of His people.  He meets us.

I believe worship leaders have a priestly function.

Theologically, it's understood that Jesus fulfills certain "offices;" 

prophet, priest, and king.

Prophet is the forthtelling of truth, King is the authoritative sovereign function, and 

priestly function is the in-between.  The mediator.

It's not that worship leaders are priests.  Don't hang me for heresey yet.

A basic protestant tenent (which I of course agree with) is the "priesthood of all believers."  We do not need a human "priest" to stand between us and God; because of Jesus, the Great High Priest, we can meet with Him ourselves.  Jesus is the go-between.

But that function of going between people and God and leading the people to draw near to God in worship

is part of a worship leader's role.  We join with Jesus and point people to God.

Mighty big responsibility.

worship team members; I don't just regard you as musicians.  You may not be "worship leader" per se, but you are having an impact on the corporate body of Christ engaging with God.

How are you engaging people?  How do you, by what's happening in you spiritually, by your body language and how you engage people, be a bridge to help someone who walks into church, full of burdens, their mind on things of their week, whatever is going on with them- how do you engage them and help them draw near to God in worship?

Your role is not to atone for people's sins, or to represent them to God.

but in the role in which Jesus joins people to God the Father, join Him in that

and help people to join to God.

Go over there to fish.

"When He had finished speaking, he said to Simon, 'Now go out to where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.'

Simon replied, 'we worked hard all last night and didn't catch a thing.  But if you say so, I'll let the nets down again.'"

Simon worked hard.  Says so.  Wanted to catch fish.  All night.

Jesus comes along, tweaks the method.  Go out to where it is deeper.

I'm no fisherman.

But there's probably a reason why Simon and the gang fished where they normally did.  

Comfortability?

Easy?

Where "their turf" was?

I don't know.  Level 5 interpretation.  But there was some reason.

They were tired.  Worked all night.  

Jesus comes along.  "Fish over here."

They followed.  

Lots 'o' fish.  Fishapalooza.

I want to catch fish.  I want fishapalooza.

But I also like my fishing hole.

Which one wins?

Not-so-level-5-interpretation: fish = people.

Lots'o'fish wins.

God, give me and us grace to follow you to where fish will bite.  It's not my boat, not my pond.  

I release the grasp in my heart over the way I like to fish.

Advance your Kingdom, Lord.  Save people.  Catch fish.  You have me.

LIFT Reflection

Last night- our first LIFT night at Western Reserve-

I told the worship team before, don't get too high/too low based off of attendance or perceived response.  We're building something here, and the LORD is doing a work- understand process and development.  Affecting a culture thoroughly takes time.

True... but last night sure was a good start.

I didn't count, but I'd estimate 60-70 folks gathered together to pray and worship... with awesome response...

Here's what we prayed about:

- our church culture/freedom of worship/hunger for God/stirred heart for prayer/spiritual dynamic of discipleship (Mark 12)
- personal needs- asking God with a renewed sense of faith (Luke 11) 
- asking for salvations and changed lives (Phil 4)

Church, LIFT isn't an event or a sprint.  It's a marathon, a way of life, a DNA/Culture thing.

Who is Western Reserve?

We walk toward people, not away.  We take steps of ridiculous faith.  

God, "fill us up, and send us out."

We love to worship our Lord...

a church that truly prays for revival, for each other

who asks with audacious faith

Who last night boldly asked for 50 people to come to know Christ by the end of 2011...

The Pastors found today that God had answered financial prayers again- huge giving.

Thank God.

S.D. Gordon said: "Prayer is striking the winning blow; service is simply picking up the pieces."

Last night was a win.

Western Reserve:

keep going.

Proud of you.

Weekend at Elevation

This weekend, me and a dozen of my buddies piled in a 15-passenger van, headed south for Charlotte- Elevation Church.

Elevation is a six-year-old church plant- already over 12k- they baptized over 2k last month.  Move of God.

That's what I want.

Not Elevation.

The move.

For the record, I love Elevation.  Their lead producer, Wes Watson, spending time with Brian and I and my team- what a guy.  When we left, he pulled me in and hugged me.  He cares.  Really, really appreciate that- all on the same team.

I want to learn from Elevation.  With worship/production/creative, I don't know anyone who does it better- maybe Hillsong.  That's saying a lot.  Their first impressions, systems- unbelievable.

My heart is Western Reserve.  I don't want to imitate Elevation- I want to be us.

BUT I PRAY FOR AND HUNGER FOR THAT MOVE.  

That's why I'm at Western Reserve.

I believe in the vision.  I believe in our lead pastor.  I buy in.  

And I've seen God's hand so much on Western Reserve-

I think we're just scratching the surface.  I think a move of people being saved is about to happen.

I feel it inside.  Feel it in my spirit.

Next month starts our monthly nights of prayer/worship, they'll be called "LIFT."

Next month starts our discipleship ministry.  Revamped small groups.

Now we'll be ready for the salvations.  The changed lives.  

The behind-the-scenes is now healthy.

As a church, we are going to pray and ask God for a move.  That He would prepare us.  Make us blessable.

No one comes close to God's passion, drive, ambition for the lost to be saved.  For changed lives.

If we are ready...

If we are blessable...

If we ask in Jesus' Name...

I believe.

The Day After

Last night was unbelievable.

The first Worship Team concert at Western Reserve.  200 people there.  Electricity in the air.

It was like you were watching God do something.

Wow.

I loved how I felt the church love on my team.  The team has bought into the vision, they work so hard- 

the church showed them some love last night.  A lot of love, actually...

Musicians, production techs- no personal agendas, no egos- all one family, on the same team, going the same direction, for the same purpose.

I know the inside stories of sacrifice and dedication these folks have done.  Because of their humility, great things are happening.

SO excited.  SO thankful.

Favorite part of last night?

It was a moment.

We prayed in the green room before the concert that the night would be a marker in the story of Western Reserve.  The next level of a culture of freedom of worship, the church worshiping with a pure outburst of gratitude and joy-

It happened.

"If this is what heaven is like, I'm ready to go now" - a quote from a Western Reserve family member afterwards.

Wow.

At the end of the night, I laid on the stage, staring at the ceiling.  Exhausted.  Taking it all in.

My wife laid down next to me.

She said- "there's even more, babe.  God has this."

"This" is "us."  Western Reserve.  Our church.  Our worship team.  Our family.  Where we are.  Where we are headed.

Last night was a marker.  A wonderful one.

Not the last one.

Here we go.

Lessons from Hillsong

Tuesday night me and about fifteen of my friends and band members piled in a big van and headed to the ALIVE festival kick-off: Hillsong United.

This is the fourth time I've seen them- from Ohio to Detroit to Ft. Wayne to Toronto.

Bit of a man crush, I suppose.  They've just really inspired me over the years.  I absolutely LOVE their music- obviously, if you've seen our set lists.

Few things I learned:

1) Experience matters.  I heard Hillsong was the most difficult band to get into the lineup of ALIVE because what they required was so rigorous.  Now, I'm not talking "sushi for 50 persons," I'm talking about a rider that is specific and picky because the little things matter.  Details are covered- eliminates distractions, helps with excellence.

2) Picky = picky, not "most expensive."  One of their lead guitar players played a $700 guitar all night.  It's a great sounding guitar, but $700 is cheap in guitar world.  $ does not = great.

3) Don't mail it in.  This was the last night of a 30 day tour ranging from Indonesia to Ohio.  Played for 64,000 people.  They got there late.  There was a significant rain delay which made they crowd smaller and they lost half of their lighting rig.  With that- the drummer comes back out from encore and jumps all around.  I see their lead guitar player glance at the key player in the back row, connect with his eyes and smile.  

They still had tremendous joy with what they were doing.  They were tired, missed their families, one more night to go... and they brought it.  They had fun.  I could tell.

4) Aggressively and intentionally make things Jesus-centered.  Don't just assume that it is.  Three times throughout the night, different leaders spoke between songs and flat out dedicated the night to Jesus and told people to look at Him.  I think this was the catalyst of the whole night.

5) Don't underestimate how much people out there need this.  I watched my friends raise their hands, kneel on the ground, weep, pray, worship their hearts out.  When you set the table for people to worship and connect, step back, do your thing and let them.  People out there are hurting and need it.  

6) Not all of them were worship leaders, but all of them led worship.  Didn't matter what their role or where they were on the stage, every member engaged people and worshipped their hearts out.  Their side vocalist was so good with people, their drummer would get people clapping- don't have to have the mic to lead.

Finally- I watched once as Joel Houston took a step back and just looked out on people raising their hands and worshipping.  It's like he just took a mental snapshot and was thankful.

I prayed and asked God to let me have that experience someday.

I get some of that every week.  Step back and see people engage with Jesus...

nothing else I'd rather do.