Unquenchable Worshiper: Introduction

So, Phillip (Student Pastor) has encouraged me to reread “Unquenchable Worshiper” by Matt Redman, to really go back to the heart of worship in my own life. So this has led me to write a series of blogs on the parts that really stand out to me.

So I’ll begin with the introduction. Chapter 1: Unquenchable Worshiper….

An Unquenchable Worshiper is fueled “from a heart so amazed by God and His wonders that it burns a love that will not be extinguished. It survives any situation and lives through any circumstance. It will not allow itself to be quenched, for that would heap insult on the love it lives in response to.”

“The Heart of God loves the offerings of a persevering worshiper. Though overwhelmed by many troubles, they are even more overwhelmed by the beauty of God.”

“The revelation of God is the fuel for the fire of our worship”

“Every breath we breathe is a reminder of our maker, and every hour holds the possibility of living in His presence.”

It’s important to remember that “The heart of worship is fueled by essential things, such as reading God’s Word, praying to Him, and going to church to share fellowship together.”

Isn’t it so true, that most of the time, when we find that our worshipful hearts are dried up, it is because we haven’t been fueling the fire? It’s so crucial that we set aside time to soak ourselves under the showers of God’s revelation!

I want to close with this final quote:

“But if we can find space to soak ourselves in God’s Word, His presence, His creation and spend time with other believers, then we’ll find that the revelation floods back into our lives; and our hearts will respond with a blaze of worship once more.”

Hope you find this encouraging and challenging to really go deep into the Word and spend some time soaking in all that God has done for you, before you lead, play, or participate in the next worship service. What a difference it will make!

Talent vs. Character

So, the last few months have been great but also very challenging. I find myself at a crossroads between who I am, who I’ve become, and who I need to be. The internal struggle I’ve been wrestling with is the tug-of-war between “Brian the musician” and “Brian the worship leader”.

You see, it’s very easy for the musician side to take over in this situation, because for me, before I was a worship leader, I was a musician! This situation usually is discussed in the form of post-worship sets. The question is asked, “Did the congregation really enter into the presence of God or were they influenced and manipulated by the music?”

I know personally, I am very quick to say that a set was good, because my band was tight or the transitions were smooth. But know I think God is trying to teach me that something is missing, because the fact is, the band is tight, transitions are good, but the congregation isn’t entering in.

Now, it is very possible that the band and the worship leader are doing everything possible to help lead the church into worship, but the church just isn’t going to go for it. But there is a sense of responsible on the part of the worship leader to LEAD the people, and if he is focusing more on the music or the band, then that’s his fault. Believe me, I’m speaking from first hand experience!!! This is something I still am working on from time to time.

The desire for “musical” perfection can sometimes overpower and pollute the integrity and spiritual side of a worship service.

Most of the time, it isn’t intentional, but it happens quite often! Don’t get me wrong, God deserves excellence in everything! The worship service should be the best it can be! We should go above and beyond for our God, but we MUST make sure that you are spending EQUAL time preparing your heart for GOD to move the church, not the music!

Andy Stanley said a powerful quote the other day…
“Your talent and drive has the potential to sweep you past what your character can maintain.”

Basically, I’m saying… make sure you’re spending equal time, if not more time, on preparing you and your band (or staff) spiritually, as much as the production side of your services. Students and adults can see straight through a smile and a rehearsed or profound word.

Artist on the Rise: Alexa Chloe

I wanted to take a minute and talk about an amazing photographer and graphic designer, who continually amazes me at the moments she creates and captures in one click.

I’ve known Alexa for three years now and I can proudly call her one of my closest friends. We’ve been through a lot together in the last three years. One of the main things we have talked through and argued through is what she wants to do with her life.

I truly believe that God has called her to do some kind career in media. Whether it’s graphic design, photography, or a mix of both. Nothing is more clear than the fact that she has an incredible eye and creative mind.

If your interested in having incredible moments in your life captured to their fullest potential, you need to hire Alexa Chloe. She’s legit no lie! Here are just a few of the pictures she’s done…

My Soul Is Saved

This is the first of our “song introduction” videos. These are songs that we do here at Northwood Church that Mikey Baur (college ministry worship leader) and I have written, that we sing at our worship services! Hope you like them… P.S. I was sick when I sang this.. so please.. extend some grace!! 😀

My Soul Is Saved

Worship at the Element

This is a video of one of our worship services at The Element (high school and middle school environment). I have an amazing privilege to lead worship with some incredible musicians and I feel truly blessed to have them by my side, dedicated their time and talents to bring God glory and lead these students into His presence.

Word of the Week – “Swashbuckling”

This is a skit featuring one of our small group leaders, Matt Gilbert. He is by far, one of the smartest people you will ever meet. It may not sound like it, but this dude knows his theology! ha ha. I’m sure this video is a lot more hilarious to those who know him, but I hope you enjoy!

All it takes is a thanks….

Sometimes in ministry, it can get very emotionally, spiritually, and physically draining.. Especially in Student Ministry! You have those days where your just are ready to give up and question why you even try? I don’t think there is any underlining spiritual “heart” issue here.. it’s just part of being human! We all face “burnout” moments.

But the amazing thing about God, is that in those moments of complete exhaustion and self-doubt, He provides little ways to remind you that your doing a great job and He’s proud of you. at least for me, that’s what I hear Him say…

For me.. it’s a kid in the youth group that I don’t even know, coming up to me and telling me that “he’s glad I’m here and that he’s thankful for all that I do for him and the other kids at NSM.”

Holy cow! is that a punch to the gut or what!? “Pardon me, but I just have something in my eye!”

I mean, I know I’m not the only one who has those moments of being completely bewildered and blown away at the fact that God chooses to use me the way He does!!?

All I’m saying is that I’m thankful that God uses little things to make big impressions on my life..

Erwin McManus said it best in his book, “Soul Cravings”..

He writes, “There is nothing more rewarding than the overwhelming feeling of gratitude when someone you don’t know takes the time to tell you that even in the smallest ways you made a difference in their life”

Hope this is just a reminder in some way, that God is always speaking to you, if your listening…

I’m so thankful that God uses me.. THE END

Take Care!

-Brian

Recent update with NSM

So.. I update this blog about once a month it seems.. which is ok with me I suppose.. I mean.. who honestly has enough time in a day (especially in ministry!! haha) to update a blog everyday! Anyways, I thought I would just update on what’s been going on at Northwood Student Ministry.

It was an awesome summer with NSM.. probably the best since I’ve been here. I feel extremely privileged to be apart of this team. We’ve fought and debated issue over and over with each other.. but the outcome of what God has used us to do makes it all worth it! VELOCITY was a tremendous success and with this upcoming school year already off to a great start. I can’t wait to see what God does in this student ministry!

Here are a few pics that were taken a few weeks ago.. just to give you a visual of whats been going on! Enjoy and take care! Until next time!

ALSO!! Soon we will be creating a Northwood Church worship blog to update you on the worship record we are working on and to give you access to any additional information about the music ministry at our Church! take care!!

-Brian

VELOCITY stage pics

So this past week NSM took a group of students and volunteers to our first ever camp called VELOCITY.. All I can say is… AMAZING results! it was an incredible week! By far, the best thing we’ve done so far..

These are pics of the 2 different stage designs we decided to go with….

Music at Northwood Student Ministry

So, I get asked a lot by other musicians and worship leaders, “What songs are you guys doing at your youth ministry? How do you know what songs will work? Are there certain worship songs that work for the different environments of your ministry?

So I thought I would save the trouble and just answer all of the questions now…

People that know me, know that I love the music coming out of Hillsong Church in Australia. So we definitely do our fair share of Hillsong United tunes. Also, Elevation Church in Charolotte, NC has a new record coming out and we have already began implementing some of their songs into our services and the kids really seem to really enjoy them.

We also do some North Point worship tunes from Steve Fee  and Kristian Stanfill. Planetshakers is another band from Australia that we get some of our music from.

As far as the question on which music hits home with the kids and what songs tank.. well… trial and error!!! Most of the time all of the songs we pick seem to work great, but then there are times where I think a song is gonna move the room, and instead the kids are just ready for the band to shut up… so.. you win some, you lose some.

I will say that I pick my songs by tempo and lyrical content. For the middle school, you want to pick fast upbeat fun songs with more of “surface level” content. Because to be honest most of your middle school students aren’t going to understand a song talking about the Trinity. Remember.. I’m speaking in general for most of the  middle school population attending our  services.

For our Wednesday night service “The Element” we try to keep the music very high energy and fun, same for our middle school service on Sunday mornings “Shift”. At The Avenue” which is our Sunday night High School service, we have more of a chance to go a little deeper and intimate.

Any more questions, I would be happy to answer!! I was just trying to keep this post brief. feel free to email me at: brian@northwoodstudents.com