The Desert

Philippians 2:6
⁶ who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, ⁷ but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. ⁸ And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

 This week in class we learned about creating a good worship theology. Yes, it is important as a worship leader to support the teaching when planning a set. One way we can support the teaching is highlighting a different view of God. This is a method called revelation and response. Revelation focuses on the transcendence of God. Response focuses on God's immanence. If the teaching is all about how mighty and holy God is (transcendence) then as a worship leader we should sing a response highlighting  how God is here with us (immanence). Your theology needs to be broad enough to cover both of these things, though.

An interesting thing I learned was that you can become a worship leader, and think you know everything about worship theology, but you don't. You may believe that your theology of worship is correct, when you begin a job leading worship. You can't just walk into a church and change everything to fit your theology of worship. You need to change to fit the environment you are in at the time. If you get hired at very conservative church. You don't want to automatically switch styles of worship from hymns to contemporary worship. You will either loose the entire congregation or you'll loose your job.  

This brings me to my "ah-ha" moment in the class period. It isn't wrong to change your theology of worship, as long as your theology is orthodox. Change isn't easy. In fact it is quite sacrificial. When looking for a place to lead worship don't look for one that you fit in perfectly, look for a place that you can be faithful to. Ah ha so we are supposed to learn self-sacrifice. We are called to run into the desert. Well isn't it hard in the desert? 

Yes, the desert isn't the most attractive places to be. You feel like you are getting nowhere, and you are suffering everyday. This is how we can apply it to everyone's life, not just a worship leader's. These desert opportunities in life may seem like set backs, but these are the most crucial parts of anyone's life.  Funny thing is, you WILL suffer. Following Jesus isn't easy and it isn't meant to be. The desert is the number one place to learn YOU are not in control. God want's nothing more than to carry you in those hard times. He wants all the glory in your life. He deserves the credit for those desert moments. Learn to be faithful in the desert and you will grow.

 ⁵ “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit
                 John 15:5a

Matt