Worship Team Devotional: The Spiritual Disciplines of the Artist

I prepared this short devotional outline for my worship team at Standing Stones Community Church in Phoenix, AZ. The following is a summary of some key points in chapter 10, “Leading Artists” of Rory Noland’s Heart of the Artist. Click the following links to read my devotional outlines for the book’s introduction, chapter one, chapter two, chapter three, chapter four part 1, chapter four part 2, chapter five, chapter six, chapter seven, chapter eight, and chapter nine.

What are the spiritual disciplines? They are not magic or some mysterious way to get God to bless you. They are simply tools that many throughout history have found essential for cultivating their relationships with God. It will take courage and yes, discipline, but as artists, we are certainly accustomed to discipline.

Why should we be so disciplined? Consider this: “Your ministry is the product of your relationship with Christ” (p. 314). Bearing fruit is the result of abiding in God (John 15:4-5), so if we want to be effective ministers for Christ, full of the fruit of the Spirit, we need to be abiding in him. Jesus calls us friends (John 15:14-15), but how can our friendship flourish unless we spend time with him? Also, have you ever considered that God may use you or your art as his mouthpiece, declaring Scripture? We are much like the prophet Jeremiah, in whom God placed his words (Jeremiah 1:9). Let’s not take this calling lightly!

Here are just a few of the disciplines:

• Daily Quiet Time: This is a time to study the Bible, pray, memorize Scripture, and worship God. Here are some tips for those just starting out: 1. Choose a consistent time. 2. Choose a spot that is quiet. 3. Choose someplace in the Bible to start reading, perhaps the Gospel of John. See this time as an unbreakable appointment, not to prevent God’s anger on you but rather because you value your relationship with God that much.
• Prayer: You don’t need to read a book on prayer to learn how to pray. Just start talking with God. You may consider reading a passage and then turning it into a prayer. You could take a walk outside and praise God for his creation. You could make a list of needs in your family and community that need your prayers. Don’t worry if you’re not eloquent. Just pray!
• Memorize Scripture: I’ve been amazed at how much deeper my understanding of a text goes after memorizing it. Meditating on Scripture becomes easy simply because the memorized text naturally comes back to my mind throughout the day. Memorized Scripture has been very helpful to me during trials, so I’ve learned to memorize when I am not in a trial to prepare for the battles ahead. Don’t know where to start? Try the Topical Memory System by the Navigators. Or choose a verse from your daily quiet time.

As you participate in these disciplines, watch out for legalism. Unfortunately, there are many people who know the Scriptures inside out and backward yet do not apply what they learn. In John 5:39-47, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees, the religious leaders of his day, of that very thing. If these disciplines do not lead you to love more, to put off sin, and grow in character, then you may be guilty of just building knowledge, being legalistic about the act but not allowing the heart to engage.

Also, keep in mind that there is a difference between guilt and conviction. If you have your quiet time out of guilt, then you’ll only continue for a short while. However, a convicted heart is excellent motivation for the long term.

Let us pour ourselves into this deep loving relationship, the same way that a beloved longs to be in her lover’s arms. Let us pour ourselves into deeper knowledge of God, even as we acknowledge our finite understanding. If we are busy, then, like Martin Luther, let us say that we are too busy not to pray.

Worship Team Devotional: The Artist and Sin

I prepared this short devotional outline for my worship team at Standing Stones Community Church in Phoenix, AZ. The following is a summary of some key points in chapter 9, “Leading Artists” of Rory Noland’s Heart of the Artist. Click the following links to read my devotional outlines for the book’s introduction, chapter one, chapter two, chapter three, chapter four part 1, chapter four part 2, chapter five, chapter six, chapter seven, and chapter eight.

Sin destroys us, our union with God, and our relationships with others, so why do so many Christian artists fall? Perhaps it’s because artists are naturally more aware of their senses and so can be especially susceptible to the enticements of sin. Perhaps it’s because Satan hates when we worship God, so he attacks worship artists hard, bringing down their admirers with them. Lust, pornography, intimacy outside of marriage, selfishness, greed, materialism—often the enticement starts small and then grows slowly out of control until it destroys all involved, leaving much collateral damage. As Noland puts it, “You can’t have an X-rated fantasy life and G-rated behavior.” Eventually, your desire leads to sin which leads to death (James 1:14-15.) How do we deal with sin?

Addictions: First, acknowledge you have a problem. Then, remember that, because righteous Jesus paid the penalty for your sins, sin no longer has dominion over you (Romans 6:14). You are dead to sin and alive to Christ (Romans 6:4). The road is very difficult but possible because of Christ. What more should you do?

Accountability: Meet regularly with your accountability partner or group. Ask hard questions. Be 100% honest with each other. James 5:16 says, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”

Learn How to Do Spiritual Battle: Read Matthew 4:1-11 to see how Jesus did battle when he was tempted. He did three important things:

• Counter Quickly: He didn’t allow the temptation to percolate in his mind. He didn’t think through the pleasures being presented first. 2 Corinthians 10:5 says to take every thought captive.
• Counter with Truth: Jesus immediately countered with Scripture, even countering Satan’s faulty application of Scripture. This is why Scripture study and memory is so important. Immerse yourself in the truth.
• Renounce Sin: Sin can sometimes look so good to us, so remind yourself just how evil sin truly is. “Sin never satisfies. It always leaves us empty and destitute” (p. 283).

What Happens When I Fail? Confess your sins, which means agreeing with God that what you did was wrong. Then, repent, which means that you turn 180 degrees from your sin. I’ve personally observed people who fell into emotionalism: emotionally distraught about sin but without any change of action. This is mere emotion without substance. Repentance includes deep emotions but is much more than that. Read Psalm 51 for an example. David wrote this after he had an affair and then committed murder to cover it up. David still suffered terrible consequences for his sin, but God forgave him because he repented—a complete 180 turn.

Obedience: Why do we obey? John 14:15 says that we obey because we love Jesus. It also says that we experience God’s presence when we obey. Matthew 5:8 says that those who are pure in heart will see God. Do you want that kind of intimate relationship with the all-loving, all-powerful, all-knowing God of the universe?

Two Suggested Action Steps

• Memorize at least three verses to help you battle against sin.
• Meet with your accountability partner, evaluating how you both are doing battling sin.

Worship Team Devotional: Leading Artists

I prepared this short devotional outline for my worship team at Standing Stones Community Church in Phoenix, AZ. The following is a summary of some key points in chapter 8, “Leading Artists” of Rory Noland’s Heart of the Artist. Click the following links to read my devotional outlines for the book’s introduction, chapter one, chapter two, chapter three, chapter four part 1, chapter four part 2, chapter five, chapter six, and chapter seven.

By its title, it may appear that this chapter is mainly for me as the worship leader, but truly many of these principles can be applied by anyone. Plus, most of us will find ourselves in a leadership role at some point in our lives.

Let’s start with a question: What has God created you to do? And as a follow up: How can you do it better? 1 Timothy 4:14 says to not neglect your gift. It can be easy to allow the busyness of life to crowd out that which is important. A worship leader must balance being a full time artist and a full time leader. All of us must balance work, family, school, relationships, and our artistry. But how?

First, remember that Paul wouldn’t have encouraged us not to give up (Galatians 6:9) unless we’d be tempted to give up. Ministry is rewarding but challenging.

Second, be shrewd as serpents. Learn what is truly important versus what is merely urgent. Ask God to help you plan out your schedule.

Third, guard against workaholic tendencies. Set aside one day a week as a sabbath—a day of rest and worship—and guard it. You may find that you are more efficient in a 40 hour work week than you are in 60 simply because you are more rested and alert.

Finally and most importantly, prioritize your relationship with Christ above all. No matter how busy you get, never neglect daily time with Jesus. Make this time absolutely, 100% non-negotiable.

Leadership Styles that Don’t Work with Artists

• The Overly Demanding CEO: controlling, demanding, and insensitive
• The Overbearing Coach: winning is everything, sacrifice all
• The Overly Protective Patron: coddles the artists as fragile and misunderstood, never confronts sin or gives correction
• The Silent Type: no feedback (good or bad) and no direction

What do you do if a leader (including me!) or boss leads in one of these ways? Do not run away from your problem. Instead, go to the leader in humility and love. It can be scary, but you may be pleasantly surprised with how it goes.

What to Do Instead

• Nurture artists by creating opportunities for them to use their gifts.
• Be gentle and sensitive when necessary and firm when necessary. Treat others the way that Christ would. We are to “admonish the unruly and encourage the fainthearted” (1 Thessalonians 5:14).
• Love them.
• Exhort them.
• Encourage them.
• Implore them. “Implore” means to charge someone. Implore each other with the truth.
• Get to know them through relationships.

A good leader will be both giving and demanding, so give encouragement even as you demand excellence.

Apply

1. What has God called you to do? Take inventory of your time. Are you doing what he’s called you to do? If not, what changes to your schedule do you need to make?
2. In what settings are you a leader? What type of leader are you? How can you improve?
3. In what settings are you under a leader? Do you need to humbly and gently confront a leader on his/her leadership practices?
4. What can you do to improve the relationships you have, both with those under your leadership and with those who lead you?

Worship Team Devotional: Managing Your Emotions

I prepared this short devotional outline for my worship team at Standing Stones Community Church in Phoenix, AZ. The following is a summary of some key points in chapter 7, “Managing Your Emotions” of Rory Noland’s Heart of the Artist. Click the following links to read my devotional outlines for the book’s introduction, chapter one, chapter two, chapter three, chapter four part 1, chapter four part 2, chapter five, and chapter six.

Emotions are a beautiful part of how God created us. However, many people (often subconsciously) get this false idea that Christians should be happy all the time and that having depressed feelings or angry emotions is a lack of maturity. David was an emotional guy. Even a cursory look through the Psalms will reveal that he experienced the extremes of the height of victory and the very bottom of despair. Jeremiah wrote an entire book called “Lamentations.” Jesus mourned deeply after the death of a close friend. The issue with emotions is how we manage them, not the fact that we have them. So how do we manage our emotions?

Be proactive about the truth. Revamp your internal thought life by throwing out the lies and meditating on the truth. As we discussed with the chapter on perfectionism, we sometimes fall victim to false thought patterns, such as maximizing the negative, black-and-white thinking, or equating our self-worth with our performance. We may also be experiencing deep emotions due to a speculation rather than reality. If you think someone has something against you, don’t just sit there and fume; you may be surprised to discover that your speculation is false, and if not, you now have a chance to reconcile.

Channel your emotions into worship. Take time every day to worship God. Read through the Psalms. Immerse yourself with truth and respond with all of your being. Recalibrate your concept of God. Consider this quote by John Piper in Desiring God:

Truth without emotion produces dead orthodoxy and a church full (or half full) of artificial admirers (like people who write generic anniversary cards for a living). Emotion without truth produces empty frenzy and cultivates shallow people who refuse the disciplines of rigorous thought. But true worship comes from people who are deeply emotional and who love deep and sound doctrine. (81-82)

Consider how to experience an emotion without sinning. Ephesians 4:26 says, “In your anger, do not sin.” We don’t need to suppress our emotions, but nor should we allow them to lead us into sin. If you’re not sure how to do this, start by immersing yourself in God’s Word and spending time in prayer and worship. The Holy Spirit’s job is to guide us, but if we don’t spend any time with him, how will we learn to recognize his voice?

Dealing with Disappointment. Musicians often experience disappointment. Someone else gets the solo or the big lead. Someone else with less talent gets more fame and fortune.

• First, consider where your “sweet spot” really is. You may envision making it big in the music industry, but perhaps God knows that that really isn’t your sweet spot. He may have something totally different for you that, in hindsight, is obviously so much better for you.
• Second, consider that there may be a roadblock in your way that you need to work to overcome. Seek God’s wisdom, and he’ll guide you.
• Third, God may be saying, “Wait.” If this is the case, don’t waist this time of waiting but instead use it to grow in faith, patience, and contentment.
• Fourth, be careful to measure success as God measures it and not as people do. Character is far more important to God than mere worldly success.

Suggestions for Personal Application

1. Talk to your accountability partner about your emotions. Be authentic and then challenge each other to grow.
2. Make a commitment to spend time in worship and prayer every day for two weeks, and journal about your experience.
3. Habakkuk 3:17-18 was written from the point of view of an agrarian profession. Rewrite it from an artist’s perspective.

Worship Team Devotional: “Jealousy and Envy”

I prepared this short devotional outline for my worship team at Standing Stones Community Church in Phoenix, AZ. The following is a summary of some key points in chapter 6, “Jealousy and Envy” of Rory Noland’s Heart of the Artist. Click the following links to read my devotional outlines for the book’s introduction, chapter one, chapter two, chapter three, chapter four part 1, chapter four part 2, and chapter five. 

Jealousy and envy are virtually synonymous with just subtle differences in definition. Jealousy is where someone resents a rival’s success or advantage. Envy is where you desire what someone else has, like talent or ability. Many artists feel threatened by those with greater talents, or feel bitterness when those with less talent receive greater acclaim or prestige. Poorly handled, jealousy and envy can lead to anger and contempt. We may try to surreptitiously sabotage another’s ministry, or we may try to sweep it under the rug and pretend it’s not there. We may turn against ourselves and devalue our own talents and abilities. These responses are wrong, but how can we defeat jealousy and envy?

1. Confess it as sin. Don’t hide it or justify it. Confess it. James 3:14 says, “If you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.” If appropriate, go to the person you are jealous of and confess it. You may be surprised to find out that he or she also struggles with jealousy or envy.
2. Appreciate your God-given talent. Romans 12:6 says that we each have been given different gifts. Don’t believe the lie that you are worthless just because your abilities are not like someone else’s.
3. Give credit where credit is due. Sometimes, those who are jealous will play the victim, saying that a person’s success is only because they have connections and get all the breaks. If someone performs well, give them the credit that they are due.
4. Remember that the real issue is faithfulness. In Matthew 25, we read a parable about a business man who gives three servants differing amounts of talents and then rewards them as they are faithful with what they had each received. Whether you have five talents or one, God expects you to be faithful with what you have.
5. Don’t compare yourself to others. 1 Corinthians 12:15-16 talks about the danger of comparing. A foot is not a hand is not an ear, but all three are part of the body. If a single member does not function properly, the whole body suffers.
6. Turn envy into worship. If someone has more talent than you, praise God for his generosity. At the conclusion of one of Jesus’ parables, he says, “Are you envious because I am generous?” [Matthew 20:15]. Worship the Giver and not the gift.
7. Develop relationships instead of rivalries. Instead of avoiding the person you are jealous of, invite them over. Spend time with them. Get to know them. People often become less threatening as friendships are formed. See them as partners and friends instead of competitors. Pray regularly for them and their success. 1 Corinthians 13:4 says that love is not jealous, so learn to love them.
8. Remember that we are all on the same team. If one person’s music ministry flourishes, then rejoice that God is glorified. We need more quality musicians who are about God’s work, not less.

What if you find out that you are the object of someone else’s envy? Be humble about your abilities, even as you use them with confidence. Rejoice in others’ abilities, even if your’s is more advanced. Allow room for people to grow and be artistically expressive, even if they are not perfect.

Ideas for Personal Action Steps

1. Write down the names of any people in your life toward whom you have feelings of jealousy and envy.
2. Confess your sin of jealousy and envy to God and ask for his help.
3. Think about how you can turn jealousy and envy into worship.
4. Describe the negative results of comparing yourself with others.
5. Work with your accountability partner to deal with your feelings of jealousy and envy.

Worship Team Devotional: “Handling Criticism”

I prepared this short devotional outline for my worship team at Standing Stones Community Church in Phoenix, AZ. The following is a summary of some key points in chapter 5, “Handling Criticism” of Rory Noland’s Heart of the Artist. Click the following links to read my devotional outlines for the book’s introduction, chapter one, chapter two, chapter three, chapter four part 1, and chapter four part 2. 

As musicians, we are constantly putting our craft out there for all to see. This means that someone sometime will give you criticism. Hopefully, the person gives it in love and with gentleness, but this may not always be the case. Whether given in love or in spite, how should we respond to criticism?

First, we must watch that we do not become defensive. Defensiveness alienates us from others, keeps us from the truth, and keeps us from being all we can be. I’ve observed a good handful of artists who responded with a list of excuses or other defensive tactics when given correction.

Second, we must watch that we do not take offense. Do not be easily provoked (see 1 Corinthians 13:5). If you’re taking offense due to secondhand information, go directly to the source. Many times, our offense is due to misunderstanding, so be careful not to take offense where none was intended.

Third, we must watch that we do not put up a facade. Instead of trying to keep up a facade of being perfect, allow criticism to grow us spiritually. Performance is entertainment and requires us to put up a facade at times. What we do is ministry, not performance, so instead of whipping up confidence and owning the stage, we humbly allow the Holy Spirit to take control and aim for authenticity. True, sometimes we have to push forward even when we don’t feel like it, but this shouldn’t be the norm. And in our relationships to those on the team, we should be real with each other. Like my junior high choir teacher would say, in rehearsal I’d rather loud and wrong than quiet and right. As director, “loud and wrong” means I know what to fix.

We know how not to respond to feedback, so how should we respond?

• Remember that you are not your art. The expression, “You are only as good as your last outing,” is not true.
• Greet feedback as your friend
• Respond with grace: “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry” (James 1:19).
• Be discerning: Proverbs 15:31 tells us that correction is life giving. But remember that not every criticism is absolute truth. Proverbs 14:15 says, “A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.” If you receive criticism that confuses you, ask someone you trust to help you discern what to ignore versus take seriously.
• Have a teachable spirit.
• Learn how to fail graciously: Noland says it well, “You and I will make mistakes, so we need to learn how to fail graciously. We need to own up to our mistakes, not run away from them or pass responsibility on to someone else. No one’s expecting perfection (except maybe us), so we don’t need to defend ourselves every time we fail. When we mess up, let’s swallow our pride, admit it, learn from it, and move on.”

What if we are on the other end and need to give feedback?

• Give your overall reaction first. If the work was mostly good, then stating the criticism first gives the wrong impression over the quality of the work.
• Try to say something positive. This helps put your criticism in proper perspective.
• Acknowledge effort and hard work. It can be hard to work hours on a piece only to have it ripped to shreds.
• Avoid hyperbole.
• Avoid negative comparisons or generalizations.

Chances are likely that not everyone giving you criticism has done so gently. You may have deep scars from failed auditions or performances. How do you forgive? Whenever possible, go to the person who hurt you and seek reconciliation. But even if this isn’t possible or they do not apologize, remember that you can’t control others, but you can control your response. When it is difficult to forgive, ask the Lord to help you. Remembering how much God has forgiven us for can help tremendously when we are struggling to forgive others. Let us, therefore, forgive others as God has forgiven us (Colossians 3:12-13).

Worship Team Devotional: “Excellence Vs Perfectionism” from “Heart of the Artist” Part 2

I prepared this short devotional outline for my worship team at Standing Stones Community Church in Phoenix, AZ. The following is a summary of some key points in the second half of chapter four, “Excellence Vs Perfectionism” of Rory Noland’s Heart of the Artist. Click the following links to read my devotional outlines for the book’s introduction, chapter one, chapter two, chapter three, and chapter four part 1. 

Last week, I went through the half of the chapter addressing perfectionism. This week, I’ll focus on excellence. Noland points out that excellence is “doing the best you can with what you have.” This means that the final product by a hard working beginner can still be excellent, even if it is not at the same level as a professional. With this in mind, here are ways to pursue excellence, no matter where your current skills lie.

1. Develop your skills: 1 Chronicles 25 lists a group of musicians for the temple and states that they were all trained and skillful. A note that it also states that teachers and pupils made up this group, so being “trained and skillful” doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re already a master teacher. Psalm 33:3 tells the string players to “play skillfully.” How do you do this? Expose yourself to quality art. Between work, school, and family, you may not be able to put in as much time as you’d like, but take the time you do have and keep moving forward in your skills. Consider taking private lessons on your instrument. Surround yourself with musicians who can give you good tips along the way.
2. Give God your best: In 2 Samuel 24:24, we have a picture of David’s heart. A man named Araunah offers to give the land and supplies that David would need to offer a sacrifice, but David refuses it, saying that he will not offer the Lord that which costs him nothing. Our music may be beautiful, but if it costs us nothing, then it is not a true sacrifice. A note from Noland for perfectionists: remember that “your best” is a moving target; keep aiming for excellence and this target will also keep moving forward.
3. Be creative and original: Psalm 33:3 and many other verses tell us to sing a new song. Why? This is a way to interact with what God does for us. It is a testimony to the unique things God is doing in your life and the life of those in the church. You can’t write songs, you say? My toddler Lucy can’t say more than a few words, but I’ve heard her make up songs. This is proof to me that all of us can “sing a new song” to the Lord, even if it isn’t ready for any sort of public debut. Now, if you happen to be skilled at songwriting, then by all means share it so that the whole congregation can be edified.
4. Effective communication: Keep in mind that the point of all of our efforts is in the message. This means that we can only reach people if we are effective communicators. Think about how you present yourself on stage. Are you stiff or focused only on the music? Your body is always communicating something, even if you’re not playing or singing. Have your music learned well enough that you can look up and engage the rest of the congregation. If you’re not playing during a section, consider taking the opportunity to raise your hands up to God in prayer.
5. Spiritual preparation: This goes hand in hand with effective communication. You can’t lead others in worship if you aren’t worshiping. Consider using your devotional time during the week to reflect on the lyrics of the songs in the set. Ask God to prepare your heart so that you enter service Sunday morning with your cup full. If you arrive with your cup overflowing, then you’ll be able to be a blessing to those whose cups are empty. Remember that unconfessed sin has a direct affect on your prayers (Psalm 66:18).

As Noland points out, perfectionism has a tendency to work against excellence because our focus gets in the way. I’ve personally observed musicians who kept taking chances, something that a perfectionist would never do, and this brought about true skill and excellence. So with this in mind, let us continually strive to improve our skills, even as we guard against perfectionism.

Worship Team Devotional: “Excellence Vs Perfectionism” from “Heart of the Artist”

I prepared this short devotional outline for my worship team at Standing Stones Community Church in Phoenix, AZ. The following is a summary of some key points in chapter four, “Excellence Vs Perfectionism” of Rory Noland’s Heart of the Artist. Click the following links to read my devotional outlines for the book’s introduction, chapter one, chapter two, and chapter three. 

This chapter first addresses the problem of perfectionism and then offers a better picture in the concept of “excellence.” This week, I’ll just focus on perfectionism. Here are common, unhealthy thought patterns that many perfectionists have:

Maximizing the Negative, Minimizing the Positive: If you have one or two mistakes in a song, do you recognize the good in your performance or focus on the mistakes? Be willing to look at the big picture and not be consumed by a few flaws. Noland writes, “Sometimes someone will pay me a compliment, but I’ll be thinking to myself, Yeah, but this was off or that was out of tune or something else wasn’t quite right. We perfectionists are never happy with our work, because we tend to maximize the negative and minimize the positive.”

Black-and-White Thinking: Noland describes this faulty thinking well: “My performance was either all good or all bad. I’m either a good artist or I don’t even deserve to call myself one. There’s no in between.”

Self-Esteem Based on Performance Instead of Identity: As I was walking to the park with Lucy in her stroller, a thought came to me. I love her so deeply, and it’s not because she washes my floors or never throws a temper tantrum. I love her simply because she’s my daughter. This love is very deep! In that moment, it dawned on me that I was not accepting Christ’s valuation of me. I realized that I had my value all wrapped up in my performance. When I had mistakes, especially big ones, my view of myself would sink to the floor. But this is wrong. My value is wrapped up in my identity as a daughter of the King.

High and Unrealistic Expectations: Get rid of “If onlys.” They don’t exist. As Noland points out, “perfection” is “perfiction.” Also, remember that God’s power is made perfect through our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). It occurred to me the other day that this verse doesn’t say that God’s power is made perfect despite our weaknesses but through them.

Instead, we should:

Savor the Positive. Get rid of negative self-talk. As a caveat, just watch that self-esteem doesn’t become your God. Remember that we are to love God, then others and self (Matthew 22:34-39).

Let the Lord Love You. One day when I was getting down on myself, my husband stopped me, saying that he felt I was throwing his love away with the garbage. I may think that I’m just seeing myself “realistically,” but the truth is that God’s love is unconditional. This means that no mistake of mine will decrease my value because my value is in Christ.

One of Noland’s suggestions is fantastic: consider finding and memorizing a Bible verse that speaks most convincingly to you about God’s love for you personally. Next week, we’ll talk about the need to pursue excellence, but for now, just spend time remembering God’s love and reminding yourself that your identity does not change, even when you fail or make mistakes.

Worship Team Devotional: Baptism

This is a devotional I wrote for my worship team at Standing Stones Community Church in Phoenix, AZ. Our church has a baptism service planned for next month, so I decided to take a break from our book study to focus on this topic.

Have you been baptized? Baptism is similar to a wedding ring. The ring does not make me married to Ben, but it symbolizes my commitment to him. If I were to lose it while rock climbing, I’d still be married. If I refused to wear my ring, however, that might be a sign of trouble in the marriage. Believers are the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25-27). If we do not want to show our commitment, then what does this say about our relationship to him?

The purpose of baptism is to declare to all that our faith in Jesus Christ is real. Just as I declared my love for Ben in front of over 300 people at our wedding, so our relationship to Christ Jesus should not be private. We have been forgiven through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9); this is something worth celebrating! Through baptism, you identify with Jesus in his death as you go under the water and his resurrection as you come back to the surface (Romans 6:4). This is no small matter!

Who can be baptized? Anyone who has put his or her faith in Christ for forgiveness of sins. The examples in Scripture show that people were baptized right after they repented, so you don’t need to be a seasoned theologian. In fact, it is best done right away. On my wedding day, I didn’t know everything about Ben, but I knew enough to say “I do” and put on that ring.

Here are a few of the Scriptural reasons given in Basic Theology by Charles Ryrie (p. 488):

1. Christ commanded that people be baptized in this age (Matthew 28:19).
2. The early church gave an important place to baptism (Acts 2:38 and many others). They never conceived of a believer remaining unbaptized. The only believer written about in the New Testament who was not baptized was the repentant thief about ready to die on a cross next to Jesus.
3. The New Testament used baptism to symbolize important theological truths (Romans 6:1-10, Galatians 3:27, 1 Peter 3:21).

If you’ve not yet been baptized, I encourage you to talk to Pastor Dave. Then, invite all of your friends, neighbors, and relatives to the event, just as you would for a wedding or other important life event.

Worship Team Devotional: “The Artist in Community” from “Heart of the Artist”

I prepared this short devotional outline for my worship team at Standing Stones Community Church in Phoenix, AZ. The following is a summary of some key points in chapter three, “The Artist in Community” of Rory Noland’s Heart of the Artist. Click the following links to read my devotional outlines for the book’s introduction, chapter one, and chapter two. 

For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. 

1 Corinthians 12:14-20 ESV

Have you ever done something behind the scenes and wondered if anyone would even miss you if you didn’t show up? Or perhaps God has called you to do something that you know someone else could do better. Or maybe a less talented person gets recognition you deserve. According to the passage above, God arranges each member in the body. Our talents, skills, and personalities complement are uniquely essential to the team.

Four Teamwork Killers

1. Selfishness: “I already know the music, so why do I need to be at rehearsal?” vs. “How can I be a blessing and encouragement to those on the team at rehearsal tonight?” Put “me first” thinking aside for the sake of the team.
2. Grumbling and Complaining: The Israelites took forty years to make an eleven day journey (Deuteronomy 1:2-3) simply because of their lack of trust in God’s strength, provision and plan for them.
3. Unhealthy Competitive Spirit: Healthy competition helps to bring out the best in each other while celebrating successes. It works to build the whole team up.
4. Unresolved Relational Conflict: Conflict is a normal part of healthy relationships, provided it is resolved well. If you are in conflict with someone and can’t let the issue go, then you have a few choices:

• Keep it to yourself. After all, why make a big issue out of nothing. Instead, just allow the bitterness to fester and the relationship to suffer. (Bad!)
• Tell a friend. No need to bring it to the person; instead, poison someone else’s thoughts toward him or her and allow bitterness to fester in both of you. (Bad!)
• Go directly to the person (Matthew 18:15-17). Do so in love and gentleness with restored relationship as the goal. If this doesn’t go so well, then bring a second person with you to help arbitrate. If needed, bring in the pastor or elders. Do whatever it takes to bring unity back to the relationship. (Good!)

How to be a Team Player

1. A team player is committed to the cause of the team. How would you respond if a song you worked hard on got cut at the last minute or if someone else’s skills were featured over yours? Or how would you respond if asked to do something that was extra challenging and not in your normal skill set?
2. A team player encourages and supports his or her teammates. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who week (Romans 12:15).
3. A team player holds on to his or her gifts loosely. Offer your aspirations and gifts to God and let him decide where you’ll go.
4. A team player tries to bring a healthy self to the team. Being overworked and burned out is not a badge of honor. Artists are not always known for their health, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. Yet, did you know that eating right, exercising, and being rested directly affects what you can give to the team? Same goes for emotional and physical health. Don’t be ashamed to ask for help or get counseling.
5. A team player doesn’t care who gets the credit or the glory.
6. A team player brings all of his or her spiritual gifts to the team. What is your spiritual gift: mercy, encouragement, helps, shepherding, evangelism, something else? Bring that to the team.
7. A team player sees his or her role as valuable, no matter how small.
8. A team player submits to authority.
9. A team player doesn’t lose his or her autonomy or artistic identity. An ear is not a eye is not a nose.